The New York Rangers have traded defenseman Michael Del Zotto to the Nashville Predators in exchange for defenseman Kevin Klein.

Del Zotto, 23, was taken in the first round (No. 20) by the Rangers in the 2008 NHL Draft. He debuted during the 2009-10 season with nine goals and 37 points in 80 games and set career highs two seasons later with 10 goals and 41 points. This season, Del Zotto had two goals and 11 points in 42 games.

"Michael gives us another young, gifted left-handed shooting defenseman with significant offensive upside," Predators general manager David Poile said. "We look forward to his presence on our already talented young blue line, further balancing our defensive corps."

Klein, 29, is a veteran of 403 NHL games, all with the Predators. A second-round pick (No. 37) in 2003, he has one goal and three points in 47 game this season.

"He's going to fit in our system very well," Rangers general manager Glen Sather said. "The coaches know him, know what they are getting, know how he plays."

Del Zotto is scheduled to be a restricted free agent at the end of this season, while Klein is in the first year of a five-year contract with an average annual value of $2.9 million.