New York Rangers trade targets they’re unlikely to land
This is the time of year where we talk about potential New York Rangers trade targets. There have been plenty of names thrown around for months. Most of the names mentioned are all considered rentals because they are on expiring contracts.
While I truly believe the Rangers have serious interest in reuniting with J.T. Miller from the Vancouver Canucks, they aren’t the only ones. So there’s probably a good chance that any additions for a playoff run will come in the form of a rental.
For this article, I decided to flip the script a little and talk about players the Rangers are unlikely to land in a trade and provide a reason why. Let’s dive in.
Unlikely Rangers Trade Targets: Joe Pavelski
Pavelski, 37, has 48 points in 43 games this season and will be a UFA in July. When the trade deadline rolls around, many teams will come a knocking for the versatile pivot. Although he seems to have already made up his mind where he’d rather be.
“We love it there,” Pavelski said of his wife, Sarah, and their son, Nate. “Things couldn’t be any better for us right now. The family’s doing great. It’s a great city. Really enjoy the guys in the locker room and the team. For us right now, that’s probably the No. 1 option.”
The Mercury News
There’s still a chance Pavelski may be moved at the deadline, but Dallas is is just 4 points out of a playoff spot. If they are still close, and with his public statement that this is where he wants to stay, Pavelski will remain with the Stars.
Claude Giroux
The Philadelphia Flyers captain was already rising on the NHL Trade Bait Board before GM Chuck Fletcher made these comments:
“It will be Claude’s decision,” Fletcher said. “Claude has a no-move [clause] in his contract; ultimately that will be his decision [to waive]. We’re at the halfway point [of the season]. We’re two months to the trade deadline. We’ll continue to have conversations, and ultimately a decision will have to be made one way or the other. But it’ll be Claude’s decision.”
ESPN
Giroux, 33, is in the final year of a contract that comes with a $8.275M cap hit. He has 35 points in 42 games this season and would be an excellent top six add for teams hunting for a Cup.
The expectation is that Giroux will seek a trade to a contender and everyone is pointing to the Colorado Avalanche. Also, it’s hard to see a scenario where the Flyers would trade him within the division, including the Rangers.
Tomas Hertl
Last month, I spoke with a team executive about the upcoming NHL Trade Deadline. During the chat I asked about some potential and obvious names on the market.
One name that everyone expects to be high on many teams’ trade lists is San Jose Sharks forward Tomas Hertl.
Hertl is 28 years-old and in the final year of a deal that has a $5.625M cap hit. Last season, he recorded 43 points in 50 games. This season, he’s keeping a similar scoring pace with 38 points in 46 contests.
As soon as he was mentioned, the response I received was that the Sharks are probably going to keep him. In truth, why wouldn’t they? Especially if Evander Kane’s grievance fails, San Jose will have that full $7 million in cap space to extend Hertl.
Per multiple reports, the Sharks told inquiring teams in the offseason that they were still hopeful to work things out. That seems even more likely now.
John Klingberg
Klingberg, 29, has 23 points in 37 games this season. According to multiple reports, the two sides had been talking but are too far apart on a deal to prevent him from becoming a UFA this summer. He’s looking for an 8 year deal in the neighborhood of $63 million.
As far as trade destination go, Jeff Marek mentioned back in November that the Carolina Hurricanes are interested. Larry Brooks in the NY Post speculated that New York Rangers will be in on the pending UFA rental as well.
The cost to acquire a player like Klingberg makes no sense to the Rangers. Dallas would also pit Chris Drury in a bidding war with the Carolina Hurricanes making the move less attractive. Plus, he is a true rental because his next contract does not fit with the Rangers cap situation.
Jakob Chychrun
Jakob Chychrun’s name in the rumor mill is like a train coming down the tracks. It started as a rumble off in the distance but after Jeff Marek’s latest reporting sounds like it will blow through the station.
“The Coyotes are looking for a package that includes a young player, a prospect, and a first round pick,” Marek said on 32 Thoughts. “And they do have that package from one team in the NHL. Essentially, two former first round players, and a first round draft pick.”
Marek reported that L.A. Anaheim, Boston, Columbus, and Florida are in on Chychrun.
“The Rangers are in on it as well,” Marek added. “They have offered a package which includes Vitali Kravtsov.”
Since then, the Rangers interest has been labeled as “overstated” by Larry Brooks. This is another situation where the cost to acquire is just too much for one player. Names like Vitali Kravtsov, Filip Chytil, and Nils Lundkvist have been mentioned going the other way.
It would be wiser for Drury to move those assets for multiple players like J.T. Miller, Reilly Smith, and Mark Giordano.
NHL Rumors
A look at available Senators players. Maple Leafs trade deadline approach, and a Rangers offer for J.T. Miller? Read more.
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