Rangers Rumor Roundup: Gorton to set off a firestorm, McDonagh return and more

Anthony Scultore Feb 13, 2018

The Rangers are THE talk of the NHL trade rumor mill as expected. Sending out a memo and holding a conference about rebuilding will have that effect. Here’s the latest out there.

Arms Race?

Pierre McGuire was recently on TSN radio and intimated that both Rick Nash and Ryan McDonagh are likely to be traded soon. McGuire emphasized that both those players would likely set the market and the tone for the trading deadline this year. Furthermore, it would ring the alarm bells to the remaining contenders to get moving before the market becomes bare.

McDonagh to Boston return?

One Boston beat writer chimed in with his thoughts on what the Bruins could give for McDonagh’s services.

Frederic, Carlo and a first-round pick might get it done for McDonagh.

— Kevin Paul Dupont (@GlobeKPD) February 13, 2018

Trent Frederic, C, 20 year olds, 6’3″, 216lbs

Drafted in the 1st rd (29th overall) in 2016, this Univ. of Wisconsin player is a gritty, hard-nosed center. He’s not a great skater and not really offensively gifted, but his tenacity and compete level are through the roof. This is how he generates offense, but my take of all his scouting reports is he’s no more than a 2nd line center, 3rd line realistically.

Brandon Carlo, D, 21 years old, 6’5″, 203lbs

The righty shooting defenseman is playing in his 2nd year in Boston with 5 assists in 54 games. He is considered a shutdown defender who plays well in all three zones. Can chip in occasionally with offense.

Boston’s 1st round pick will not be a high one, making this package not that appealing.

Rick Nash lists Toronto

I speculated this weekend that both Toronto and Winnipeg are likely on Nash’s list and now reports are confirming at least Toronto.

From @frank_seravalli: The Toronto #MapleLeafs are on Rick Nash’s 12-team trade list https://t.co/pfu9ClpAMa #TSNHockey #TradeCentre pic.twitter.com/J7P0FpM9JQ

— TSN Hockey (@TSNHockey) February 12, 2018

Lias Andersson Staying

There were some rumored reports that last year’s 1st rd pick may go back to Sweden. It is now confirmed he will stay in North America. Will we he make his NHL debut late in the year?

Lias staying. I expect him to make his debut with the #NYR with about 9 games left in the year. https://t.co/0ZD2lzck3L

— Forever Blueshirts (@4EverBlueshirts) February 13, 2018