The noise around the New York Rangers is getting louder with each passing week. As they continue to win games and maintain their lofty position atop the Metro Division standings, you hear them linked to players on the trade market.

Dating back to when Sammy Blais was lost for the season due to a torn ACL in November, top NHL Insiders have been discussing the Blueshirts. From forwards to defensemen, GM Chris Drury is keeping his options open to improve his team.

Rangers to be aggressive with trades

Over the last two months, the Blueshirts have been mentioned on TSN’s Insider Trading, Sportsnet’s 32 Thoughts, and The Daily Faceoff numerous times.

“Chris Drury, the general manager for the New York Rangers, is looking for a middle-six forward, which isn’t a term we use often in hockey,” Darren Dreger said before Thanksgiving. “That can be a third-line player or someone who can punch into the top six.”

He followed that up before the Holiday Break with how Drury has continued to look for months on finding a possible solution but to no avail. Teams are still working out if they are playoff contenders, but as the top dogs keep winning, they realize their playoff chances are slim.

Elliotte Friedman and Jeff Marek discussed the Rangers on a recent podcast and pointed them out to be one of the more aggressive teams in the trade market.

“New York is in (the playoffs) and Chris Drury keeps quiet, but I could see them taking a surprise swing,” Friedman said.

One of those players that they could be taking that swing at is defenseman Jakob Chychrun.

Rangers big trade target: Jakob Chychrun

Chychrun, 23, has just 8 points in 29 games with the Yotes’ this season and was dealing with an injury. Last year was a breakout for him with 41 points in 56 games. The left-handed rearguard has three years left on a cap friendly deal of $4.6 million.

“The Coyotes are looking for a package that includes a young player, a prospect, and a first round pick,” Marek said on 32 Thoughts. “And they do have that package from one team in the NHL. Essentially, two former first round players, and a first round draft pick.”

Marek reported that L.A. Anaheim, Boston, Columbus, and Florida are in on Chychrun.

“The Rangers are in on it as well,” Marek added. “They have offered a package which includes Vitali Kravtsov.”

While many wonder just who has the offer on the table that Marek is referring to, it should be noted that the L.A. Kings had a large contingent at the Garden watching the Rangers and Coyotes game.

If the Blueshirts were to land him, and depending on whom they trade, it would likely take them out of the rental market for a blue-liner. Giving up a first round pick will also make it tough to land a rental forward.

Most insiders believe Chychrun will be traded well before the deadline, so keep tabs on this one.

Rangers forward trade targets

New York’s most glaring hole is on the top six at right wing. Now with both Kaapo Kakko and Filip Chytil day-to-day, it’s only getting worse.

According to some insiders, Chris Drury may be looking at the non-rental trade market to bring in a top scorer.

“One of the teams that has really been all over J.T. Miller to bring him back is the New York Rangers,” Frank Servalli said on Canucks Central. “Are there younger pieces on the Rangers’ roster that they’d be willing to part with rather than just draft picks? And how important would it be for them to be in a spot where they have that extra year of J.T. Miller and not have to sweat (what his next contract) looks like.”

Miller, 28, has one more year left on his deal worth $5.25M before becoming a UFA. He’s also been extremely productive with 39 points in 39 games for Vancouver this season.

One thing is clear and has been pointed out to me, the acquisition of Miller would make it harder to retain Ryan Strome. It should also be noted that Artemi Panarin will not be very happy if his center leaves via free-agency.

Another forward the Rangers are reportedly in on is Boston Bruins winger Jake DeBrusk, per Marek.

The 25 year-old has 13 points in 33 games this season. According to several reports the Bruins are looking for a top 4 defenseman in return. A fairly steep price for the struggling winger.

While the interest in a rugged forward like DeBrusk makes sense with what Chris Drury is building in NY, he is another left-handed shot that plays the LW. The Rangers are already struggling to find ice time for #1 overall pick Alexis Lafrenière with Chris Kreider and Panarin cemented as the top two wingers on the left side.

Can DeBrusk play RW? He will also be an RFA next summer and currently makes $3.6M against the cap. The Rangers will have salary cap concerns starting next season, so this still seems like a tough fit.

Rangers will be buyers at the NHL Trade Deadline

If all the options above fail, the New York Rangers will have plenty of choices come the NHL Trade Deadline on March 21 in the form of rentals. That would be a player on an expiring contract who is most likely to walk in free agency after the playoffs.

