New York’s 5-0 rout of the visiting Ottawa Senators on Tuesday, one of its most impressive performances of the season, might have served as the final argument to general manager Chris Drury to let things breathe. That tearing up or reworking the lineup via major trades isn’t just unnecessary, it would be counterproductive.

“Our guys were just really focused. I thought the work was really good,” coach Peter Laviolette said after his team moved to 7-1-3 in January with a thorough dismantling of the Senators, who came in on a 5-0-1 roll and ahead of the Rangers in the Eastern Conference standings.

The score could have been even more lopsided, given that the Rangers had two goals waved off due to successful offside challenges by the Senators. The Blueshirts look like a completely different team than the one that crashed with a 4-15-0 record to close 2024.

Related: Rangers coach likes ‘way we hung together’ to stand up for Igor Shesterkin in scrum with Senators

Rangers roster still has needs that must be addressed

Depth, physicality, commitment to defense and doing the little things now course through the lineup, one that has stayed the same for five straight games. Laviolette’s team has finally found its groove after an ugly, forgettable first half of the season.

In doing so, it seems as if a blockbuster acquisition such as Vancouver Canucks star center J.T. Miller — who reportedly was set to be traded to the Rangers this past weekend, only to have the deal fall apart — might no longer be the way to go.

Amidst the acrimony, frustration and loss of confidence that was apparent in the dressing room and on the ice throughout the first half of 2024-25, the Rangers seemingly left Drury with little choice but to shake things up and move the franchise in a new direction. While the idea of adding Miller is still enticing — and could still happen in the near future — breaking up the group after such an impressive effort against Ottawa (and since the New Year) less likely.

“I thought everyone was good tonight,” Laviolette said. “The balance of the four lines and six defenseman, and (Igor Shesterkin) was sharp. It was a real good team win.”

Though the Rangers might not require an extreme makeover anymore, that doesn’t mean key upgrades won’t be necessary to help the Rangers playoff push. There’s no question that the top-six group of forwards still needs a boost, specifically on the right side of Mika Zibanejad’s line.

Zibanejad’s game has continued to trend upward and young left wing Will Cuylle keeps playing well, scoring for the second straight game against the Senators. Though versatile veteran Reilly Smith has performed well on the unit during the club’s resurgence, the Rangers probably need to go through what’s become an annual rite of spring for Drury: Targeting a right wing who can play with Zibanejad.

If the GM is still in big-game hunting mode, maybe he jumps the market for someone like Alex Tuch, the Buffalo Sabres wing who uses his 6-foot-4, 219-pound frame to attack the net and score from in close. Tuch, less than two seasons removed from a 36-goal, 79-point performance, would also stop the revolving door at right wing for at least another season, as he’s signed through 2025-26 at a reasonable salary-cap hit of $4.7 million. He plays with energy and edge and isn’t afraid to come to the aid of teammates.

Tuch has 15 goals and 34 points in 47 games this season.

The Rangers also have to reinforce their blue line. Their improved defense has benefited greatly from the arrival of right-side defenseman Will Borgen in last month’s Kaapo Kakko trade with the Seattle Kraken. Borgen’s physical, old-school game has played a big role in helping to steady the back end and keep the ice in front of Shesterkin clear. The Blueshirts could use a similar influence on the left side.

Could Drury go after someone like the Detroit Red Wings’ Ben Chiarot, like Borgen a big, strong defender who would add more size and edge, if Detroit’s struggles continue? With a contract that exactly mirrors Tuch’s — a $4.7 million cap hit through next season — Chiarot could be the replacement for Ryan Lindgren, who’s set to become an unrestricted free agent July 1 and probably won’t be back on Broadway.

Like Tuch, the 6-4, 224-pound Chiarot wouldn’t come cheaply in a trade, though the Rangers having significant cap space at the deadline and next season works in their favor if they’re interested in acquiring one or both players. That Drury recently attempted to pull off a major move should indicate that he remains determined to bolster his roster in a big way, which should put players like Tuch and Chiarot in his sights — regardless of how well New York is playing now.

