New York Rangers Trade Deadline: Who did they miss out on?
The New York Rangers added key pieces leading to and at the NHL Trade Deadline. President and GM Chris Drury wisely did so without overpaying with too many future assets.
Of course, one of the best parts about trades are the ones that weren’t made. Let’s take a quick look at a few of those scenarios that are emerging now that the deadline has passed.
New York Rangers Trade Deadline: Claude Giroux
This one is going to be a mixed reaction because it’s been stated publicly that Flyers GM Chuck Fletcher really didn’t have many conversations with other teams. That’s because Giroux told him that the only team he wanted to be traded to was the Panthers.
However, it appears that Chris Drury at least placed a phone call. Did he make an actual offer? We likely will never know.
When Giroux didn’t travel with the Flyers after his emotional farewell on Thursday, he told his teammates he would be heading to Florida. Joe Sakic confirmed Colorado’s interest; both Boston and the Rangers tried, too. But Giroux — and the Flyers — signed a contract that gave him the right to determine his destination.
Elliotte Friedman, 32 Thoughts
Rangers backed out on Rickard Rakell
The New York Rangers shifted their sights on Ducks forward Rickard Rakell after realizing that the Canucks really weren’t serious about trading J.T. Miller.
They eventually backed out him too and went after Jets’ versatile forward Andrew Copp. That’s because the Ducks GM was asking for a first-round pick and a prospect. Rakell ultimately went for two decent roster players, a goalie prospect, and a second-round pick to the Penguins (after the Rangers had acquired Copp).
I can report Boston and Vegas are in advanced talks. Believe the Rangers were involved at one point, not sure if they’re still in it.
Emily Kaplan, ESPN
Rangers outbid by Flames
Chris Drury has targeted Seattle’s Calle Jarnkrok to improve the Rangers bottom six and center depth. According to Elliotte Friedman, the Blueshirts were outbid by the Flames, who gave up three draft picks that included two second-round selections.
The Rangers opted to shift their focus on Tyler Motte, whom they were able to acquire for just a fourth-round pick.
Would love to get a hold of Chris Drury’s phone log the last few weeks. The Rangers tried some big swings. They were also close on Calle Jarnkrok, only to be edged out by Calgary.
Elliotte Friedman, 32 Thoughts
Rangers were in Brandon Hagel sweepstakes
One of those big swings is very likely forward Brandon Hagel.
The Tampa Bay Lightning acquired Hagel from the Chicago Blackhawks prior to the NHL Trade Deadline.
Tampa Bay also received Chicago’s fourth-round picks in the 2022 and 2024 NHL Drafts. In turn, the Blackhawks acquired forwards Taylor Raddysh and Boris Katchouk from the Lightning as well as conditional first-round selections in the 2023 and 2024 NHL Drafts.
While there’s a lot of focus on the Toronto Maple Leafs balking at the Blackhawks asking price in a trade that would have netted them both Hagel and Marc-Andre Fleury, we’ve been told that the Rangers were also in on the 23 year-old cost-controlled forward with two years remaining at $1.5M AAV.
NHL reverses deadline trade
The NHL has ruled that the Golden Knights trade of Evgenii Dadonov was invalid. Read the details here.
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