On the top of Chris Drury’s list is San Jose Sharks center Tomas Hertl. He could automatically slot as a top six winger. Or even give the team more depth down the middle on the third line. Regardless, he’s a perfect fit for a playoff run.
 
“He has almost a 100 per cent no-trade clause,” Pierre LeBrun recently reported. “Only three teams are on his “yes” list. He has lots of control and one team to keep an eye on is the New York Rangers, who I think have him on their list.”

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 37 points in 42 contests.

Another option could be Vegas’ Reilly Smith.

Vegas may need to clear out salary in order to fit Jack Eichel under the cap when he comes off LTIR. That may leave Smith, who is in the final year of his contract with a $5 million cap hit on the outs.

Smith, 30, has 29 points in 41 games this season.

On defense, Mark Giordano would be the top rental defenseman that Drury could land for this team. He’s a battle-tested veteran that could easily replace Patrik Nemeth on the third pair, and play clutch minutes late in games with Jacob Trouba.

Giordano, 38, has 14 points in 34 games.

In the end, all the buzz in the rumor mill points to an aggressive Chris Drury on the trade market. His Rangers are one of the top teams in the NHL and people are starting to wonder if they are a legit Cup contender.

Drury looks primed to take some big swings. He will do so by unloading his wealth of young players/prospects. The problem with taking a giant hack is if you miss, you usually miss big too.

The New York Rangers are currently one of the top teams in the NHL and are in great position to make the playoffs. As more experts contemplate if the team is ready to compete for the Stanley Cup this season, to a man the team believes they are.

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. Regardless, when the time comes we know that Blueshirts will be buyers and looking to add key pieces.

New York Rangers rumors: Hertl on team’s radar

One team that is teetering on the playoffs are the San Jose Sharks. They currently hold the last wild card spot by two points over the Flames and four over the Jets. However, both teams have five games in hand on them.

That leaves a certain pending UFA as a primary target for the New York Rangers.

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 35 points in 40 contests.

Per multiple reports, the Sharks told inquiring teams in the offseason that they were still hopeful to work things out. That still holds true today, but if a deal can’t be worked out he will be moved at the deadline.

When it comes to whom is the most likely suitor to land Hertl services, top insiders look at the Blueshirts.

“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,” Frank Seravalli said. “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.

“He has almost a 100 per cent no-trade clause,” Pierre LeBrun noted. “Only three teams are on his “yes” list. He has lots of control and one team to keep an eye on is the New York Rangers, who I think have him on their list.”

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

Rangers “all over” J.T. Miller

Miller, 28, has one more year left on his deal worth $5.25M before becoming a UFA. He’s also been extremely productive with 38 points in 38 games for Vancouver this season.

“One of the teams that has really been all over J.T. Miller to bring him back is the New York Rangers,” Seravalli said on Canucks Central.  “Are there younger pieces on the Rangers’ roster that they’d be willing to part with rather than just draft picks? And how important would it be for them to be in a spot where they have that extra year of J.T. Miller and not have to sweat (what his next contract) looks like.”

Recently, Jim Rutherford addressed the media to explain what the organization’s approach will be regarding trades.

“I don’t believe it has to be a rebuild. But certainly the team has to be transitioned into a stronger team to be a regular playoff team,” Rutherford said via The Province. So Seravalli’s suggestion aligns with Rutherford’s philosophy.

The Rangers traded Miller back in 2018 in the Ryan McDonagh blockbuster. He was actually added to get back additional pieces, one being Libor Hajek. However, it was also a cap move as the Rangers were predicting Miller’s next contract to be something they didn’t want to commit too.

Of course, the Rangers acquiring Miller would likely mean that they will see him as a replacement for Ryan Strome if they fail to reach an extension by the deadline.

Miller is primarily a winger but can play center. Keep your eye on this one because it has ramifications for other possible moves.

Jakob Chychrun and trading prospects

“A couple of offers have given the Coyotes cause for pause,” Jeff Marek said on Sportsnet. “Here’s what they are looking for in exchange. It’s not unlike the old Brent Burns deal, which was Devin Setoguchi, Charlie Coyle, and a first round pick. So what the Coyotes are looking for is a young player, a high-end prospect, plus a first round pick.”

