Rangers among a dozen teams that contacted Columbus on Pierre-Luc Dubois, but they don’t believe he’ll be traded in the division
The New York Rangers are among 12 teams believed to have inquired about Pierre-Luc Dubois. Per Pierre LeBrun he lists the Rangers along with Anaheim, Minnesota, Montreal, Winnipeg, Calgary, Ottawa, Buffalo, Philadelphia, Detroit, Washington and Arizona as suitors.
Source: Rangers doubt Columbus will trade him within the division
I spoke with a well placed source that doesn’t believe the Jackets would trade Dubois to them or anyone else in the Metro. There is of course the possibility of realignment but at this moment, it’s expected divisions will revert to pre-pandemic set up.
The source also added that the Rangers are going to be in a position very soon to go after some big named players and cited the prospect depth pool. “Everyone can’t play here,” I was told.
Still, there’s a chance that if the Rangers present the best offer, Columbus won’t let being within a division stop them.
Rangers will keep tabs on situation regardless
No matter what, the Rangers will keep a close eye on this situation. I’ve also heard they and others may have already re-engaged with Columbus.
Eventually, I’m guessing next summer, the Rangers are going to get around to finding another top-6 centre for their talented lineup. Can you imagine if that’s Dubois? A 1-2 punch at centre of Mika Zibanejad and Dubois and all that talent on the wings… Yikes. There’s absolutely no question in my mind the Rangers will be among the many teams who check in with Columbus. The fly in the ointment is that Columbus ideally would rather avoid trading within their own (normal) division. So there’s that. But as far as a need and fit, this is a good one.
Pierre LeBrun
More About:New York Rangers News New York Rangers Analysis New York Rangers Rumors