New York Rangers cheap trade targets to investigate
The New York Rangers are always attached to the biggest names on the NHL Trade Market. That also means plenty of other contenders are vying for some of those same players and that usually drives up the price on many.
With Kaapo Kakko out for at least the next 3-4 weeks, the Blueshirts are thin on right wing. That was already an issue on the right side with the trade of Pavel Buchnevich and the subsequent loss of Sammy Blais to a torn ACL.
Alexis Lafrenière is moving from his natural left side to try to take the top line right wing spot. Versatile Barclay Goodrow will once again play on the second line, at least until Kakko returns.
New York Rangers looking for help up front
NHL insiders have reported that the Rangers have been scouring the market ever since Blais went down. Darren Dreger specifically used the term “middle-six” forward. That would be a third liner that potentially could move up to the second line if needed.
In this article, we move away from some of the big names and examine some low-key rental options that Chris Drury can go for now. The best part is, the cost for anyone of these players shouldn’t be much higher than a second round pick or mid-level prospect.
New York Rangers cheap trade options
Vladislav Namestnikov, F (Detroit Red Wings)
Namestnikov, 29, will be a UFA at the end of the year coming off a deal that pays $2 million. In 49 games, he’s put home 13 goals and 23 points. He’s been a versatile player for the Wings this season playing a middle-six forward role. Namestnikov is also familiar with New York having played for the Rangers for three seasons from 2017/18 to 2019/20 (35 points in 99 games).
Nick Paul, F, (Ottawa Senators)
Paul, 26, is a pending UFA making $1.35 million. This season, he’s scored 4 goals and 15 points in 44 games with the Sens. He’s been moved to the second line center spot and would be a nice cheap add for the Rangers as a third line winger/center.
Mattias Janmark, F (Vegas Golden Knights)
Janmark, 31, is one of several Vegas players that will be a UFA. While the Rangers would love Reilly Smith, the swap out of Mark Stone for Jack Eichel on LTIR may keep him there. Vegas may still need to clear cap space and Janmark makes sense to move. He’s registered 17 points in 43 games this season playing a third line role.
Ryan Dzingel, F, (Arizona Coyotes)
Dzingel, 29, can play any forward position and is on an expiring deal that hits the cap at $1.1 million. He’s currently centering the Coyotes third line but is weak in the faceoff dot making him more of an option at the wing position. Dzingel has 7 points in 26 games for the Yotes, but has topped 20 goals twice in his career.
Ryan Carpenter, F (Chicago Blackhawks)
Carpenter, 31, is a pending UFA making $1 million. This season, he’s registered only 4 assists in 44 games with Chicago. He is a bottom six center that wins 52.4 of his draws and racked up 97 hits. Acquiring this physical forward would be an upgrade over Greg McKegg and solidify the 4th line. Carpenter was mentioned by DFO as a possible add.
NHL Rumors Roundup
Catch up on all the latest rumors including Tomas Hertl possibly staying with the Sharks. Canucks interest in Pavel Zacha, and so much more.
More About:New York Rangers Features New York Rangers News New York Rangers Rumors