Rangers Roundup: Thanksgiving Eve Rumors Update
Nylander (Getty Images)
Tomorrow we will all thank the good Lord for family, friends, and food all at one table. There is so much that many of us have to be thankful for and that means we should remember to help those that don’t. So before I jump into the latest NHL rumors that could impact the Rangers, I want to say “THANK YOU” to you the readers for coming and supporting this website of ours.
Artemi Panarin
The dynamic offensive winger has been linked to the Rangers since the summer. As of right now, the only news to report is that Panarin and his representation have a scheduled meeting for some time in December to discuss their current situation.
The word out of Columbus is that Panarin is very happy there and enjoying his leadership role. Columbus is playing well as they currently sit in first place in the Metro. Of course, the team he wouldn’t mind playing for, the New York Rangers, are in second.
Expect the noise to pick up next month.
William Nylander
Tick, tock…
December 1st is just 10 days away and there has been virtually no news coming out about this situation lately. If both sides had met in the last few days or were scheduled to meet, something would have leaked out. This is Toronto after all, second only to Montreal when it comes the NHL rumor capital of the hockey world.
When it comes to the Rangers, they are considered a long shot to land Nylander. The favorites at this time are Carolina and Anaheim, with Florida and Philadelphia also in contention. All four teams have a top pair defenseman the Leafs would consider moving him for.
Still, there’s always a chance.
Skjei (Bruce Bennet/Getty Images)
How Available is Brady Skjei
Let’s be honest, he is not untouchable. That tag is reserved at this point for Filip Chytil, Brett Howden, Lias Andersson, and Neal Pionk. I think the rest of the roster could be had for the right price and in the right package.
Of course, some people are wondering about Skjei since he’s been scratched the last 2 games. Well, if David Quinn hadn’t already scratched players like Neal Pionk, and Pavel Buchnevich in order to light a fire under their pants, then I would worry.
Skjei is back in the lineup tonight against the Islanders. Let’s see if Quinn’s healthy scratch for motivation M.O. works again.
Zuccarello On the Move?
Zuccarello (Photo by Andre Ringuette/NHLI via Getty Images)
Mats Zuccarello still remains the most likely significant piece to be traded. No offense to Ryan Spooner but he’s not on Zucc’s level. I keep hearing the Oilers and Jets want him the most. The recent move that landed Edmonton Spooner probably takes them out of the equation. Another team out West are the Flames that could try again to acquire the veteran winger. During last season’s deadline, Calgary was rumored to be very interested.
Jeff Gorton of course needs to be wowed in order to move Zuccarello now, as his trade value will only go up at the deadline. I fully expect Zuccarello could fetch a similar package in a trade with a top contender like Nash did last season. A first round pick from a non-lottery team is a definite at the deadline.
That means any team looking to acquire him now would have to give up a young player off their roster today. A highly touted prospect would be another chip that could entice Gorton to move him now, but no one is giving up a 1st round pick in November.
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