Marek also added the Los Angeles Kings, St. Louis Blues, and Anaheim Ducks have the prospects and desire to make that deal. The Florida Panthers are also believed to be heavily chasing him.

That brings me to the Rangers. GM Chris Drury knows he has a contender on his hands but cap constraints will make it difficult to keep key free agents and RFAs. They are overloaded with young players and prospects and would love someone like Chychrun to pair with Jacob Trouba.

The package would be significant, but the Rangers could do it.

Would a deal that centered around young K’Andre Miller, whom Chychrun would replace, along with Filip Chytil, and a first round pick get it done? Could Arizona consider Zac Jones or even Nils Lundkvist over Miller.

Miller has the size, speed, and talent to be a top-four defenseman. But for where the Rangers are right now, Chychrun paired with Trouba would be a 1A-1B pairing to Adam Fox and Ryan Lindgren.

Plus, from a cap standpoint it makes even more sense over the next few seasons once Adam Fox and Mika Zibanejad’s extensions kick in. There’s significant value in Chychrun’s cost controlled salary.

Miller and Alexis Lafreniere’s ELC’s will expire in 2023.

In reality, the Blueshirts are more likely to look at the rental market for a defenseman, and my sources tell me that Seattle’s Mark Giordano is their top choice.

Jake DeBrusk for Filip Chytil?

The Boston Bruins have to contend with a now public trade request from rugged winger Jake DeBrusk.

This caused Sportsnet’s Jeff Marek to ponder: “Could a deal for Rangers forward Filip Chytil make sense for both sides?”

Chytil is talented, there’s no doubting that. Although he continues to struggle down the middle and seems better fitted for the wing. He will be an RFA next summer, as will DeBrusk.

While the thought is interesting, I don’t see DeBrusk as a fit longterm. Especially with his current cap hit of $3.675M. That only means if the Rangers qualify him it will have to be for at least that much.

Chytil, 22, has 11 points in 36 games this year with a career points per game average of .37.

DeBrusk, 25, has 10 points in 31 games this season with a .52 career points per game average.

NHL Rumors

The Habs GM sees changes coming, Kane still likely an Oiler, and more.

The Montreal Canadiens are floundering and have just cleaned house and hired former Blueshirts GM Jeff Gorton to run hockey ops. With the Habs in need of restocking the shelves and looking at a possible rebuild, it has many thinking he will come knocking on the Rangers door for Kravtsov.

Jeff Gorton will be smart and patient

Today, the Canadiens introduced Gorton to the media. He spoke of his need to assess what he currently has before making any moves. His first order of business is to hire a GM, which he said will most likely happen after Christmas. Gorton also spoke of building an analytics department, and improving player development.

He also gave his head coach, Dominique Ducharme a vote of confidence by stating he would not make a coaching change this season. That can’t be said for some of the veterans, or those with long term contracts on the roster as a rebuild is under consideration.

When it comes to restocking the shelves, it would not surprise me or anyone else that he will engage with Chris Drury at some point. Many believe that with Montreal’s previous interest in Kravtsov, who Gorton drafted 9th overall in 2018, that this is his most likely destination.

Forever Blueshirts has learned that is not the case. What was made clear to me is that Gorton would consider the deal if it was at a discounted price. Remember, Gorton knows more details about what transpired between Kravrtsov, Chris Drury, and the Rangers organization than anyone else.

It was also relayed to me that Gorton would likely be more interested in acquiring some of the defensemen he drafted like Zac Jones, Braden Schneider, and Matthew Robertson before considering Kravtsov.

Vitali, 21, is currently performing well for Traktor in the KHL with 6 points in 9 games.

Other Rangers rumors

The Rangers as usual appear to be attached to almost every player available. Two names that have been reportedly linked to the Blueshirts are Boston’s Jake DeBrusk and Vancouver’s J.T. Miller.

“As many as 12 teams, maybe more than 12 teams have already checked in on the Jake DeBrusk situation with the Boston Bruins, but the reality is the Bruins now need Jake DeBrusk in their lineup,” Dreger explained on TSN Insider Trading. “I would say the New York Rangers are among the teams that have expressed some interest. You’ve got the Vancouver Canucks, maybe Montreal, maybe Calgary. Certainly Arizona.”

DeBrusk is 25 and earns $3.675M. He will be an RFA this summer, which makes this one a little harder to see for the Rangers to pull off a deal. This one sounds more like an agent drumming up interest than anything else.

