There are just 11 days until the NHL trade deadline and the New York Rangers are scouting the Nashville Predators closely. Fresh off a franchise record 10 game winning streak the Rangers know they still need a couple pieces for their Stanley Cup run. A team that could be a nice match for them is the Nashville Predators. The Preds are currently holding down the final wild card spot in the West but rumors of them being sellers has been swirling for a little bit. The big prize being stud goalie Juuse Saros. The Rangers are not interested in him but according to a member of the Nashville media they have their eye on a few other Preds.
After seeing the Rangers heavy scouting Nashville Predators games recently I reached out to a media member there and he confirmed the Rangers interest. He noted interest in Tommy Novak, Gustav Nyquist, and Jeremy Lauzon. Something to keep an eye on #NYR #Preds
— Kyle Hall (@KHallNY) February 26, 2024
According to the Nashville source, three players the Rangers are interested in are Tommy Novak, Gustav Nyquist, and Jeremy Lauzon.
Broadway to Broadway
The New York Rangers three biggest needs are a 3rd line center, a quality top 6 right wing and a depth defenseman. Those three check all the boxes. Novak could be the ideal addition. The 26-year-old center is having another solid season for the Preds after his 43-point breakout season last year. Novak has 31 points in 48 games played this year. His 5 power play goals are tied for the 3rd most on the team this year. What makes Novak even more attractive to Chris Drury, his cap hit. Just $800K. He is a pending UFA but the Rangers need high producing cheap players now.
The most known name on the list is Gustav Nyquist. The 33-year-old right wing could be the next linemate for Mika Zibanejad and Chris Kreider. As the Rangers continue to try to band aid that spot ever since the departure of Mats Zuccarello. Nyquist is playing on Nashville’s top line and power play unit. He has 46 points in 59 games this year. He can also contribute on the penalty kill. The 3-time 20 goal scorer is in the first year of a two year deal he signed last July, with a cap hit of $3.185 million.
The name that I questioned of the three was defenseman Jeremy Lauzon. He is in just the 2nd year of a 4-year extension, but at a reasonable cap hit of $2 million. Lauzon can play both left and right side so there is appeal there. I just don’t see him as an upgrade for the Rangers with the cap hit, but they would control him for two more seasons at a favorable cap hit. Lauzon has 11 points in 59 games this year but is more known for his physical play.
11 days until the trade deadline. Let the New York Rangers trade rumors fly!
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