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Several Rangers on #hugwatch as trade deadline approaches |
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With less than a week to go until the trade deadline, rumors are rampant. Who will be the next Ranger voted off MSG island? Which Blueshirts get dealt now, and if not by Monday at 3pm, who is likely to go just before or at the NHL draft.
The names expected to definitely go are the future unrestricted free agents mentioned everywhere. Rick Nash, Michael Grabner and David Desharnais should be gone by the deadline. The returns for each will vary, and there is enough speculation on the first two to almost carry us to the next deadline.
Elliotte Friedman,(31 thoughts: (https://www.sportsnet.ca/...ntouchable-players-think/)
quoting Jason Mackey of the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette, speculated that Grabner might be a fit for Pittsburgh. In return, Mackey wonders if Daniel Sprong could be the player that entices GM Jeff Gorton to deal Grabs within the division. I am betwixt and between. If we thought seeing Carl Hagelin in black and gold after coming over from Anaheim was difficult, how will we feel if Gorton deals Grabner directly to Pitt and they win a third straight title? Factor in the outside possibility that he re-signs there and burns NY for the next 2-3 years and favoring a deal like this is even dicier. The flip side to the argument is if Pittsburgh offers New York the most back in a deal, then Gorton should take it.
Speculation is that Grabner might go for a second round pick and prospect. To me, that level of prospect drives the deal, especially since Gorton is rumored to want ready now players or prospects as opposed to picks. If Nick Holden netted a third and a depth d-man and Michal Kempny warranted a third round pick from Washington, expecting at least a second plus a solid prospect for a difference maker on the ice - which Grabner is even if doesn’t score due to his speed and PK ability - is not an untoward ask.
As Larry Brooks wrote, giving away players is not the manner in which GM Jeff Gorton will operate here. “Because Gorton has no intention of trading any of his available blue-chip properties — let alone (Ryan) McDonagh among a stable including pending free agents Nash and Grabner — for less than 125 cents on the dollar.” Only the UFAs listed in the second paragraph have to go. Even then, don’t just give them away, and if possible, continue laying the groundwork before Nash and Grabner go to try and bring each back - cap hit and contract dependent - for the future. Aim high for both and adjust accordingly. For those like McD or Zucc or Kreider or Miller, deal only if the return really warrants. If not, stand pat for now and revisit after the deadline leading up to the draft or the summer.
Friedman added: “Don’t believe Boston’s addition of Holden prevents them from adding another current Rangers defender. Question is whether or not the Bruins are willing to take the plunge. Can’t pin it down, but there also appears to be Western Conference interest in McDonagh.” Speculating on who that Western Conference interest would be might be a fun exercise but futile. Sure we can toss out LA (possibly Doughty dependent), Colorado, Winnipeg (Trouba dependent), Dallas (imagine him with Klingberg), Edmonton (as a true #1 there) and of course, Minnesota (homecoming) just to name a few. But McDonagh has a partial no-trade clause, so he does somewhat control where he lands and it’s piaisble none of them are on that list.
With Nash, his landing spot partially centralizes around which 12 teams are on his trade list. Nashville appears to be in the lead, and while we all are salivating over the possibility of getting Eeli Tolvanen, unless the Predators decide to appease the hockey gods and make up for their heisting of Filip Forsberg for Martin Erat, that hope is likely a pipe dream. Dante Fabbro would be a nice ‘consolation’ prize, especially if he comes along with a pick. I would love Kevin Fiala, but that too looks unlikely. Columbus - and how ironic would that be - could be a fit. New York scouted the Blue Jackets yesterday against the Devils and some whispers are around that Oliver Bjorkstrand might be a target. He is not elite, but clearly plays as a possible top-six player. Cases can be made for Vegas, San Jose, Anaheim and Dallas out west, same maybe with Winnipeg (maybe with McD for Vesalainen, at least I can dream) or possibly the Kings or Flames. In the East, Toronto is an outside landing spot, same with Philly, now missing Wayne Simmonds for 2-3 weeks, and of course, Boston.
Eric Fehr brought back a 2020, 7th round pick. Could Desh net a 2018 or 2019 pick in a similar round? If teams want playoff depth and a possible bottom-six pivotman, he could be an option.
This all ends - for now - Monday at 3pm. Then looking forward to draft and offseason begins. But for the next six days, bunker down and get ready for all the rumors and speculation to ramp up even more.
New York Rangers Blogger • 
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