Rumor: Rangers willing to part with high draft pick to move Andersson for Puljujarvi

Updated:

This weekend, Kurt Leavins of the Edmonton Journal followed up on the rumor that the Rangers and Oilers may swap disgruntled first rounders. Loyal readers and followers of Forever Blueshirts know the history and our record on this story. I broke the rumor back in November and the story that the two sides would revisit at the draft. The lack of recognition by credentialed journalists and sites is frustrating but understandable. These things will take care of themselves as I work to grow the company and eventual credentials.

Outlandish Rumor Update

According to Leavins he stated the Rangers would potentially part with a high pick in order to make the deal for Lias Andersson and Jesse Puljujarvi work. Now excuse me while I wonder what “high pick” means? Is he talking the Rangers 1st round pick that could be around 13? Or is he talking the other 1st round pick which comes from Carolina in the 20’s? Because I can’t tell you if he is referring to the Rangers own 1st round pick, this “rumor” is laughable. Jeff Gorton will not be trading that pick for Jesse Puljujarvi in order to move Lias Andersson who has garnered more notice around the league with his recent play in the SHL before the pause. Another two teams that hold him in high regard are the Calgary Flames and Toronto Maple Leafs. The Rangers aren’t trying to get rid of Andersson, they are looking to trade him. Big Difference.

Last week in this space I related some chatter in New York involving a possible deal between the Rangers and Oilers involving Jesse Puljujarviand Lias Andersson. The Rangers would potentially part with a high pick in order to make it work. But I’m made to understand that the Rangers interest in Puljujarvi is considerably greater than the Oilers keenness on Andersson, who is slow of foot.

Edmonton Journal

Andersson – Puljujarvi

For posterity here is what I wrote on May 7th:

Could the Rangers trade the Oilers Lias Andersson and their second 1st round pick (23rd overall) for Jesse Puljujarvi and another mid level prospect? Or will NJ swoop in and give up one of their 3 first round picks (6, 10, and 17) for the big scoring winger? We could find out soon if the NHL does go forward with a June draft.

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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

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