When it comes to J.T. Miller there is genuine interest there in a reunion. One that I believe Drury wants to make happen as soon as possible.

A number of teams have been circling around Miller (including one of his old teams, the New York Rangers) amid the Canucks’ disastrous season, although it seems as if GM Jim Benning does not have the full autonomy to make a core-altering trade at the moment. 

Frank Seravalli, DFO

The 28 year-old has one more year left on his deal worth $5.25M before becoming a UFA. He’s also been extremely productive with 23 points in 24 games for Vancouver this season. Since joining the Canucks he has 141 points in 146 contests. For his career, Miller has posted 378 points in 581 games.

Rangers have some frontrunners for awards

Who will win the Vezina? Who has the edge for the Norris and MVP? Projected winners here.

Each player would help the New York Rangers this season if acquired. However, both come with their own set of pros and cons.

Let’s look at them in closer detail

Rangers trade target: J.T. Miller

First off, I’ve been on record that J.T. Miller was the star the Rangers let foolishly get away when he was added in the Ryan McDonagh blockbuster with Tampa.

Miller, 28, has one more year left on his deal worth $5.25M before becoming a UFA. He’s also been extremely productive with 20 points in 23 games for Vancouver this season. Since joining the Canucks he has 138 points in 145 contests.

He is a left handed shot, but can play any forward position.

Larry Brooks of the NY Post notes that the Rangers face a decision regarding Ryan Strome and that Miller could be a potential center replacement.

The Rangers would certainly be interested in a reunion with the player they selected 15th overall in that 2011 draft, depending on the price demanded in return. He could slide onto the right side with either Kreider and Zibanejad or with Panarin or Strome. He could also go into the middle if needed.

NY Post (subscription required)

Rangers trade target: Jake DeBrusk

The 25 year-old DeBrusk only has three goals and six points in 17 games this season. A former first round pick in the 2015 Draft, he has struggled since last season where he picked up 14 points in 41 games for the Bruins.

Reports came out late yesterday that he’s looking for a trade out of Boston.

“Spoke with Rick Valette today, agent for Jake DeBrusk, he confirmed he asked for a trade over the weekend. It’s felt a change of scenery moving forward would be beneficial,” TSN’s Ryan Rishaug reported yesterday. “Debrusk will remain with the team while the Bruins try and facilitate the request.”

DeBrusk is making $3.675M and will be an RFA this summer. He’s a left-handed shot and plays left wing for the Bruins.

Miller or DeBrusk

DeBrusk is young and plays a rugged hard game that fits what Chris Drury is trying to build. The problem is his game has slipped since last season. In his first three season with the Bruins he registered 120 points in 203 games. That’s dipped to just 20 points in his last 58.

Meanwhile, Miller has only gotten better since being traded out of NY. He’s a power forward with skill and has grown into a leader for the Canucks. His ability to be used at any forward position is also invaluable, along with being able to play in all situations.

If I am Chris Drury, I am going after Miller. His contract of $5.25M will fix next year as well. If Ryan Strome is no longer here, Filip Chytil will need to step up and claim the 2C spot. Should he fail to do so, Miller would be a suitable fit.

Plus it keeps the Rangers in a good position to sign Kaapo Kakko and avoid any potential offer sheets.

NHL Rumors Update

Evander Kane available at half salary retained, and what’s next for the Habs? Read about it here.

This season, the 28 year-old is having another fine campaign. After a slow start and a bout with COVID, he has 10 points in 13 games. The underrated center continues to prove he’s a top six forward in the NHL after picking up 49 points in 56 games and 59 points in 70 contests the season prior.

Unfortunately, the flat cap may have already dictated Strome’s fate.

Rangers and Ryan Strome have no plans to talk contract

On October 12th, Forever Blueshirts learned that after Mika Zibanejad’s contract and Adam Fox’s pending extension signaled the end of Strome’s and Alexandar Georgiev’s futures on Broadway.

With the ceiling stuck at $81.5 Million the last two seasons, and only expected to increase to $82.5 Million next season, there’s no room to give Strome the raise he deserves.

Today, Mollie Walker of the NY Post provided an update and verification of what was learned in early October.

There haven’t been any contract discussions between Strome’s camp and the Rangers to date, and, at the moment, there isn’t a plan to have any, The Post has learned. So Strome may have to treat this season as a showcase for his next prospective NHL team.

