5 Rangers that could be moved before next season

Trade Possibilities (NHL)

We all know that Cam Talbot is on the verge of being traded today. What I decided to do is look at 5 other players that could be moved before the regular season starts in October.

Kevin Klein 

Klein (getty)

The 411: The 30 y/o defenseman comes with a 2.9M cap hit that takes him to 2018. There is no real issue with him other than the fact that his contract isn’t really befitting a 3rd line pairing defenseman.

Why Move Him: The Rangers have shown interest in retaining Matt Hunwick who proved more than serviceable last year. He likely will only come in at a cap friendly 1.2 – 1.5M as a 6th defenseman. With Brady Skjei waiting in the wings, moving Klein and his desirable contract could land the Rangers a depth forward with some goal scoring ability.

Keith Yandle 

Yandle (Bruce Bennet / Getty)

The 411: Their is no reason to move the 28 y/o Yandle other than his potential for commanding a monster contract next summer. The puck moving, power play quarterback fits perfectly in AV’s system. I believe he will be retained, putting Dan Girardi on notice next in 2016/17.

Why Move Him: Because he would easily land you the biggest possible return. Especially if you are looking for a top 6 forward that can score goals to replace Martin St. Louis.

Carl Hagelin 

Carl  Hagelin (Photo: Andy Marlin-USA TODAY Sports)

The 411: The 26 y/o speedster made 2.25M and will be looking for a hefty raise. He has RFA arbitration rights which means the Rangers could be in a pickle if he gets a huge reward.

Why Move Him: Avoid the hassle and get a solid return for him by means of draft picks or an excellent prospect. Hagelin is a 3rd liner on the Rangers but could be a top 6 on most teams, so he has real value. His move could mean a promotion for J.T. Miller or Jesper Fast. Another possibility is Ryan Haggerty getting a real chance to make the team next season.

Dominic Moore 

Rangers center Dominic  Moore #28 is all smiles (Photo by Anthony J. Causi)

The 411: He’s 34 and will be a UFA next summer. If you wanted to move him for anything, even in a package the time is now.

Why Move Him: Oscar Lindberg is banging, not knocking on the proverbial door. The time is now for the kid and 3rd line duties may be too much to soon. Of course, that makes it difficult to move Kevin Hayes to wing, but not out of the question to keep him there for now.

Derek Stepan

Derek  Stepan (Scott Levy / Getty)

The 411: He is the least likely, I’ll admit that but let’s not forget he held out once before. The 25 y/o #1 center in training will be looking for a $6M deal this summer and he has RFA arbitration rights.

Why Move Him: I am not advocating his move. However, if he is playing serious hardball this summer in negotiations and Ryan O’Reilly is still available in Colorado…I advocate exploring a possible swap. Otherwise, this is really a stretch in almost every facet.

Anthony Scultore has been covering the New York Rangers and the NHL since 2014. His work also appears at ... More about Anthony Scultore
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