A closer look at trade target, Martin Hanzal
(November 3, 2014 – Source: Christian Petersen/Getty Images North America)
Martin Hanzal‘s name has recently come into the rumor mill, and it is believed that the Rangers would be one of many teams interested in his services.
Elliott Friedman spoke on Sportsnet 960 about GM Don Maloney‘s plans going forward in regards to Martin Hanzal “Maloney wants to beat the rush. If you make him the offer now, he will do it,…I think Vancouver, for example, would be interested. They’re not going to pay what [Maloney] wants. I look at what Vancouver’s got, and I don’t know this for sure, but I guarantee he’s talking like [Bo] Horvat and a pick. And I just don’t think the Canucks are going to do that.” Friedman also notes that “the Rangers would like to get involved with Hanzal but not having a first round pick will make it tough.” as per Nichols on Hockey
(November 3, 2014 – Source: Christian Petersen/Getty Images North America)
Hanzal is a massive center at 6-6 226lbs. He plays a grizzly game and is great on face-offs with a 56.5 rating, good for best on the Coyotes. What makes Hanzal such a highly sought after piece is that he isn’t a one tool player, this season he has 8 goals and 16 assists. Hanzal also plays on the Coyotes power play and penalty kill.
Steve Zipay of Newsday thinks that the Rangers might be able to land the gigantic center with a package including J.T. Miller, John Moore, and a mid round pick.
Hanzal would bring every element that this current Rangers team lacks, but whether or not the Rangers are willing to part with a host of young assets for his services remains to be seen.
For a little more of what Hanzal could bring here’s him in action.
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