Related: Rangers’ Matt Rempe making most of latest opportunity, scores big goal against Senators

Enhancing Rangers newfound grit should be Chris Drury’s focus

There are numerous reasons for the Rangers’ rebound, one of them being an upgraded physical dimension, brought consistently by Borgen, Cuylle and the fourth line of Sam Carrick, Adam Edstrom and Matt Rempe. The Rangers went toe-to-toe against a pair of big, tough teams in their past two games in the Montreal Canadiens and Senators, and emerged with three of a possible four points. In both contests, the Blueshirts matched their opponents in numerous scrums and fights that demonstrated a newfound commitment to each other, along with the ability to compete in those kinds of games.

Tuch and Chiarot would only add to that emerging side of the Rangers’ identity. It’s something that’s often been absent and ultimately cost the Rangers in recent playoff series, when they were eliminated by the more physical Tampa Bay Lightning in 2022 and Florida Panthers in 2024. They would help solidify the lineup next season as well.

Miller remains a tempting target. The overall package of elite offensive ability, face-off prowess, physical play and burning intensity to win is difficult to ignore, even if Miller is known to ruffle feathers in the dressing room.

Yet acquiring him might not be a fit from a financial or roster construction standpoint. Adding Miller to the top six, assuming that third-line center Filip Chytil would be part of the return to the Canucks, would push Zibanejad down to the third unit. Paying a third-line player $8.5 million per season isn’t a recipe for long-term competitiveness in a salary-capped league.

With Vancouver supposedly turning down a Zibanejad-for-Miller trade already, the Rangers would have a serious glut of money and talent down the middle. Miller’s cap hit is $8 million through 2029-30, the same contract length as Zibanejad’s, and Vincent Trocheck makes $5.625 million through 2028-29. That’s $22.5 million a year for three centers. Also, Zibanejad and Trocheck each has a no-move clause in his contract.

It appears the best decision Drury can make now is to improve his team not by blowing it all up — the only option he appeared to have just several weeks ago — but by enhancing this suddenly rising group with bold but shrewd additions. The GM can weaponize what’s expected to be around $23 million in deadline cap space, a big advantage over other potential playoff teams that won’t have nearly that much room to maneuver.

Drury wasn’t going to wait for the trade deadline to obtain Miller (and again, he still might do that), and maybe he doesn’t need to wait on moving on players like Tuch or Chiarot, if in fact they’re available now. With the Rangers finally looking like a contender again, the need for desperate personnel measures appears to be steadily abating.

The New York Rangers have been linked to Montreal Canadiens defenseman Ben Chiarot for several weeks, but latest reports indicate that they are no longer in the running.

“It sounds like (the Josh Manson trade) really intensified some of those conversations that were already happening between the Montreal Canadiens and a pretty long list of suitors,” Pierre LeBrun said on TSN Insider Trading Tuesday. “Among the teams that we believe still have interest includes Calgary, Carolina, Florida, St. Louis and others.”

Chris Drury is not inclined to give up any top prospects for a rental, and the asking price on the 30 year-old Chiarot is supposedly a first round pick and a prospect.

So who could the Rangers be looking at if they want to beef the defense before the playoffs? Let’s take a look at some possibilities.

New York Rangers defense targets

Mark Giordano, 38, has 23 points in 55 games for the Kraken. He is exactly what contending teams will be looking for at the deadline. The Rangers had their sights set on him in the offseason prior to signing Patrik Nemeth. They may attempt to acquire him for the playoffs, but the rumor mill has him heading back to Calgary either at the deadline or via free agency. This will cost Drury a first round pick if he wants him, but I would not classify the Rangers first round pick as a blue-chip and definitely a moveable asset.

Colin Miller, 29, is a pending UFA defenseman with the Buffalo Sabres making $3.875 million against the cap. This rugged lefty defenseman has 12 points in 32 games but is currently on IR after surgery to deal with a lower-body injury. He’s expected back this month. This would likely be a low cost move for the Rangers but with much less reward than Giordano.

