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Rangers create cap space by dealing Namestnikov to the Senators

October 7, 2019, 11:04 PM ET [372 Comments]
Jan Levine
New York Rangers Blogger • RSSArchiveCONTACT
The Rangers freed up some salary cap space while also creating room for either Filip Chytil or Vitali Kravtsov by dealing Vladislav Namestnikov to the Senators for defenseman Nick Ebert and a fourth-round pick in the 2021 NHL Entry Draft. In the trade, New York retained just $750K of Namestnikov’s $4 million salary. This was a move we thought might happen during the off-season or at the trade deadline, not right now.



A few thoughts:
1) Namestnikov came to New York as part of the Ryan McDonagh deal. Much of his value then was due to his placement on a line Steven Stamkos and Nikita Kucherov. Once he was moved away from that duo, his production node dived, making his inclusion in the deal, largely linked to JT Miller, extraneous.

2) He bounced up and down the lineup, starting this season on the third line with Brett Howden, also acquired in the McD deal, and Jesper Fast. Namestnikov was a solid defensive forward, who could move between center and winger. He was demoted to the fourth line against Ottawa on Saturday, replaced by Brendan Lemieux.

3) You wonder if New York could have dealt Ryan Strome as opposed to Namestnikov. But it appears fairly clear that Nam asked for a deal to try and raise his value in the final year of the two-year contract he signed in July 2018. Namestnikov should be used in a top-nine possibly top-six role by Ottawa while also seeing time in the penalty kill. In addition, if he does increase his value or even stays flat, Ottawa should be able to recoup that level of pick or slightly higher at the deadline, including that selection occurring in the upcoming season rather for 2021.



4) By keeping Strome, New York is weaker defensively but possibly stronger offensively. Strome was playing the 2c role, but that slot could go to Howden or Lias Andersson. The Rangers could also opt to call up Chytil, play him at the 2c, or possibly Kravtsov, despite making him a healthy scratch, leaving Strome at center. A final option is to insert Greg McKegg or Michael Haley in the lineup.



5) If the latter occurs, the loser then would be Andersson, as his line mates would be McKegg and Brendan Smith, not a recipe for success. With no games until Saturday, we may have to wait to see in what direction GM Jeff Gorton and coach David Quinn operate. In addition, by waiting, the Blueshirts create little more cap room, which could be valuable later in the season. But Andersson needs better players opposite him in order to maximize his talent and be productive.

6) If New York is in contention later this season, maybe Gorton deals for a 2c, if one is still needed. Trading Nam created a healthy chunk of cap room. With additional management of the roster size, additional room can be carved out, allowing the Rangers a shot a higher priced player, if they desire to go that route.

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