Rangers Roundup: Malkin trade, Kakko Krazy, and Panarin buzz

Updated:
Malkin (Charles LeClaire-USA TODAY Sports)

The latest edition of Rangers Roundup.

More Malkin to NYR trade talk

Add Larry Brooks to the latest list of insiders and beat writers contemplating a Malkin to NY trade. In his latest article Brooks writes that if the price is right, the Rangers may consider adding the 33 year old center to the roster, especially if Panarin costs too much.

But let’s say the price would be right; a Ryan Strome, a Jimmy Vesey, a Ryan Lindgren; a Yegor Rykov; a Pavel Buchnevich? Wait, Buchnevich? Well, he’s another decision looming, the winger coming up on Group II free agency with arbitration rights…We are after all, talking about Malkin, who, though coming off an across the board down year (21-51=72), remains a dynamic presence in the middle and whose addition would elevate the top line/top six. A trade to New York, which he would have to approve given a full no-move clause, would all but certainly reinvigorate one of the very best of his generation.

Larry Brooks NYPOST

What strikes me funny is that it has taken this long for guys like Elliotte Friedman and Larry Brooks to start writing about something that I did way back on April 19th.

As for the ask, here is what I speculated on that day, “…it would be heavy but should not include the #2 pick in the draft (and it won’t). Gorton could send over his first round pick obtained in the Kevin Hayes deal, Chris Kreider, Jimmy Vesey, and a prospect for Malkin and his big contract.

Kakko is really going to make this hard for NJ

At this point Jeff Gorton should just send Ray Shero a sympathy card that says, “I’m sure glad I’m not you.” Kaapo Kakko scored his 6th of the Worlds yesterday and it was one a beauty.

Panarin chatter

Artemi Panarin has been called the top UFA by sites such as TSN, ESPN and others. He is still linked to most likely end up with the Rangers. The rumor mill has been buzzing and the team that everyone feels would be NY’s biggest competitor are the Panthers.

Speculation out of Russia claims Panarin told some fans overseas that he doesn’t want to play in Florida because they don’t have enough fans. While it’s true that the Panthers aren’t a big market hockey town and have had struggles with attendance, it still sounds like fan chatter and nothing more.

By Anthony Scultore

Anthony Scultore has been covering the New York Rangers and the NHL since 2014. His work also appears at... More about Anthony Scultore

Mentioned in this article:

More About: