Max Pacioretty emerges as ‘real possibility’ for Rangers: report
As the NHL trade deadline winds down to its final hours and the New York Rangers remain in the hunt for a top-line right wing, a report surfaced that Max Pacioretty is a “real possibility” for the Blueshirts.
Larry Brooks reported the Pacioretty angle in a social media post on X, formerly known as Twitter.
Pacioretty has worked his way back from two major Achilles injuries to have 15 points (three goals, 12 assists) in 26 games with the Washington Capitals this season. The 35-year-old native of Connecticut has ties to the New York area and 329 goals in 881 NHL games on his resume.
But he’s been limited to 70 games played the past three seasons because of injury. Before that, Pacioretty was an elite sniper, including six 30-goal seasons.
Pacioretty is also a left wing and the Rangers seek a forward to play the right side on a line with Mika Zibanejad and Chris Kreider.
Related: Rangers acquire Stanley Cup champion Chad Ruhwedel
Could Max Pacioretty be outside-the-box solution for Rangers?
With most of the available right wings off the trade board at his point, Rangers general manager Chris Drury could be seeking a creative solution. However, New York’s interest in a Frank Vatrano reunion is real, though talks could be difficult with the Anaheim Ducks.
Jake Guentzel was traded to the Carolina Hurricanes by the Pittsburgh Penguins on Thursday. Others right wings who’ve been traded before the deadline include Tyler Toffoli (Winnipeg Jets), Anthony Duclair (Tampa Bay Lightning), Vladimir Tarasenko and Kyle Okposo (both Florida Panthers).
Jordan Eberele was removed from the market when he signed a contract extension with the Seattle Kraken.
The Rangers did add depth defenseman Chad Ruhwedel in a trade with the Penguins on Friday for a future fourth-round pick. In a minor-league trade with the Minnesota Wild, the Blueshirts acquired center Nic Petan, who has 170 games of NHL experience and will play with Hartford in the American Hockey League.
Earlier in the week, the Rangers picked up center Alex Wennberg from the Seattle Kraken for two draft picks, including a second-round selection in the 2024 draft.
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