Potential New York Rangers targets among recent trade bait list
As we near mid-January, the NHL trade deadline is less than two months away (March 8th). We are all waiting to see what moves General Manager Chris Drury will make to try and push the New York Rangers over the top and deliver the first Stanley Cup to New York City in 30 years.
On January 9th, Sportsnet came out with 25 trade candidates less than two months before the March 8th trade deadline. Among this list are several players that could be a great fit for the Rangers as they gear up for a deep playoff run. With lingering injuries and inconsistent play throughout the line-up as of late, a move might just happen sooner than later.
New York Rangers trade targets
Here are four players from the 25-candidate list who fit the bill:
Elias Lindholm – Center
One of the best two-way forwards in the league right now, Elias Lindholm could bring a lot of value to the Rangers lineup. With Chytil still on LTIR, New York’s depth has been hurting at the center position. This season, Lindholm has recorded 26 points (8G-18A) in 41 games. In his last two seasons, he logged 64 and 82 points, respectively. A player like Lindholm will not only add some scoring, but will bolster their defensive play as well. He is great in the face off circle as well. Another center with a face off percentage above 55% would be great for the Rangers.
In addition, Lindholm can be used in all situations. This season in Calgary, he has been on both the power play and penalty kill units. What really makes this deal enticing is that he is affordable. While certainly due for a raise after this season, Lindholm’s current contract only carries an AAV of $4.85 million. With a piece or two heading the other way, there is no doubt that Drury could make this happen.
Anthony Duclair – Right Wing
Another player in the final year of their contract that is likely to be on the move is Anthony Duclair. His numbers are down this season, with just 14 points (7G-7A) in 37 games. That being said, San Jose is a struggling team all around this season. It is also important to remember that Duclair was a big piece of the Florida Panthers run to the Stanley Cup Final last season. In 20 playoff games, he recorded 11 points (4G-7A).
Duclair plays with a lot of speed, and it is possible that he can find his scoring touch once again if he is paired with more talented players. He would be a welcome addition to the Rangers and provide some much-needed depth on the right wing. In addition, his cap hit of $3 million is very affordable. Of all the players available, a reunion with “The Duke” is not out of the question.
Adam Henrique – Center/Wing
We can all remember the call of Doc Emerick when Adam Henrique scored against the Rangers and sent the New Jersey Devils to the Stanley Cup Final in 2012. Since then, Henrique has not seen many playoff games. Four, to be exact. This is a veteran forward who is hungry for a chance at a Stanley Cup. With 21 points (10G-11A) in 39 games this season, the 14-year veteran can still produce offensively. He can play in all situations and provide solid depth to New York’s forward group.
With the Anaheim Ducks in a rebuild, Henrique is a prime candidate to be shipped off to a contender. What makes trading for him more enticing is that he will be a low-cost, low-risk player. Not in terms of contract, but in terms of what Drury will have to forfeit to get him. With an AAV of $5.825 million, he is slightly more expensive than the other candidates on this list. However, the Rangers will not have to give up nearly as much in terms of players and picks.
Sean Monahan – Center/Wing
As one of the cheapest options available in terms of contract, Sean Monahan could be a potential fit for the Rangers. He is another low-cost, low-risk player who has been having a solid season with the Montreal Canadiens. With 23 points (10G-13A), Monahan would provide scoring and depth to the Rangers as he has experience at all forward positions. Slotting him on the right wing is the likely outcome, but knowing that he can step into a third-line center role is also a valuable factor.
Speaking of value, Monahan’s cap hit of only $1.985 makes him very affordable. If needed, Drury should have no problem making this deal work. Getting a solid player to provide secondary scoring at such an affordable cost is exactly what the Rangers need as they gear up for a deep playoff run.
The cards are in Chris Drury’s hands. As the Blueshirts work through a bit of a rough patch, the trade deadline continues to approach. One thing is for certain: moves will be made. There are many areas that need to be addressed. We’ve seen Drury play salary cap limbo before, and it is very likely that he will do it again.
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