New York Rangers currently being shutout as top trade targets land elsewhere

Anthony Scultore Updated: Mar 20, 2022

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The New York Rangers are not done dealing, despite barely getting started. Tomorrow at 3 PM ET, the deadline will end any chance to improve via trade.

Currently, Chris Drury has stayed out of the madness on several players he was interested in acquiring.

Montreal’s Ben Chiarot went for a prospect and two draft picks which included a 1st rounder. He also backed away from Seattle’s Calle Jarnkrok, who netted three draft picks that included two 2nd-round selections.

On Sunday, the Rangers missed out on Mark Giordano to the Maple Leafs. Toronto coughed up two 2nd-round picks and a 3rd-round selection.

In fairness, Giordano wanted to play for his hometown team and that was likely a major factor as to why Chris Drury didn’t land him.

New York Rangers need to land Rickard Rakell

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There’s no way Chris Drury will sit idle. He’s likely to make another move or two before tomorrow. If all he walks away with is Frankie Vatrano, he’s going to be an upset GM.

Rickard Rakell is still available and remains a top target to fill a hole on the right side. Whether that’s playing on the first two lines, or bolstering the third he is a must get.

As a league source told me,” Rakell is now on a tee for the Rangers.”

Think about it, Colorado has made a move, same for the Bruins. Florida has made two huge trades, and now the Maple Leafs did their move. You have the Blues and Hurricanes telling teams they don’t want to trade a first round pick for a rental, so Rakell is there for the taking.

From what I understand, there’s very limited interest around the league in Vitali Kravtsov. His value is at an all-time low. If Drury wants Rakell a package such as a 1st-rd pick in 2022 and Matthew Robertson would be something Ducks GM Pat Verbeek would go for.

That also brings a little more clarity as to why Drury just signed NCAA defenseman Brandon Scanlin on Saturday.

Rakell, 28, has a cap hit is $3.789 million which the Rangers can take on in full not needing any salary retention. This year, the Swede who is friendly with Mika Zibanejad has 16 goals and 28 points in 51 games. He’s being held out of the Ducks lineup in anticipation of a trade.

Time to make a move Rangers or risk getting shutout.