Talented defenseman Jakob Chychrun is reportedly available, according to a recent article from Bruce Garrioch of the Ottawa Citizen.

“The club is also trying to determine what the market looks like for defenseman Jakob Chychrun, who has one year left at $4.6 million,” Garrioch reported. “League executives say the Senators are a seeking first- and second-round pick or a high-end prospect in exchange for Chychrun.”

Garrioch says Florida, Detroit, Los Angeles and Chicago have been in talks with Ottawa about Chychrun. #GoSensGo

The reported price is a first round pick and high-end prospect OR second round pick.

— Everyday Sens (@EverydaySens) June 26, 2024

The Rangers were reportedly linked to Chychrun in 2022-23, when he was ultimately traded to Ottawa by the Arizona Coyotes for a first- and two second-round picks.

Now, the 26-year-old might be available again, and though it’s likely not for a bargain price, the fit makes a lot of sense for the Rangers.

By waiving Barclay Goodrow and his $3.6 million annual cap hit, which was picked up by the San Jose Sharks, Drury has freed up significant cap space to make a substantial upgrade and sparked conjecture about a major move. Plenty of focus is on the Rangers’ need for a top-six right wing, but they could really use some help on the blue line as well. And right now they have $13.695 million in projected cap space to work with.

Related: Rangers options if looking to trade Kaapo Kakko, move up in first round of 2024 draft

Jakob Chychrun could be answer for Rangers on defense

New York’s back end struggled mightily against the Florida Panthers during their six-game Eastern Conference Final loss. If there’s one thing they need to add besides a playmaking right wing, it’s a defenseman who can move the puck.

That just so happens to be one of Chychrun’s strengths. Even on an Ottawa team that ranked in the bottom half of the League offensively, Chychrun had one of his best offensive seasons, setting an NHL career high with 27 assists, and matching his career best with 41 points.

Chychrun offers some versatility as a defenseman who can play both the left and the right, with over 100 minutes skated on both sides this past season, though he’s preferred the left as a left-shot D-man. That could fit for the Rangers, who have two potential openings on the left side of their blue line since Erik Gustafsson is set to become a UFA on Monday and Ryan Lindgren needs an RFA deal, and could be a possible trade candidate.

Whether they bring back Lindgren or not, the Rangers need at least one defenseman on the left side as Gustafsson is expected to find a new home this offseason. Chychrun could slide in seamlessly, and provide a boost offensively. Though if Lindgren returns, it’s a question as to which defenseman plays on the third pair among Lindgren, Chychrun and K’Andre Miller, though Chychrun could play right side, especially if captain Jacob Trouba is moved.

Chychrun’s been a power-play staple since his first season in the League in 2016-17, and has amassed over 100 minutes of power-play time in six of his eight seasons. The Rangers have a top power-play defenseman in Adam Fox, but Gustafsson manned the second unit for a good chunk of this past season. Chychrun is a major upgrade over Gustafsson and Trouba in that role.

Jakob Chychrun asked if Ottawa is the place he wants to play the next couple of years:

“It’s a tough question, I don’t know. I honestly have not thought about that. I know I have 1 more year left (on my contract). There haven’t been talks of an extension or anything so I… pic.twitter.com/DzI2gClxso

— Claire Hanna (@clahanna) April 18, 2024

The defense is a little less reassuring. Chychrun had the 13th-worst plus-minus in the NHL with a minus-30 rating. Now part of that is the team, as the Senators were outscored by 31 goals this season, the seventh-worst mark in the League. But it’s worth noting that’s now the fifth time Chychrun has finished the season with a negative rating, though he’s never played on a playoff-caliber team.

The metrics don’t paint him as bad defensively by any stretch. Chychrun ranked above average defensively and in the 82nd percentile overall by Evolving Hockey. In fact, he’s ranked above average defensively in all but one season, and in the top 25 percent three times.

He’s a strong skater with nice size at 6-foot-2, 220 pounds and he’s not afraid to block a shot, ranking 34th with 154 this past season. He may not be a “shutdown defenseman,” but he’s far from a liability.

According to a recent article from Vince Mergoliano of USA Today, “there isn’t much smoke between the Rangers and Senators at this stage.”

That could be, too, because the Senators just landed goalie Linus Ullmark in a trade with the Boston Bruins and are serious about finally contending for a playoff spot next season.

However, he’s a player they’ve been tied to one way or another for some time, and if talks were to increase, Chychrun would make a welcome addition to this Rangers team.

Garrioch reported Ottawa is asking for a first- and second-round pick or a high-end prospect, which might be a little unappetizing. But as the old saying goes, you have to give to get.

The Rangers have the No. 30 overall pick in this year’s draft, not a premium selection, and are without a second-round pick the next three years. That could mean having to part with a key prospect or two.

Right now, a quantifiable commodity like Chychrun is far more valuable to the Blueshirts than an unproven prospect or draft picks that would likely be later anyway given the Rangers’ recent success.

Plus, adding Chychrun’s crisp passing and size would solve a couple issues at once, making the Rangers smoother and bigger on the back end.

It’s also worth hammering home that Chychrun has just one season remaining on his six-year contract and would become an unrestricted free agent at the end of 2024-25. While Drury would certainly have the option to re-up if he liked the fit, it doesn’t lock the Rangers into a long-term contract the way they would be with a lot of the high-end free agents available.

