Rangers Roundup: Updates on Panarin, Duchene, Hayes and Zuccarello
The latest rumor buzz that will impact the New York Rangers.
Hot Commodity: Artemi Panarin
The Florida Panthers are said to be be freeing up cap space to make a huge run at Artemi Panarin. While they may be trying to trade for him now, they want to be able to offer max money as well. Bob McKenzie mentioned that and the Rangers in a recent interview.
“My understanding is that any of the Florida teams, he’s interested in. Any of the big teams on the Eastern seaboard – the New York Rangers, like that. The Chicago Blackhawks, there’s been indications that he would go back and try to find a way to work him back into the fold. I don’t think smaller market Canadian teams would be in his wheelhouse at all. Toronto is not going to be positioned to do anything. But I think he liked the idea of Original Six a little bit. I wouldn’t rule Detroit out of the equation, especially with the history Detroit has had with Russian players in the past.”
McKenzie via Nichols on Hockey
Kevin Hayes and the impact of the Matt Duchene negotiations
Matt Duchene is the one player that could drive up Kevin Hayes’ trade value by simply agreeing to a new contract with the Ottawa Senators. Should Duchene re-up before the deadline, Hayes will become the best available center on the market. With the lack of many options in the middle, contenders bidding for Hayes will have to give up their 1st round pick and more to acquire his services.
With the clock ticking towards the NHL trade deadline Feb. 25, Duchene’s Los Angeles-based agent Pat Brisson of CAA Hockey was in town to have lunch and hold contract discussions with Ottawa Senators’ general manager Pierre Dorion and assistant GM Peter MacTavish Monday.
Ottawa Sun
As the Senators were wrapping up their skate Monday around 12:45 p.m. at the Canadian Tire Centre, MacTavish took Duchene aside as he was leaving the ice to have a chat. Not long after, TSN’s Darren Dreger reported Brisson had come here for a face-to-face meeting with the Senators’ brass.
Zuccarello to the West
The Calgary Flames, Edmonton Oilers and Winnipeg Jets are the three teams leading the rumor charge for Mats Zuccarello’s services as we enter Trade Deadline month.
Although not much has been said as to a possible return, Zuccarello’s impressive play as of late certainly has raised the price. A first round pick, which was considered unthinkable last month now seems like a real possibility.
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