Rangers Roundup: Patrick Kane rumors, Nick Bonino day-to-day, and more
The New York Rangers were back at the rink for practice on Wednesday as they prepare to host the Nashville Predators tomorrow. A team that head coach Peter Laviolette stood behind the bench for almost six seasons.
“My wife and I really enjoyed Nashville,” Laviolette smiled. “It’s a real good city, and I was there for an extended period of time. I can’t talk sweet songs about all the places I’ve been, or we’d be here all day.”
Nashville also remembers Laviolette fondly, as he took the team to the Stanley Cup Final in 2017, losing in six games to the Pittsburgh Penguins.
Related: Erik Gustafsson making an early impact
Nick Bonino is day-to-day
Unfortunately, Nick Bonino wasn’t available to practice and is listed as day-to-day according to head coach Peter Laviolette.
“Maintenance, lower-body,” Laviolette updated. “We’re hoping he’s on the ice tomorrow and we’ll go from there.”
Bonino, 35, has been excellent this season for the Rangers despite being pointless in three games. That being said, he wasn’t signed to a one-year deal to score, but to anchor the fourth line center duties and penalty kill.
The stats that count regarding Bonino are his 8 blocks, mostly on the PK, and his excellent 68.2% face-off winning rate.
Patrick Kane Rumors
Whether it makes sense or not, the Rangers will continue to be linked to Patrick Kane until he signs somewhere else.
In a revival of Patrick Kane to the Rangers, Frank Seravalli of the Daily Faceoff cited them as one of three possible destinations. The other two are his hometown, Buffalo Sabres and the Detroit Red Wings.
The New York Rangers are also a team that are paying attention to Kane, and for good reason. You saw what they had to give up last year to get him; they knew at the time he wasn’t fully healthy. It didn’t quite come together like it probably should have, but I think they were really impressed with the way he entered and was a leader. They were just kind of hoping, wishing and praying he’d be at the Kane 88 showtime level we are used to. I think in the back of his mind, he’s also certainly intrigued on what it would be like to go back there. Maybe sort of finally put that piece back together.
Frank Seravalli, Daily Faceoff
Kane, 34, was with the Blueshirts for a very brief time in his illustrious career last season. Spanning a grand total of 19 regular seasons games totaling 12 points, plus 7 postseason contests adding another 6.
Currently, he’s making his way back from offseason hip surgery and could be available much sooner than the original January timeline.
While some Rangers’ fans are holding out hope for a reunion, it would be nearly impossible to bring Kane back with a little over $600,000 in cap space. Unless Chris Drury can trade some salary off the team to make room, there’s just no money.
Plus, what message would that send to youngsters like Kaapo Kakko and Alexis Lafreniere, who are occupying the right wing slot on the top-six? I just don’t see it happening.
Rangers and Henrik Lundqvist bring family joy
The New York Rangers and Henrik Lundqvist brought some joy to the Baughman family, who suffered a devastating house fire last month. On opening night, the team presented them with a check and had Henrik Lundqvist sign a jersey to replace the one they lost.
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