Rangers Roundup: Boston high on Yandle, Martin Hanzal available, Tyson Barrie to NY?
Yandle (Getty)
The Hockey News believes that Boston Bruins GM, Don Sweeney will go hard after UFA, Keith Yandle this summer.
Lyle Richardson goes on to mention that Sweeney will target Tyson Barrie, Jacob Trouba or Kevin Shattenkirk in trades. The problem is that Edmonton will also be after the same guys and have more moveable assets to acquire one or more. This makes it more likely that Boston will go the free agency route.
Tyson Barrie to NY?
The Rangers were mentioned in the Barrie trade rumor mill by ESPN via SNY.
ESPN Insider lists the Rangers, along with Edmonton, Toronto, Detroit and Buffalo as teams that should target Barrie. Barrie could provide the Rangers defense with an “infusion of speed and puck-moving skill.” (ESPN Insider)
Unless this is a blockbuster deal in which the Rangers also obtain Matt Duchene, I don’t see it happening. The problem with that scenario is who would the Rangers send the other way? Ryan McDonagh, Derek Stepan and what else? How would that really improve the Rangers. Unless of course, Patrick “I hate Corsi” Roy wants Marc Staal and/or Dan Girardi.
Don’t get your hopes up.
Should the Rangers revisit trading for Martin Hanzal?
Martin Hanzal
THN also noted that 29 year old center, Martin Hanzal might be available.
Sportsnet’s Elliotte Friedman claims the Coyotes have received some calls from clubs with interest in the 29-year-old Hanzal, who’s eligible next summer for unrestricted free agency. If the two sides fail to work out a deal, Friedman claims they could ask him for a list of trade destinations.
During the 2014/15 season, it was believed that Hanzal was close to being traded to the Rangers and we covered that in detail here.
Hanzal is a huge center at 6-6 226lbs that plays a big game and is great on face-offs. What makes Hanzal attractive is that he is a strong two way player that can handle PP and PK responsibilities. If the Rangers are looking to get deeper down the middle, he would be a great addition.
Hanzal comes with a manageable cap hit of 3.1M and will be a UFA next summer.
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