The Rangers are off from practice today but that doesn't mean there isn't any news related to the team. No, I don't mean Ryan Graves making the AHL team. But the rumored interest - again - in Cam Atkinson.
New York was rumored to have Atkinson on their radar last year but he re-signed with Columbus. Now, per Aaron Portzline, the Blueshirts have expressed interest in Atkinson again. The impediment this time is that he - unlike Ryan Johansen - is a John Tortorella favorite, making the probability of a deal remote.
The fun argument today has been trying figuring out what Columbus might want for him and what New York could offer. Atkinson is making $3.5 mil this year and the next two, so given the Rangers tight cap situation, some maneuverability to stay under the cap regardless of the deal would be required. So one challenge will be figuring a way to do while also giving Columbus back a premium so some cap could be assumed presuming a deal could be made.
Atkinson has 12 goals and 25 points in 40 games with Columbus. He can play on the second or third line, providing a bit of grit and abrasive play, some speed and scoring. In addition, he would add to the BC pipeline that seems to be a Rangers hallmark lately. Those qualities mentioned in the second sentence of this paragraph is why he also fits nicely in Columbus and would draw interest from most of the league.
The Blue Jackets just acquired Seth Jones for Johansen so you wonder if they would be willing to move another forward. If so, the question is would they want another d-man to go with Jones or a forward or two back. For New York, as of now, they have the depth on the blue line to make a deal, though making that type of trade could come back to haunt them in the future.
One name tossed about as a possible trade chip to go back to Columbus is Kevin Klein. But as Pete said: "Do you want to trade two defensemen in the Top 6 in the same year if they have to move Yandle? Are we comfortable that Girardi is healthy enough to continue to play big minutes if we trade Klein? Are we sold on McIlrath yet? Are we comfortable with both Skjei and McIlrath in the lineup if Yandle is eventually traded? What if a couple of dmen get hurt." Klein is a reasonably paid second line, right-handed d-man at $2.9 mil a year. Now, if you are unconcerned with all those aforementioned question, I could see making that type of deal. But to me, those questions outweigh the benefits of getting Atkinson, who I like a lot.
Emerson Etem clearly won't cut it, even with a pick. Brandon Halverson is too big of a question mark and are you willing to give up a possible #1 goalie to get Atkinson? Giving up on Kevin Hayes to get Atkinson would be an interesting call, especially since New York has Brassard, Stepan, Lindberg and Moore in the middle now, though, losing the depth here could also come back to haunt them if an injury occurs. Same applies to Lindberg, who is not as good as he shown offensively but also should be better defensively as we saw in the minors.
If Columbus would move Atkinson, the preference for New York likely would be not to move someone on the active roster. I wouldn't deal McIlrath for Atkinson and clearly wouldn't deal Brassard. As seen from the Johansen deal, you have to give to get, but my concern is that Columbus is in a position of strength here, especially of cap room has to be eaten. So if a trade is to be made, GM Jeff Gorton needs to be wise on how he proceeds, balancing the current year needs with those who are viewed to have a future role on the squad.