Calvin de Haan, 30, has 5 points in 55 games for the Blackhawks on the season. He’s a physical defenseman that likes to play physical. His 110 hits and 140 blocks rank 4th and 5th on the Hawks respectively. De Haan would be an upgrade over Patrik Nemeth, but would unlikely be someone the Rangers would put in the top four with any sort of comfort.

Other possibilities could be Detroit’s Nick Leddy or a reunion with Marc Staal. There is still a very real possibility that the Rangers opt to roll with the group of defensemen they have.

NHL Trade Predictions

The NHL Trade Deadline is 6 days away. Here are five predictions involving five of the top trade bait candidates. Who gets them? Read more.

It has been a long time since the New York Rangers were in the buyers game at the NHL Trade Deadline. I think many fans have forgotten just how expensive it can be to play the rental game at this time of year.

The last time the Blueshirts were considered buyers was during the 2016-17 season. Just a few days before the deadline, they acquired defenseman Brendan Smith from the Detroit Red Wings giving up two draft picks (2017 3rd rd + 2018 2nd rd). A fairly high price for a rental second pair defenseman. He subsequently signed a 4 year deal that turned out to be one of Jeff Gorton’s worse moves.

During the 2015-16 campaign, the Rangers gave up three pieces to acquire Eric Staal from the Carolina Hurricanes by sending two second round picks (2016 + 2017) and prospect Alexsi Saarela. Staal wound up buried on the third line because Alain Vigneault didn’t know how to deploy him.

Those deals backfired and the team announced a rebuild to recoup assets in 2018.

New York Rangers back in the rental game

Let’s start with the elephant in the room scenario of trading for J.T. Miller of the Vancouver Canucks. Not only is he a top line player, he has one year left on his deal at a reasonable cap hit of $5.25 million.

The ask at this point is so high, that many believe he’s off the table.

Reportedly, it’s a 1st rd pick, a top young player, a top young prospect, and maybe another draft pick. Before you scoff at that, the Rangers gave up Ryan Callahan and two first round picks (2014 + 2015) for an aging Marty St. Louis, who had a year left on his contract back in 2014.

Expensive indeed!

That’s why at the trade deadline, GM Chris Drury is likely to play the rental game. While it will be costly, it won’t gut the team for a single player.

What will it cost the Rangers?

The Rangers are said to be in on several pending UFA’s that include forward Rickard Rakell, and defenseman Ben Chiarot to name a few.

Landing Chiarot is much easier to gauge because there’s recent deadline precedent from last season. The Tampa Bay Lightning acquired defenseman David Savard in a three-way deal with the Columbus Blue Jackets and Detroit Red Wings. It was complex with multiple players, picks, and salary retention to make it work.

Ultimately, the Blue Jackets received a 1st and 3rd pick for the defensive-minded Savard with just 6 points in 40 games and a -19 rating. That’s what Montreal is looking for on Chiarot, who has 16 points in 51 games and a -19 rating. If any salary is retained, they’ll get it too.

A player like Rakell is a little harder to gauge. The Toronto Maple Leafs paid through the nose to get Nick Foligno from Columbus at the trade deadline last season. Once again, a three-way deal that involved the San Jose Sharks and salary retention. However, the Blue Jackets walked away with a 1st and a 4th rd pick in that deal. (Yes, they got that for Nick Foligno)

Rakell could easily go for a first rounder being a far better offensive player. The Penguins acquired Jeff Carter from the Kings for two conditional picks (2022 2nd + 2023 3rd). Another similar deal saw the Bruins land Taylor Hall and Curtis Lazar for Anders Bjork and a 2nd rd pick.

So for the sake of argument, the Rangers may be able to land a player like Rakell for Vitali Kravtsov and a conditional pick.

In the end, everyone just needs to be ready when the deals start coming through central registry. There should also be no surprises when you see the cost it will take to acquire a rental.

NHL Rumors

Get the latest on Jakob Chychrun, Claude Giroux, and Brock Boeser. Read more here.

The NHL Trade Deadline is just two weeks away and as expected the New York Rangers are in the thick of rumors.

General Manager Chris Drury is looking bolster his lineup for the playoffs and there’s a lot of indication that he’ll be very busy. New York may not be landing some of the bigger rentals like Claude Giroux, but they make several deals in the coming weeks.

