Now that the NHL is past the holiday break and approaching the All-Star break, trade rumors are starting to fly. If the season ended today the New York Rangers would be the Metropolitan division three seed. Setting up a Battle of the Hudson with the New Jersey Devils in the first round. The Rangers have holes in their lineup that need to be addressed at the trade deadline before they try to get back to the Eastern Conference Final.
Latest Rumors
The team is in search of a top 6 scorer that can give the team an offensive jolt. They are also searching for help on the blueline on the left side. Since the end of last season, fans have heard all the rumors surrounding Patrick Kane. Ultimately it will be his choice where he goes due to the no-movement clause in his contract. Will he pick the Rangers? Possibly, but here are a few names to watch out for.
Timo Meier
According to Frank Seravalli of Daily Faceoff, the Rangers have Meier at the top of their wish list. Last year the Rangers were tied to fellow San Jose Sharks teammate Tomas Hertl. Meier scored a career-high 35 goals last season and is on pace to shatter that. He currently has 27 goals and 47 points in 48 games. The 26-year-old is an RFA at the end of the season but is due a large raise in the 10-million-dollar range. A contract the Rangers cannot afford right now with their current roster. Does that take him out of play? Or will Chris Drury make a drastic move for this season?
Nick Ritchie
According to Arthur Staple of The Athletic, Arizona Coyotes forward Nick Richie could be an option for the Rangers. Richie previously flirted with joining the Rangers before last season during free agency but joined the Toronto Maple Leafs instead. Ritchie is having a bounce-back season after struggling with Toronto last year, which resulted in him getting shipped out to Arizona. He is a pending UFA and could be a solid addition to the 4th line with Sammy Blais season-long struggles.
Logan Stanley
A source close to the Winnipeg Jets has informed me that Stanley looks to the odd man out on the Jets blueline. He has been in and out of the lineup his season with injuries. The 6’7 former first-round pick plays on the left side and has the size the Rangers want in a 3rd pairing defenseman. This season the Rangers opened the year with Zac Jones in that spot but have since sent him back to Hartford. Libor Hajek took the spot and then lost it to journeyman Ben Harpur. Harpur has not played poorly but I think the Rangers will look for an upgrade for the playoff run. The 24-year-old is an RFA at the end of the season and not only could Stanley be an upgrade this season, but he could be a long-term solution as well.
Vladislav Gavrikov
Arther Staple has also reported that the Rangers have checked in on Columbus Blue Jackets defenseman Vladislav Gavrikov. The big 6’3 220 lbs defenseman will be one of the top d-men available at the deadline. With Zach Werenski out for Columbus, Gavrikov has stepped up in his absence. He is logging a team-high 22:17 minutes of ice time. The 27-year-old is a pending UFA and with a possible first-round pick value attached to him, the Blue Jackets will be motivated to move him.
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