NYR Trade Deadline Meter 2/15/20
We are just a little over a week away from the NHL Trade Deadline on the 24th, but if history has taught us anything some of the biggest trades happen just a few days before the 3PM bell rings. So let’s take a look at the latest New York Rangers Trade Deadline Meter.
The Latest Meter
Once again, based on the latest information from around the league and what I’ve been able to learn, the meter represents the likelihood of a player being traded by the deadline on February 24th. Here is the latest meter showing Jesper Fast moving to the top spot over Chris Kreider. The red arrows to the right of the meter indicate movement from the previous update.
Breaking it down
Jesper Fast has moved up to the top of the meter for several reasons. First off, there has been no reports that the two sides have met or will be meeting before the deadline. I reached out to KO Sports and they did not respond. Second, Chris Kreider’s play is further moving the needle towards the Rangers retaining him. And finally, the team needs to make room for Vitali Kravtsov on the overloaded right side. With Phil DiGiuseppe’s excellent play on the 4th line, Fast has become expendable.
The biggest move however on the list is the jump of both Brady Skjei and Tony DeAngelo. If the Rangers want to keep Kreider it will likely mean the end of some Rangers with salary. Additionally the Rangers are overloaded on defense and still have several prospects that could play in the NHL soon like K’Andre Miller, Nils Lundkvist, and Joey Keane. Brady Skjei makes 5.25M and is cost controlled for the next few years. He also has a no trade clause that kicks in next season, and the Rangers will likely move him now ala Derek Stepan. So many teams are in the market for defenseman with term that this is a hockey trade the Rangers will need to investigate.
As for DeAngelo, it is unlikely the team will trade him. Still, if an offer comes along they can’t refuse like Kyle Connor in Winnipeg, it could happen. The Jets are looking for a top 4 blueliner, but have also lost Bryan Little for the year. If the Rangers could make this work with either Skjei or DeAngelo along with Lias Andersson or even Ryan Strome who is an RFA, it could be worth it. The Jets and Rangers working another blockbuster? Why not.
To close out the update, Lias Andersson has ticked down due to very little interest at the moment. He could still be added in order to facilitate a major deal but will not be a throw in. Jeff Gorton will likely move him at the draft. And finally Henrik Lundqvist ticks down because it doesn’t sound like he wants to leave. The question now remains, will he retire this summer with a year left on his deal? If the Rangers don’t trade Georgiev at the deadline the rumors will persist all offseason.
Previous Meter
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