It is never too early to look at some trade deadline targets for the New York Rangers. After all it is only 71 days away! There are a ton of questions that still need to be answered though before Chris Drury starts making moves. Mainly the health of Filip Chytil and Kaapo Kakko. It sounds like Kakko will return around the All-Star break, but Chytil is still a mystery. Despite the two key injuries, the Rangers currently have the best record in the NHL with a 3rd line consisting of Nick Bonino and Jonny Brodzinski. Not a slight at those two, but not exactly how Chris Drury drew it up preseason.
On the back end the struggles of Braden Schneider have led to a few question marks. Does Chris Drury bring in a low-cost veteran defenseman to provide extra depth? With little wiggle room to operate due to the Rangers salary cap, Drury will need to be very strategic with his moves.
Forward Targets
Daniel Sprong
Maybe not the forward some Rangers fans would want from the Detroit Red Wings but Sprong would be a great fit. The 26-year-old can play either wing and has 22 points in 35 games this season. Sprong is a pending UFA making $2 million this season. A contract the Rangers should be able to squeeze in come trade deadline.
Sean Monahan
The former perennial 30 goal scorer is healthy and having a turnaround season at age 29. The Canadiens center has 20 points in 33 games and has been fantastic in the faceoff circle. He has taken a team high 301 draws, winning at an impressive 57% clip. His $1.9 million cap hit should be a fit for the Rangers.
Jason Dickinson
Could the Rangers make a deadline deal with the Blackhawks again? Dickinson is having a career year with Chicago, having scored an already career high 11 goals this season. The 28-year-old can play both center and wing. His contract might be a little tougher to fit under the cap, he currently making $2.6 million this season and is a pending UFA.
Kiefer Sherwood
Probably the least known target on the list. Sherwood has become a regular for the Predators this season, playing in their top 6. Sherwood plays a hardnosed game but has a scoring touch. He is currently 8th in the NHL in hits but has also chipped in 11 points in 32 games. His $775K cap hit is a perfect match for the Rangers. If Kakko and Chytil return maybe Sherwood is a bottom 6 depth trade deadline target Drury could bring in for the Rangers.
Defenseman Targets
David Savard
The former Stanley Cup champion looks to be on the way out in Montreal. His $3.5 million cap hit might be a little too rich for the Rangers so it would take some salary cap gymnastics to pull it off. The only way the Rangers make the move is if they lose complete confidence in Braden Schneider as the playoffs approach.
Jon Merrill
The 11-year vet could be a nice depth add on the backend. Merrill has a suited up in 25 games this year, producing 4 points and a +4 plus minus I do not think it will take a lot of trade capital to acquire Merrill who has a $1.2 million cap hit and is under contract until 2024-25.
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