NY Post

The former 5th overall selection in the 2011 NHL Draft will likely be looking for a new deal in the $6.5M to $7.5M range with max term. A significant increase to his current $4.5M deal which expires this summer.

Chris Drury has a big decision at the trade deadline if there’s no intention to re-sign Strome. The decision becomes more difficult if the team is in a playoff spot. Let him walk for nothing in the summer, or get an asset at the deadline?

That may be the only question about Strome’s future that’s left to be answered.

Is Jake DeBrusk a trade target?

Boston Hockey Now’s Jimmy Murphy is speculating that since the Rangers are looking for a “middle six” forward maybe the Bruins’ Jake DeBrusk fits the bill.

After some poking around via texts and calls to various and trusted NHL sources, there was no indication that the Boston Bruins and the Rangers are engaged in any substantial NHL trade talks. However, there was more than one source who said Bruins winger Jake DeBrusk is still a mainstay on the NHL trade rumor circuit amongst NHL scouts and execs.

Boston Hockey Now

The 25 year-old only has three goals and four points in 13 games this season. Murphy also indicates that the Bruins are looking for a top 4 defenseman in return.

Poking holes into this speculation, DeBrusk has struggled mightily over the last two seasons, so a top 4 defenseman is unlikely unless it’s in the form of a prospect.

As for the Rangers, DeBrusk is another left-handed shot that plays the LW, and will be an RFA next summer. He currently makes $3.6M against the cap, and he isn’t worth it at this time.

While DeBrusk is very likely available, I don’t think the Rangers have any interest in him.

It should also be noted that per The Athletic’s Arthur Staple the Rangers are also in the market for a defenseman. On November 13th we noted the Rangers should revisit their interest in Kraken defenseman Mark Giordano.

NHL Rumors

Habs looking for defense. Forsberg begins contract talks, and more.

Boston Going For It

In a recent article for the Boston Globe, Matt Porter emphasized that the Bruins could really use what Chris Kreider brings to the table. He even suggest that holding on to some of their younger players was not the best move to winning it all this season.

The Bruins need a mid-aged, top-six winger such as Kreider, even if it means shipping out their first-round pick, something Sweeney said he regretted doing in 2018 when he and Rangers GM Jeff Gorton struck a deal for Rick Nash. He shouldn’t be afraid to include a young roster player, since that will be part of the ask. As good as Jake DeBrusk (23), Danton Heinen (24), or Anders Bjork (23) could be, Kreider (28) offers a mix of maturity, physicality, and pace that would fit with David Krejci better than any of those three.

Boston Globe

The Rangers have long been after Jake DeBrusk and if Boston would add him in a deal with their 1st round pick, I am fairly certain the Rangers would take that over the Blues 1st and Jordan Kyrou. As for the Avs who would be giving them a better first in the mid 20’s, no guarantee they would give up a prospect as good.

DeBrusk would be a fit

Jake DeBrusk who is the son of former Ranger, Louie DeBrusk is a 23 year old LW that would take Kreider’s spot on the 2nd line. The RFA will be looking for a new deal this summer, and with 18 goals and 34 points in 52 games, he will get a deal in the 4-5M range for sure.

Of course, it’s unlikely the Bruins will give up all that without the guarantee that Kreider will re-sign. If the Rangers don’t allow them to negotiate before a deal, then the 1st round pick should be conditional. The objective is to get DeBrusk and he’s a better prospect than what any other team is likely to give.

Other possibility

The other option as noted by ESPN’s Chris Peters is Anders Bjork who’s also 23. He’s a winger with 18 points in 49 games who will be an RFA this summer as well. This would be a less attractive option for Jeff Gorton and likely have him dealing Kreider to the West.

ESPN hockey analyst Chris Peters on Friday floated a trade idea, in which the Bruins would acquire the New York Rangers left wing by the Feb. 24 NHL trade deadline. Peters believes Kreider would provide the impact the Bruins might need in order to return to the Stanley Cup Final and recommends they offer Anders Bjork, a first-round pick in the 2020 NHL Draft and a conditional pick in the 2021 draft in exchange for the 28-year-old Boxford, Mass., native.

NESN

The bottom line is simple, if the Bruins want Kreider it’s DeBrusk or bust.