Rangers Rumor Roundup: Shattenkirk trade talk, move Grabner, and buyout Girardi

Anyone tired of the Rangers and Shattenkirk rumors yet?
Trade talks are heating up around the league and as Darren Dreger noted last week that the Rangers are in the market for a top 4 blue liner.
What’s the Buzz?
ESPN reported via Spector’s Hockey:
The New York Rangers could use another defenseman. If they’re to pursue St. Louis Blues rearguard Kevin Shattenkirk via free agency this summer, they could be reluctant to move assets to chase a blueliner now.
To be honest, I don’t think the Blues will trade him because Shattenkirk likely will not sign with that team (unless it’s the Rangers or possibly Boston). I expect the Blues to keep him and see if they can win a Cup and then trade his rights at the draft.
Trade Grabner?
The NY POST looked at the Rangers and the pending expansion draft. He opined that Michael Grabner may not be protected this June. He does this by highlighting the Rangers will need to protect Rick Nash because of his no move, Stepan, Zuccarello, Miller, Hayes, Kreider, and Zibanejad. Players with less than 2 years pro experience do not need to be protected.
Let me pose a question… In what world does trading your leading goal scorer make sense? Especially one who doesn’t have a history of lighting the lamp consistently. Just like the Blues, you keep him and take your chances that he may not be taken by Vegas.
Buyout Girardi

Brooks’ also noted the following on the Rangers expansion situation on defense:
Dan Girardi owns a no-move clause. Expect Gorton to either ask Girardi to waive the no-move or to buy out the Blueblood defenseman before the list is filed. If Girardi is amenable, he fills the exposure requirement. If the Rangers buy out Girardi before the draft, then Kevin Klein is the only current defenseman who fits the bill. Adam Clendening is a restricted free agent who would both need to sign an extension and play at least 31 of the final 40 games to qualify. Not likely.
I think that this is very possible, Girardi’s last season in Blue.
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