Latest Trade Deadline buzz concerning the New York Rangers

Anthony Scultore Updated: Apr 6, 2021

tony deangelo buyout — Oct 24, 2019; New York, NY, USA; New York Rangers defenseman Tony DeAngelo (77) scores a goal against Buffalo Sabres goaltender Carter Hutton (40) during the second period at Madison Square Garden. Mandatory Credit: Andy Marlin-USA TODAY Sports

The NHL Trade Deadline is less than a week away and the New York Rangers have generated very little buzz heading into it. Long-time Rangers fans know that wasn’t the case for decades. The Blueshirts were always a team that was a player whenever this time rolled around.

Here’s some of the latest buzz regarding the team out there.

TSN still classifies the Rangers as “Neutral”; drops Tony DeAngelo further down list

Frank Seravalli provided his latest update on the NHL Trade Deadline and to his famous TSN Trade Bait list. He lists the New York Rangers as a “neutral” deadline team along with the Arizona Coyotes, Minnesota Wild, Dallas Stars, Philadelphia Flyers, Los Angeles Kings, Nashville Predators, and San Jose Sharks.

When it comes to his latest trade list; Tony DeAngelo continues to be the last name listed every time it expands from 20, 25, 30, and now 35. DeAngelo was debuted on March 1st at #3 overall.

NBC say Rangers should trade Brendan Smith

new york rangers trade rumors — Charles LeClaire-USA TODAY Sports

NBC has published a new article detailing one move every NHL team should make at the deadline. Here’s what they said for the Blueshirts:

NY Rangers: Trade Brendan Smith: The Rangers aren’t out of it for sure and don’t need to have a fire sale, but the best result is probably to add for the future. Brendan Smith might be their easiest player to move, especially to a team that loses out on Mattias Ekholm.
NBC

Brendan Smith has been a real strong contributor for the team and although there isn’t a lot of noise surrounding him at the deadline the Rangers need to move him. Good asset management suggest that getting a 4th or 5th round pick for a veteran pending UFA is the right move.

There’s a lot of bigger names on the trade market like Mattias Ekholm and David Savard, but it would be wise for Jeff Gorton to start calling up some teams and ask them if they be interested in Smith with 50% salary retention for a pick.

Anthony Bitteto or Tarmo Reunanen could easily take his place the rest of the way.

Tony DeAngelo a Hurricanes option?

Over at the Daily Goal Horn, I noted that the Hurricanes are in the market for a right-handed defenseman with David Savard as a top target. However; you have to wonder if they can’t land Savard would they take a risk and go for Rangers exiled defenseman Tony DeAngelo. If Carolina feels there’s a possibility they won’t be able to retain Dougie Hamilton before he becomes a UFA this summer it could be worth some consideration.

By Anthony Scultore

Anthony Scultore is the founder of Forever Blueshirts and has been covering the New York Rangers and the NHL ... More about Anthony Scultore