After another deep playoff run that fell short of seeing the Rangers lift the Stanley Cup they're reportedly considering some big changes.
Among them is the possibility of trading Rick Nash -- one of three players to score more than 40 goals this past season.
In today's hotstove we discuss whether or not the Rangers should be looking to trade Nash.
Todd Cordell: Yes Rick Nash is an excellent player but I think they'd be smart to at least explore the market right now.
He wasn't dominant in the playoffs but he was better than he's being given credit for and he was one of the best players in the league during the regular season. I recall more than halfway through the season he was being mentioned by some as an MVP candidate.
The Rangers are in cap hell and Nash is a huge ticket making almost $8 million per. I don't think Dan Girardi has much value, they're not trading Ryan McDonagh, Derick Brassard, Henrik Lundqvist or any of their other big contracts, obviously, so it makes sense to listen on Nash.
They have to clear cap space for Derek Stepan, Carl Hagelin, etc. and by trading Nash they could cut some salary while netting some good, young players, picks and high-end prospects.
Ryan Wilson: Yes This isn't a 100% "You gotta move Rick Nash!". I just think that he is a guy who has value on the market and makes 7.8M. New York's cap space will start dwindling in the next two years with potential Keith Yandle, Derek Stepan, Carl Hagelin, Kevin Hayes, and Chris Kreider signings.
Management knew that these signings were in the future which is why they were so aggressive in pursuing Martin St. Louis and Keith Yandle. This was a great two year window for the Rangers and they were successful.
Personally I would look to aggressively unload Dan Girardi first. Rick Nash's contract has value, Girardi's does not. I can see the logic in moving Nash however.
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