Here’s a breakdown of trade targets categorized into three tiers.

New York Rangers: Top Trade Targets

Rickard Rakell, 28, is a right wing that is currently playing on the Ducks third line due to the emergence of Troy Terry. The pending UFA forward has 15 goals and 27 points in 47 games and has become the Rangers top trade target. His current cap hit is $3.8 million and would really help the Rangers scoring issues.

Ben Chiarot, 30, is pending UFA that has 16 points in 51 games and could play top four minutes on the left side for any playoff team. It is believed that asking price by the Habs for the rental defenseman starts with a first round pick and another prospect. Chris Drury is going to make a run a serious at him per a source. Will Jeff Gorton help his former assistant?

Phil Kessel, 34, is a pending UFA and considered a top rental. He is still productive with 34 points in 55 games for the Coyotes. The Rangers are believed to not be interested, but I was told they are certainly keeping tabs on the situation.

Max Domi, 27, is a pending UFA this summer with a cap hit of $5.3 million. The versatile forward can play center but has been used by Columbus primarily as a left wing. This season, he has 26 points in 46 games. This is another player that Drury is keeping tabs on, but will John Davidson help the man who took his job?

Calle Jarnkrok, 30, is having a solid season with the Kraken and can play any forward position. He’s currently playing first line center, which should tell you all you need to know about the Kraken’s lowly position in the standing. He would be a great third line center for the playoffs. Jarnkrok has 23 points in 45 games.

Mark Giordano, 38, has 23 points in 51 games for the Kraken. He is exactly what contending teams will be looking for at the deadline. The Rangers had their sights set on him in the offseason prior to signing Patrik Nemeth. They may attempt to acquire him for the playoffs, but the rumor mill has him heading back to Calgary either at the deadline or via free agency.

On the radar, but unlikely

J.T. Miller, 28, has one more year left on his deal worth $5.25M before becoming a UFA. He’s also been extremely productive with 63 points in 55 games for Vancouver this season. The asking price is is high which indicates he is not going anywhere. If the price drops, the Rangers will reengage.

Reilly Smith, 30, is in the final year of his contract with a $5 million cap hit. He’s a perfect rental and has played for Gerard Gallant in the past. The forward has 37 points in 54 games this season but the Golden Knights will be using LTIR to keep him. Unless Mark Stone comes back before the deadline, Smith is staying put.

Artturi Lehkonen, 26, is scheduled to be a restricted free agent with arbitration rights. He has 25 points in 53 games this season. The former second round pick (55th overall) makes $2.3M on his current deal and could be a could fit beyond this season for the Rangers. He’s been playing well under new coach Marty St. Louis and is likely off the table now.

Hampus Lindholm, 28, is making $5.2 million against the cap which is not an issue for the Rangers this season. The big left-handed defenseman (6-4, 216) has 20 points in 55 games this season averaging top pair minutes at 22:50. Anaheim is talking extension with Lindholm, so he’s likely off the table.

Tomas Hertl, 28, is in the final year of a deal that has a $5.625M cap hit. This season, he’s notched 42 points in 55 contests. If he’s available the Rangers are likely to go hard for him but the latest reports have the Sharks working hard to extend him.

Back-up Trade Targets

Mattias Janmark, 31, is one of several Vegas players that will be a UFA. While the Rangers would love Reilly Smith, the swap out of Mark Stone for Jack Eichel on LTIR will keep him there. Vegas may still need to clear cap space and Janmark makes sense to move. He’s registered 17 points in 44 games this season playing a third line role.

Nick Paul, 26, is a pending UFA making $1.35 million. This season, he’s scored 17 points in 53 games with the Sens. He’s been moved to the second line center spot and would be a nice cheap add for the Rangers as a third line winger/center. Paul played for Gallant this summer at the World Championships.

Ryan Carpenter, 31, is a pending UFA making $1 million. This season, he’s registered 9 points in 52 games with Chicago. He is a bottom six center that wins 52.4 of his draws and racked up 97 hits. Acquiring this physical forward would be an upgrade over Greg McKegg and solidify the 4th line.

