Tough Decisions As NHL Trade Deadline Approaches
The trade deadline is fast approaching, we take a look at possible Rangers on the move and who Sather may target. Of course much of this is based on what we know is out there, what we hear and pure speculation. As much as it drives us crazy, we all love it.
1. RYAN CALLAHAN
He is the biggest name said to be available and on the move. Callahan and the Rangers are not seeing eye to eye on a contract extension. We know back in early January things got so bad that Sather told Callahan to talk to the other teams. Either come down on demands or find a trade partner. With just 4 days remaining until the deadline, not much has changed.
Trade Scenario 1: To Tampa Bay for Marty St. Louis
This is the most talked about trade rumor in the history of trade rumors. We all know the story so lets focus on the details. Cally is a UFA and is a rental, while St. Louis is disgruntled with a NTC. The only team he’s willing to lift it for is the NYR. Will it happen?
Yzerman wants Callahan, a player/prospect and a pick for MSL. Rangers can get a conditional pick if Cally re-signs or TB gets to the ECF. TB scouts were in Philly and oddly enough, Dorsett was inserted into the lineup. Do the math.
Trade Scenario 2: To Buffalo for Matt Moulson and Christian Ehrhoff
No, the Sabres would not do that, it would take more. Both Callahan and Moulson are UFA’s. Each will come with a cap hit of 6 million or more, but Buffalo wants Ryan. Sather may want the abilities of Ehrhoff for the NYR PP. He is 31 and comes with an AAC hit of 4 million. Ehrhoff also has a modified NMC but would lift it for NY.
What would it take? Callahan, John Moore for Moulson, Ehrhoff and a pick. Before you shake your head, check Moore’s ice logs. He was once playing 17 minutes a game, now its about 13.
Other Scenarios: Look West
Callahan for Kesler from Vancouver? Aside from the fact Kesler denied asking for a trade, Cally and Torts had a falling out. Other teams kicking the tires are L.A., STL, COL.
2. DEREK DORSETT
Trade Scenario 1: Part of a package with Callahan
Dorsett has lost his job to Dan Carcillo and it doesn’t appear he’ll get it back by the deadline. As I stated earlier, TB had scouts at the NYR v. PHI game, and Dorsett was inserted into the lineup. It’s likely that he could be added as a sweetener. Teams are always looking for grit at the deadline.
Trade Scenario 2: To Western Conference Team for a pick
Sather may need to part with a pick if he wants a big return for Callahan. He could use Dorsett to recover it.
3. ANTON STRALMAN
Stralsy has done an excellent job this season and should get a pay raise to about 3.3 million a season. That may cause Sather to move him by March 5th. There are plenty of teams out there that would give a decent return for Anton. How about the Oilers? Prospects and or picks could get it done.
If the Rangers re-sign Callahan before the deadline, what about Stralman to the Oilers for Hemsky? Or Gagner? May take more than Stralman but you never know.
4. BRIAN BOYLE
I didn’t even want to type his name. Brian is a UFA that makes 1.7 million and will get a pay raise close to 3 million a year. I think the Rangers understand his importance but they do have tons of young talent too. Boyle is 29 and would help any team’s 3rd or 4th line for several years.
If NY would trade him, it could be anywhere. Although out West is the most likely destination. Think John Tortorella would love Boyle on his team? Or how about any of the contenders out West? The return could be almost as good as Stralman’s.
WHO’S IN PLAY THIS DEADLINE
1. Thomas Vanek F, NYI – will be the most sought after, no one NYR, NYI deal.
2. Marian Gaborik F, CBJ – is a UFA, a homecoming?
3. Alex Edler D, VAN – is not a Torts’ favorite.
4. Chris Phillips D, OTT – playoff teams will unload the coffers for this guy.
5. Drew Stafford F, BUF – the firesale continues.
FTR will be live blogging all day on Wednesday, so remember to hang out with us!
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