Rangers have an offer for Nils Lundkvist, should they take it?
The New York Rangers and Nils Lundkvist are expected to part ways. Whether that happens before the season starts or at the next trade deadline remains to be seen.
With training camp set to open on September 21, Lundkvist is hoping he will be wearing a different uniform. His agent, Claude Lemieux revealed to me on September 1st that they asked for a trade last season after he was sent down in favor of Braden Schneider in January.
“We did request a trade when Nils was sent down last year,” Lemieux said. “We hope something can get done in the next few weeks.”
UPDATE: Rangers trade Lundkvist to Dallas Stars. Details.
New York Rangers have offer for Nils Lundkvist
According to Arthur Staple of the Athletic, the Rangers have at least one offer for a second-round pick dating prior to the 2022 NHL Draft.
As for trades, two sources said that the Rangers have been offered a second-round pick for Lundkvist, an offer that’s been on the table since Claude Lemieux, Lundkvist’s agent, requested a trade before the deadline in March. It’s believed to be a high-second rounder — it was likely for the June draft from a team at the bottom of last season’s standings — and the sources indicated the offer of a second for next year’s draft is still good.
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It’s likely that the offer, if Staple’s speculation is correct, was for a late pick. Teams with multiple second round selections like the Calgary Flames, Detroit Red Wings or Seattle Kraken seem like probable candidates. Also not to be dismissed are the Montreal Canadiens, who appear to be a logical match.
So the question is simple, should the Rangers take a second round pick for Lundkvist or hold out for more? Considering GM Chris Drury didn’t take the offer then, I think we can safely assume how he’s leaning.
Should the Rangers hold out for more?
Lundkvist, 22, recorded 4 points in 25 NHL games during the 2021-22 campaign. He also has two years left on his entry-level contract at $925,000 which helps his trade value.
Forever Blueshirts has learned that prior to Lundkvist making his way to the Rangers, there was some apprehension about signing his entry level deal. I mean, he was drafted in 2018 and did not ink the contract until June 3, 2021. As to the reason why, that was not made clear.
Regardless, Lundkvist is still a highly regarded prospect that is projected to be a future power play quarterback thanks to an elite shot and great passing skills. In his final SHL season, he won the Salming Trophy as the league’s best Swedish born defenseman recording 14 goals and 32 points in 52 games. That was the most goals from a defenseman as a 21 year-old player or younger in league history.
That simply isn’t something to be dismissed because he stumbled a little out of the gate with limited minutes and a struggling partner in Patrik Nemeth. The Rangers subsequently traded the veteran this summer and now will be moving the youngster he was brought into mentor.
Now back to the question, should the Rangers hold out for more? For me, the answer is yes.
A late second round pick won’t cut it, but one in the early going of the 2023 draft seems fair. Something along the lines of 33-45. Remember, Lundkvist was selected 28th overall (late first-round) and is demanding a trade.
Another option is to trade for a similar prospect that will fill a hole. Which brings me back to the Canadiens. Their current VP of Hockey Ops, Jeff Gorton drafted Lundkvist when he was with the Rangers.
Montreal could swap prospect Jan Mysak, who was a second round selection and help the Rangers center depth.
Mysak, 20, recently signed his ELC and could be a great fit for the Rangers future. Last year in the OHL, he recorded 64 points in 61 games for the Hamilton Bulldogs. He’s expected to play for the Habs AHL team in Laval this upcoming season.
Ultimately, Drury is going to get what he wants and it’s very likely this will not be resolved soon. Lundkvist is a great insurance depth piece for this season and will likely help bring in a prized trade rental like Patrick Kane at the deadline.
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