Vlad Namestnikov, 29, will be a UFA at the end of the year coming off a deal that pays $2 million. In 54 games, he’s put home 13 goals and 23 points. He’s been a versatile player for the Wings this season playing a middle-six forward role. Namestnikov is also familiar with New York having played for the Rangers for three seasons from 2017/18 to 2019/20 (35 points in 99 games).

We will update this list next Monday.

NHL Trade Bait Tracker

The latest Trade Bait Tracker has been updated and now contains 35 names. Check out who is the top target for teams with just two weeks left before the NHL Trade Deadline. Read more.

The New York Rangers will definitely be involved in the trade market this season as buyers. They may also be closer to making a trade than the other contenders as well.

GM Chris Drury has plenty of cap space and doesn’t need to wait closer to the deadline or get help from a third party to lower the cap hit.

It’s no secret that the Rangers are going to be active, and with the ability to add around $32 million in salary come the trade deadline, Drury will likely go on a trade spree.

Top Insider says Rangers will take “Big Swing”

On the latest 32 Thoughts Podcast, Elliotte Friedman discussed the Rangers and how they will approach the deadline.

“When I look at (the Rangers) they can win playoffs series because of (Igor) Shesterkin,” Friedman said. “They obviously got left a lot of talent by the Jeff Gorton regime. Chris Drury has made his tweaks and I think he’s going to take a big swing at the deadline this year.

There really wasn’t much more than that regarding what that “big swing” could be.

The natural assumption is Vancouver Canucks forward J.T. Miller, but as I’ve discussed before, the cost to acquire him is not reasonable. Vancouver has set the price high purposefully because they don’t want to trade their leading scorer with the playoffs within reach. If someone is crazy enough to give them a top young player, top prospect, a first round draft pick, and maybe more then they’d be crazy not to accept.

So who else is there that fits what the Rangers need and considered a “big swing”?

Claude Giroux would be great, but the Flyers are not trading their captain to New York to help them win a Cup. What about Tomas Hertl? If he’s available at the deadline it’s possible, although signs are pointing to him staying in San Jose. And about those Filip Forsberg rumors, they were hogwash from the moment they came out.

From what I can gather, the “big swing” the Rangers are going to take by March 21st is going to be trade attempts for three to four players.

New York Rangers top trade targets

Forever Blueshirts has learned that the Rangers are aggressively targeting pending UFAs, Rickard Rakell of the Anaheim Ducks and Ben Chiarot of the Montreal Canadiens. Those are the two big guys they want to add as rentals for the playoffs. A top six forward and a physical left defenseman that can chip in offensively.

Two other pending UFA forwards they are looking at are Arizona Coyotes veteran Phil Kessel and Columbus Blue Jackets forward Max Domi. Kessel could be plan B if they can’t land Rakell. Chris Drury certainly wants to beef up his bottom six, and in essence revamp the third line. That’s why Domi is on his radar.

I can also confirm that Gerard Gallant has lobbied for Reilly Smith, who played for the coach in Vegas. However with Mark Stone on LTIR the Golden Knights are able to keep him.

Drury will also look at adding depth forwards like Calle Jarnkrok from the Seattle Kraken. Another option could be Vegas’ Mattias Janmark, once he comes off IR.

One thing that likely won’t be in the cards is going after pending RFA’s like Artturi Lehkonen in Montreal or Victor Olofsson in Buffalo.

“One of the guys I know they were interested in was Olofsson,” Friedman said. “They didn’t do it and the major reason was they couldn’t handle his (contract) situation next season.”

The Rangers will be very tight on cap space once Mika Zibanejad’s ($8.5M) and Adam Fox’s ($9.5M) extensions kick in next season.

NHL Rumors

Get the latest buzz on the Rangers wish list, what Phil Kessel is worth and a potential Maple Leafs – Canucks blockbuster trade. Read more.

The NHL Trade Deadline is three weeks away and the New York Rangers are predicted to be one of the busiest buyers on the market.

