New York Rangers Rumors: Aleksander Barkov on Blueshirts radar, Tony DeAngelo on thin ice, and more
The Rangers are always in the news when it comes to trade rumors. Names like Patrik Laine and Pierre-Luc Dubois have dominated the NHL Rumor Mill. And as sure as water is wet, the Blueshirts have been linked to both.
New York Rangers Trade Rumors: Aleksander Barkov
Aleksander Barkov is a wanted man, at least according to the latest TSN Insider Trading.
“I’m told that a number of teams have made inquiries to GM Bill Zito over the last number of weeks to check out Barkov’s availability,” Frank Seravalli revealed. Zito also wanted it to be clear that he is not looking to trade him.
The 25 year-old will be a UFA in 2022 and the belief is the Panthers may not be able to sign him. Anytime a young center who has 407 points in just 479 games is even thought to be available, you can expect lots of rumors around him.
Teams rumored to be interested are the New York Rangers, Chicago Blackhawks, Anaheim Ducks, and L.A. Kings.
The fact that Rangers are involved and possibly one of the teams that made an inquiry should come as no shock. The Blueshirts feel they are another top center away from contention.
Tony DeAngelo on thin ice
The young defenseman has been a lightning rod of controversy since he’s been with the Rangers. Whether it’s his now deleted Twitter account, or his clashes with coach David Quinn, it’s become a little distracting. At least in the eyes of fans and media.
I will say this though, when it comes to his teammates and in the locker room he’s well liked.
After the Rangers season opening loss where DeAngelo took an undisciplined penalty for unsportsmanlike conduct, he found himself skating with the taxi squad. This could all result in a scratch for the league’s fourth highest scoring defenseman from last season.
This isn’t the first time David Quinn has scratched him if that is indeed what happens today. The bigger question is, with Nils Lundkvist just a Lulea contract termination away from signing his ELC, could DeAngelo be a trade bait candidate?
The word I am getting this early in the season is “yes.” DeAngelo is likely to be the centerpiece in any trade for a center.
Pierre-Luc Dubois rumor update
One of the top NHL Insiders and a friend to this network, Nick Kypreos reported that Pierre-Luc Dubois wants to play for the Montreal Canadiens.
According to Kyper, Jarmo Kekalainen wants a package that starts with Nick Suzuki and more. The ball could very well be in Marc Bergevin’s court. If that’s the case, Rangers are likely already out on this one.
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