New York Rangers final trade targets for NHL Trade Deadline Day
The NHL Trade Deadline Day is here and the New York Rangers have plenty of targets to shoot for.
With just hours before the bell rings at 3 PM ET to end all trading, GM Chris Drury still has a number of options to bolster his lineup for the stretch run and playoffs.
Up to this point, the Rangers have wisely not paid the incredibly steep prices on many of the players that have been moved. In other cases, they were behind the 8-ball due to a players with trade protection desires to play for a specific team.
Regardless, there’s plenty of option today for Drury to make some noise and get his surprisingly good team some help.
Here’s a breakdown of trade targets.
New York Rangers Trade Targets: Forwards
Rickard Rakell, 28, is a right wing that that would look real good in the Rangers lineup as either the first or second line right wing. The pending UFA forward has 16 goals and 28 points in 51 games. His current cap hit is $3.8 million and would really help the Rangers scoring issues. The Ducks wants a first round pick for him and a prospect.
Andrew Copp, 27, has emerged as a top target in the last 24 hours. He will become a UFA, and is most likely going to be moved by the Winnipeg Jets. This season, Copp has 13 goals and 32 points in 55 games. The Michigan born forward can play a little center but has been used primarily on the wing. His current cap hit is $3.64M and he will be looking for an increase next season.
Phil Kessel, 34, is a pending UFA and considered a top rental. He is still productive with 39 points in 62 games for the Coyotes. I don’t believe the Rangers have him high on their list, but if Rakell and Copp go elsewhere this could be where they go for some depth scoring.
Max Domi, 27, is a pending UFA this summer with a cap hit of $5.3 million. The versatile forward can play center but has been used by Columbus primarily as a left wing. This season, he has 32 points in 53 games. It’s still possible the Blue Jackets may try to retain him, but he could be moved today. His father Tie Domi is a former Ranger but is close friends with Penguins’ Mario Lemieux.
Ryan Carpenter, 31, is a pending UFA making $1 million. This season, he’s registered 11 points in 59 games with Chicago. He is a bottom six center that wins 52.3 of his draws and racked up 123 hits. Acquiring this physical forward would be an upgrade over Greg McKegg or Dryden Hunt and solidify the 4th line.
Artturi Lehkonen, 26, is scheduled to be a restricted free agent with arbitration rights. He has 29 points in 58 games this season. The former second round pick (55th overall) makes $2.3M on his current deal and could be a could fit beyond this season for the Rangers. Lehkonen is rumored to be back on the market but for a sizable package. He’s on here, but a long shot.
New York Rangers Trade Targets: Defense
Colin Miller, 29, is a pending UFA defenseman with the Buffalo Sabres making $3.875 million against the cap. This rugged lefty defenseman has 14 points in 34 games and just came off IR after surgery to deal with a lower-body injury. He’s has an assist in both games since his return.
Calvin de Haan, 30, is having a decent year on a not so good Blackhawks team. In 57 games, he has register 5 points but can hit and block shots with the best of them. He’s also familiar with the Metro Division style having played for the Islander for 6 seasons before spending a season with the Hurricanes. Calvin is a pending UFA.
Jacob Middleton, 26, will be a RFA with arbitration rights in July. The San Jose Sharks are taking offers for the 6-3, 219 pound left defenseman. This season he has 9 points in 45 games and is playing in their top 4 (19:03 TOI Avg).
Update: Middleton traded to San Jose (11:45 AM)
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