On the latest edition of TSN’s Insider Trading, Darren Dreger dropped a few names the Blueshirts are interested in leading up to March 21st.

New York Rangers trade rumors

The New York Rangers are so hot for J.T. Miller it makes you wonder why he was a throw-in when they moved Ryan McDonagh to the Tampa Bay Lightning in 2018. Yes, the team announced a rebuild and they were looking for future assets, but Miller is exactly the type of player they should have kept.

Instead, he was jettisoned due to salary cap concerns as he was coming up on a new deal. Flash forward four years later and the Rangers would have to give up a boatload of assets to acquire him.

“Only a handful of clubs have called the Canucks on J.T. Miller,” Darren Dreger said on TSN Insider Trading. “The New York Rangers would like to get their hands on him.”

Miller, 28, has 20 goals and 60 points in 53 games this season.

The reality is that the Canucks do not have to trade Miller, who has one year left on his contract with a cap hit of $5.25 million.

“Vancouver is really not into the idea of trading J.T. Miller,” Pierre LeBrun said.

New York Rangers trade targets

“J.T. Miller is a target of theirs. As is Rickard Rakell of the Anaheim Ducks,” Dreger added. But the New York Rangers given an opportunity, Chris Drury would also like to bolster his blue line. They are among the many suitors on Ben Chiarot with three weeks looming (to the deadline).”

Rakell, 28, is a right wing that is currently playing on the Ducks third line. With the emergence of Troy Terry, it has pushed the Swede down the depth chart and further away from his back-to-back 30 goal seasons in 2016/17 – 2017/18.

The pending UFA forward has 15 goals and 26 points in 46 games. His current cap hit is $3.8 million and would really help the Rangers scoring issues.

As for Montreal’s Ben Chiarot, he’s been a target for awhile. In 49 games this season, Chiarot has twelve points and 38 penalty minutes.

The 30 year-old is another pending UFA with a current cap hit of $3.5 million. He’s a left-handed defenseman with size that can improve the Rangers defense for the postseason.

NHL Rumors

Get the latest on Patrick Kane, Jake DeBrusk, and the Capitals trade deadline approach. Read more.

The Canadiens already started dealing veterans by getting the ball rolling with the trade of forward Tyler Toffoli to the Flames. It was also rumored that the two sides were looking at a bigger deal that involved defenseman Ben Chiarot. Cap issues prevented that, but the Habs are believed to be close to moving the UFA defenseman.

New York Rangers have needs the Canadiens can fill

New York continues to roll despite playing without a legit top-six right wing for most of the season. They have also relied heavily on rookies on the third pair defense with Patrik Nemeth missing a lot of time for what is still considered a “personal issue.”

Even when Nemeth has been in the lineup, he’s struggled defensively to suppress shots. This has many believing that aside from adding more forward depth, the Rangers would like to upgrade their left-side defense for a playoff run.

The Canadiens can certainly help with defense and give the Rangers a little more depth on the wing.

Ben Chiarot

Chiarot, 30, recently landed on IR with a lower-body issue. He has 9 points in 44 games and could play top four minutes on the left side for a playoff team.

Even when Chiarot is eligible to come off IR, I doubt the Habs will risk another potential injury this close to trading him.

“The internal debate for the Canadiens now, after they almost dealt Chiarot in the Calgary deal, is how long they drag this out with Chiarot because there’s already sizeable interest with other teams,” Pierre LeBrun said via Insider Trading. “You name a playoff contender; I believe they’ve phoned. The likes of Florida, Boston, the New York Rangers, St. Louis, among others. The Flames could circle back on Chiarot at some point.”

It is believed that asking price for the rental defenseman starts with a first round pick and another prospect.

Artturi Lehkonen

Lehkonen, 26, is scheduled to be a restricted free agent with arbitration rights. He has 19 points in 45 games this season. The former second round pick (55th overall) makes $2.3M on his current deal.

During the Habs’ Cinderella Cup run, he played in 17 of Montreal’s 22 playoff games recording four points. The questions with a player like Lehkonen, who is not a rental because of his RFA status, is he worth it?

