Report: Nils Lundkvist requested a trade from the New York Rangers last season
Now that Nils Lundkvist and his desire to be traded are out in the open, Forever Blueshirts has learned that the request was made last season.
“We did request a trade when Nils was sent down last year,” his agent Claude Lemieux said via text. “We hope something can get done in the next few weeks.”
As to the why Lundkvist was seeking to be dealt, Lemieux cites a lack of short or long term opportunity for the young defender.
UPDATE: Rangers trade Lundkvist to Dallas Stars. Details.
Nils Lundkvist looking for an opportunity
Lundkvist and Zac Jones were neck and neck for the 6th spot on defense, but Nils being right-handed is likely why he won the job out of camp last September. The Blueshirts had veteran Patrik Nemeth signed to play the left side, and brought in the Swedish veteran to help mentor the youngster as well.
Unfortunately, Nemeth’s season long struggles likely impacted Lundkvist as he was trying to adjust to the smaller North American ice and faster player. Nemeth was subsequently traded to the Arizona Coyotes in a cap dump this summer.
Lundkvist played in 25 games last season and was able to register 4 points before being unexpectedly sent down on January 11th. His replacement was 2020 first-round pick Braden Schneider, who has since cemented his spot in the lineup with his physical play.
“I like [Schneider] a lot,” Gallant said after a few games. “Character guy. Tough, hard, confident with the puck. I knew he was going to be a good player, and he hasn’t played many pro games but he’s done a real good job.”
Lundkvist, 22, is a former first-round pick himself, selected 28th overall in the 2018 Draft. He has two years left on his entry-level contract with an AAV of $925,000 and will have plenty of teams looking to acquire him.
However, let’s be clear about the situation. The Rangers aren’t just going to trade him and Drury is not known to rush a move. A trade could come before the season starts as both Nils and his agent hope, but Drury’s modus operandi is to take his time until he gets what he wants.
All we know for certain is that trade request is there and it’s been there since last season.
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