In the world of professional sports, trades are a common occurrence, often involving complex negotiations, salary cap considerations, and the exchange of valuable assets. However, some trades stand out not for their complexity or the high-profile players involved, but for their sheer simplicity and the remarkably low cost of acquisition. These "cheapest trades ever" can sometimes lead to unexpected success, proving that value isn't always measured in dollars and cents. Here are two of the most notable examples in NHL history:

Ray Sheppard to the New York Rangers (1990)

On July 9, 1990, the New York Rangers acquired Ray Sheppard from the Buffalo Sabres for a mere one dollar. While it might sound like a clerical error, this was a legitimate transaction. Sheppard was not necessarily a struggling player at the time. He had a promising rookie season in 1987-88, amassing 65 points in 74 games. Prior to the trade, he had accumulated 114 points in 159 regular-season games.

However, the Sabres were willing to part ways with the then 24-year-old in exchange for cash considerations, which later turned out to be a single dollar. Sheppard's tenure with the Rangers was short-lived, lasting only one season, but it was productive. In 59 games, he scored 24 goals and added 23 assists for 47 points before signing with Detroit as a free agent the following summer. While his time in New York was brief, the Rangers certainly got their money's worth.

Kris Draper to the Detroit Red Wings (1993)

Three years later, another incredibly cheap trade took place, this time involving Kris Draper. On July 21, 1993, the Detroit Red Wings acquired Draper from the Winnipeg Jets for just one dollar. Draper, a third-round pick by the Jets in 1989, was not known for his offensive prowess. However, he would go on to become a vital part of the Red Wings' success for many years.

Draper may not have been an offensive superstar, with a career-high of 24 goals and 40 points coming in the 2003-04 season, but his contributions went far beyond the scoresheet. In 1,137 regular-season games with the Red Wings, he scored 361 points. Draper was a defensive specialist, a skilled penalty killer, and a key player in the fierce rivalry between the Red Wings and the Colorado Avalanche. He was a major factor in the Red Wings' Stanley Cup victories in 1997, 1998, 2002, and 2008. For 17 seasons, Draper was a mainstay in Detroit, proving to be worth far more than the dollar the team paid to acquire him.

These two trades exemplify how valuable players can be acquired for next to nothing. While Ray Sheppard's impact was immediate but short lived, Kris Draper became a long-term asset and a key contributor to a dynasty. These deals highlight the importance of scouting, player development, and recognizing the potential in players who may be undervalued by other teams. They also serve as a reminder that in the NHL, as in life, sometimes the greatest treasures can be found in the most unexpected places, and for the smallest of prices.