Do the Rangers see Lehkonen as a fit beyond this year? He’s listed at a generous 6-0′, 176 lbs, and plays a solid two-way game. This season, the Habs are using him on the top line at right wing, but he isn’t exactly lighting it up.

Lehkonen is a solid two-way forward better suited for third line duties. He can also kill penalties, which is always a plus. At this time, the Rangers could add him and still make another move for a top winger.

Habs eyeing Rangers prospects

Earlier today, Pierre LeBrun tweeted the following:

Keep an eye on the Rangers and the Habs between now and March 21. I think Montreal covets some Rangers prospects. Habs could fill some Rangers needs. Montreal would rather add prospects over picks. Already have 12 picks for the July draft. Rangers’ pipeline drawing Habs interest

Keep an eye on the Rangers and the Habs between now and March 21. I think Montreal covets some Rangers prospects. Habs could fill some Rangers needs. Montreal would rather add prospects over picks. Already have 12 picks for the July draft. Rangers' pipeline drawing Habs interest

— Pierre LeBrun (@PierreVLeBrun) February 16, 2022

Making this connection isn’t difficult, especially since Jeff Gorton had a major hand in drafting many of the Rangers top prospects.

What I can add is this: Rangers GM Chris Drury has made calls to his old boss which has been reported by multiple outlets. It was relayed to me awhile ago not to expect Gorton to do the Rangers any favors after the way he was dismissed.

However, if the two sides can come to an agreement that works for both teams I could see something happening before the deadline.

Trade Proposal: Rangers acquire Ben Chiarot and Artturi Lehkonen from Canadiens in exchange for 2022 First Round Pick, Nils Lundkvist, and Vitali Kravtsov.

Other potential trade chips in a trade with the Habs include Zac Jones, and Alexandar Georgiev.

NHL Recaps

The NHL had 9 games on the docket and it was loaded with excitement and milestones. Sidney Crosby registered his 500th career goal. Meanwhile Capitals’ coach Peter Laviolette notched career win 700 and Kings’ Drew Doughty played in his 1000th game. Read more here.

On Sunday, the Montreal Canadiens placed him on injured reserve with a lower-body injury. A stint on IR is for at least seven days. The 30 year-old pending UFA sustained the injury Saturday in a 2-1 loss to the Columbus Blue Jackets.

New York Rangers interested in Chiarot

Chiarot’s injury sparked concerns around the organization and talks regarding the timetable for his impending trade.

“Anytime you have a player with as much interest as Chiarot has you worry about (injury),” Elliotte Friedman said. “Among the interested teams are St. Louis, Carolina, the Rangers, Florida, Los Angels and Calgary.”

The steady defenseman can play top four minutes and will likely garner a solid package from any contender trying to acquire him. Habs VP of hockey ops Jeff Gorton has familiarity with many of the Rangers top prospects and may have his eyes on a player like Nils Lundkvist.

Despite the Rangers being overloaded with young talent on the blue-line, it would be wise for GM Chris Drury to be very selective with which prospect he trades for a rental.

In 44 games this season, Chiarot has nine points (five goals, four assists) and 36 penalty minutes. He has played in 459 career games with the Winnipeg Jets (2013-19) and Canadiens, tallying 101 points (27 goals, 74 assists) and 339 PIM.

Alexis Lafrenière getting used to right wing

It looks like Alexis Lafrenière is getting ready to make a long-term switch from his natural left wing position. Prior to the break, he was on a top line with Chris Kreider and Mika Zibanejad. Since returning, he’s been a staple at practice on their right side.

“It’s good to have a couple practices playing right(wing)– you know after practice we just work on little things,” he said on Sunday. “It’s not a big change, but it’s just small things that I need to do different. It’s going well and it’s only practice, so I can’t wait to play games and to get used to it.”

One thing that Lafrenière talked about was possibly shooting more. Something that Chris Kreider said he’d like to see Alexis do more of.

“You’re always in a shooting position,” the lefty said about playing his off wing. “It might be good for me to shoot a little more. I’m playing with two players that have great vision so they can find me pretty easily.”

