Rangers Trade Rumors: All Star Break Edition
The Rangers are 23-21-4 at the All Star Break with 50 points and are 10 points out of the last wild card spot. With the trade deadline coming faster than you think on February 24th, the team will play only 13 more times by that date.
Unless the Rangers can get on a hot streak, closing the gap for that final wild card spot will be tough. That makes it easier for the Rangers to execute moves that are oriented towards next season and beyond. So let’s tackle the biggest questions.
Trading Kreider
I love Chris Kreider the player and the person. He is a leader for the team on and off the ice. He is also now an All Star and he deserves the honor. The issues with Kreider are his age (28) and what his next contract will look like. He will want at least 7 years at $7M and while that will be fine in years 1 and 2, it will be a burden for the rest of the term.
Right now the list of known teams that are interested in Kreider are the Avalanche, Bruins, Blues, and Penguins. One other team to keep an eye on as a dark horse to land him are the Lightning. I fully expect him to be dealt by the deadline. A 1st round pick and maybe more will be the return unless it’s a much bigger deal that includes Lias Andersson.
Trading Georgiev
The only way the Rangers don’t trade Georgiev is if Lundqvist says he’s wants to be traded or will retire at the end of the season. I simply don’t see it. Expect many teams to be in on Georgiev and for the Rangers to maximize the return. The Leafs may actually consider parting with Kasperi Kapanen soon, but keep a look out for the San Jose Sharks to make a push for him also. Another name that has come about is 25 year old center Alex Kerfoot. While he won’t be enough to get a deal done, the Rangers need for depth down the middle now could make him part of a deal.
The Avalanche are also another team that has been linked to Georgiev. It makes sense with the Rangers heavily scouting the team. Maybe Lias Andersson could wind up here? Of course, he would have to be a sweetener in a deal for the Avs to part with Martin Kaut and maybe their 1st round pick. Or what about 21 year old center, Tyson Jost? The possibilities are exciting.
Loaning Lias
I spoke with Johan Rylander about where Andersson is at and what has been relayed is that he feels confident about his future. Rylander believes as I do that the disgruntled forward is aware of the Rangers active plans to trade him by the deadline and also loan him to an SHL team to get into game shape. John Davidson is speaking directly with Andersson and that should help facilitate a move. While I don’t expect him to be dealt during this break, it’s very possible if his new skates help with his feet/ankle issues that he will be loaned soon.
Other Trade Notes
There’s been lots of talk about the RFA’S Ryan Strome, Tony DeAngelo, and Brendan Lemieux. This one is easy…
THE RANGERS AREN’T TRADING THEM!
Why would they? The team is in control and if they want, they could trade one at the draft for a better return anyway. I still think the team re-signs all three.
I’ve been traded twice now. The third time wouldn’t be anything that I’m not used to. I love it here, though. I really hope I stay. I feel like I’ve lived in New York for so long, it’s my second home. The coaching staff and the management here, I think I’ve found a little bit of a home. Whatever happens, happens. It’s a business, but I think you just take everything in stride as an athlete.
Strome via NYPOST
Deadline Wild Card
New York has one of the deepest prospect pools in the NHL. That is evident when looking at defensemen who play the left side. Currently on the roster is 21 year old Ryan Lindgren and Libor Hajek who was recently sent down have impressed. Waiting is blue chip prospect K’Andre Miller who should push for a spot next season at camp. Throw in prospects Yegor Rykov, Tarmo Reunanen, and Zac Jones and the Rangers are set on the left side for years to come. That means the Rangers are going to have to make room.
Skjei is only 25 years old and his offensive numbers are decent. More importantly he has a nice cost controlled contract until 2024 at an AAV of only $5.25M and teams would love to have him. However the window to trade him without restriction ends after next season when his modified no trade clause kicks in.
The Rangers are aware of all of this and will at least explore trading him at the trade deadline if both Hajek and Lindgren are healthy. If Rykov is ready to jump in by the deadline, it could help move matters along. Of course the best bet is to wait until June and see if they could package Skjei and Andersson for a top 5 pick in the 2020 draft which is considered very strong.
Hey, if Gorton is feeling lucky he could package those same two to a team with a lottery pick before the drawing and move in to the top 3 again. Listen, it’s the lottery so you never know. What’s becoming evident is Skjei could be playing a limited engagement on Broadway.
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