Lafrenière, 20, has 10 goals and 13 points in 45 games this season with the Rangers. He’s also riding a two-game goal scoring streak that he will look to extend tomorrow against the Bruins.

NHL Rumors Roundup

Catch up on all the latest rumors including Tomas Hertl possibly staying with the Sharks. Canucks interest in Pavel Zacha, and so much more.

Although the NHL Trade Deadline is still a significant time away (March 21), there are still far too many teams that believe they are in contention.

One of those teams are the San Jose Sharks, who currently sit one point out of the final wild card spot in the Western Conference. Their odds of making the post-season stands at just 8.6% per MoneyPuck. Which raises the question about what they will do with pending UFA, Tomas Hertl.

Tomas Hertl a perfect forward rental

Hertl is 28 years-old and in the final year of a deal that has a $5.625M cap hit. Last season, he recorded 43 points in 50 games. This season, he’s keeping a similar scoring pace with 28 points in 35 contests.

Per multiple reports, the Sharks told inquiring teams in the offseason that they were still hopeful to work things out. What remains to be seen is if the Sharks will be a contender come the Deadline. If so, the belief is both sides will want to continue the relationship.

The reality is that the Sharks are starting to slip while many other teams rise. That is elevating Hertl to the top of several trade bait lists, including Frank Seravalli of the The Daily Faceoff where he’s ranked #1.

“Hertl has emerged as the likely most in-demand player as we hurdle toward the deadline.. and would provide a significant return for the Sharks’ future,” Seravalli writes. “One team to keep an eye on in the Hertl sweepstakes: the New York Rangers.”

Hertl would be a great fit for a playoff run as he can play either center or wing. New York would have to part with a first round pick and more to acquire his services.

Other potential rental candidates include Phil Kessel in Arizona, Reilly Smith in Vegas, and Claude Giroux in Philadelphia.

Ben Chiarot a great rental on defense

The Rangers have been rumored this season to be in the market for a veteran left handed defenseman. That may not be as urgent with the play of young prospect blue-liner Zac Jones. However, there are plenty of potential candidates out there.

According to Arthur Staple of The Athletic, one potential rental could be Ben Chiarot of the Montreal Canadiens. Although he isn’t sure that Jeff Gorton would be so willing to help his former organization after his abrupt dismissal last season.

“There is no shortage of interest in Chiarot, one of the prime pieces who will almost definitely be plucked from the floundering Habs’ roster,” Seravalli noted. “St. Louis and Florida have already been linked to Chiarot. There will be others. That’s because there is hardly a Cup contending team Chiarot would not improve: Vegas, Colorado, Washington or the Rangers.”

Chiarot, 30, is a left-handed defenseman with 7 points in 31 games. He was a key defenseman for the Canadiens in their improbable playoff run last season.

Other potential rental candidates include Calvin De Haan in Chicago, and my pick Mark Giordano in Seattle.

Exploring other possibilities

Two other names to consider that do not qualify as rentals would be Tyler Toffoli in Montreal and Jakob Chychrun in Arizona.

Toffoli, 29, has a good contract with an AAV of only $4.25M, plus he doesn’t have any trade protection. This would allow the acquiring team flexibility to move him after this season. That is beneficial to the Rangers who will feel a cap crunch next season when Adam Fox’s and Mika Zibanejad’s big extensions kick in.

“One could make this case that they could try to get another top-six winger,” Kevin Weekes pondered to the NY Post. “Could they want somebody like a Tyler Toffoli maybe, from Montreal?”

Chychrun, 23, has just 7 points in 26 games but the Yotes’ this season and is dealing with an injury. Last year was a breakout with 41 points in 56 games.

Back in December, Sportsnet’s Nick Kypreos reported that the asking price was similar to that of Jack Eichel’s which was four pieces. Chychrun has three years left on a cap friendly deal of $4.6 million but many GM’s currently feel the ask is too high.

The left-handed defenseman would make an incredible partner for Jacob Trouba and solidify the defense. The cost of course would be big, but something to consider.

NHL Rumors

Klingberg asks for a trade. New York Rangers almost traded Georgiev, and more. Read it here.