With two more years left on Artemi Panarin’s $11.6 million AAV deal, and Lafreniere, Miller and Igor Shesterkin needing new deals next offseason, it would make it much easier for Drury to keep the books open and attack a big 2026 free agent class that could include Connor McDavid and Jack Eichel, all while still making a move to bolster the team for a Stanley Cup run this upcoming season.

Drury has a couple different avenues he can attack this offseason, but if he identifies defense as a major issue, he’d be hard-pressed to find a better option, all things considered, than Chychrun.

According to Bruce Garrioch, they were among several teams to have two reps present for the game (Florida Panthers, Carolina Hurricanes, and Vegas Golden Knights). All in all, 18 team scouts were in attendance.

Now that rumored top trade target Elias Lindholm has been dealt to the Vancouver Canucks, is a reunion with Vladimir Tarasenko more likely or is there someone else on their radar?

Related: Updated Rangers Trade Tiers

The Florida Panthers, Carolina, N.Y. Rangers and Vegas had two reps each in Detroit. The St. Louis Blues, Islanders, Dallas, Colorado, Edmonton, Anaheim, Nashville, Montreal, Columbus, Minnesota, Calgary, Toronto, Chicago and Seattle were also there. #Sens https://t.co/sOQGKsdfyw

— Bruce Garrioch (@SunGarrioch) February 1, 2024

Rangers scouting the Senators

First things first, the Rangers last game before the All-Star Break was against the Sens, a 7-2 victory. New York does not play Ottawa until the final game of the season on Apr. 15th, so this isn’t some advanced scouting exercise.

Additionally, they don’t play Detroit again until Apr. 5th, and the Red Wings currently hold the second wild card spot in the East. This will make them buyers come the Mar. 8th trade deadline.

Here are several players the Rangers could be eyeing in a deal with the Senators:

Vladimir Tarasenko, RW

Tarasenko, 32, has recorded 13 goals and 20 assists for 33 points in 45 games to date. He will be an unrestricted free agent in July and has a cap hit of $5 million. The Rangers and Tarasenko are already familiar with each other from last season, and he would easily become their top right wing. General manager Chris Drury will want the Sens to retain some salary in the deal.

Dominik Kubalik, F

Kubalik, 28, has notched 9 goals and 12 points in 43 matches. While he’s a left handed shot, the Rangers could use him to bolster the bottom-six at either wing. Although he is having a down year, he has a 30 goal season (2019-20, rookie) and 20 goal season (2022-23) in his previous four NHL campaigns. The 6-2′ forward will be a UFA in July and has a $2.5 million cap hit.

Shane Pinto, C

Pinto, 23, recently return from a lengthy suspension and has 4 points (2 goals, 2 assists) in 6 games. The Long Island native will be a restricted free agent this summer as his entry-level contract ($775,000) expires. Could this be a player the Rangers would be willing to deal Kaapo Kakko for? In his first full NHL season (2022-23), Pinto scored 20 goals and 35 points over 82 games.

Jakob Chychrun, D

Chychrun, 25, has 8 goals and 20 assists for 28 points in 47 games this season to date. Unlike Tarasenko, who will be an unrestricted free agent this summer, the defenseman has one-year remaining at an affordable $4.6M AAV. That makes acquiring him more of a hockey deal. There’s no guarantee the Sens would trade him, but they are open to listening to offers.

Even with Kakko back, the Blueshirts quality on the right wing could use a boost with a legit top-liner. And if the Rangers want to make a long playoff run, they may also want an upgrade to their defense corps.

Those pieces could both be acquired in a single trade with the Ottawa Senators for Vladimir Tarasenko and Jakob Chychrun.

Related: Top line needs to be better

Rangers and Senators blockbuster before NHL trade deadline?

According to Bruce Garrioch of Postmedia, the Senators will ask Tarasenko to waive his no-trade clause and are listening to offers on Chychrun.

Tarasenko, 32, has 12 goals and 31 points in 40 games this season. He signed a one-year deal with Ottawa in the offseason for $5 million and wanted all along to return to the Rangers, for whom he had 21 points (eight goals, 13 assists) in 31 games last season. The expectation was always that the veteran forward would be traded if the Senators were not in a playoff spot ahead of the trade deadline on March 8. Ottawa (17-24-1) sits dead last in the East.

THAT'S GAME! 🗽

Vladimir Tarasenko (@tara9191) caps off a three-point outing with an @Energizer OT winner for the @NYRangers! pic.twitter.com/d3klE2dkbP

— NHL (@NHL) March 2, 2023

Chychrun, 25, has registered 7 goals and 27 points in 42games, with 70 blocked shots. Unlike Tarasenko, who will be an unrestricted free agent at the end of the season, the defenseman has one-year remaining at an affordable $4.6M AAV. That makes acquiring him more of a hockey deal.

The Rangers interest in Chychrun is not new. Last season, Sportnet’s Jeff Marek noted the Blueshirts were one of the teams trying to acquire him from the Arizona Coyotes, for a package that would have sent forward Vitali Kravtsov to the desert.

New York could also use a center, but the prospect of Chytil returning to New York from Czechia lessens that if he can stay healthy. A forward with a combination of bite and skill would be nice for the postseason run. Corey Perry fits that exact mold. But Perry signed Monday with the Edmonton Oilers.

So what would it take to acquire these two players from the Senators considering the Rangers have limited salary cap space? First off, the Senators will have to retain the full 50% allowed by the CBA on Tarasenko’s contract. That usually means the selling team will want a first-round pick as compensation, but the Rangers should only give that asset up if they can also acquire Chychrun in the trade.

Jacob Chychrun finds the back of the net after the puck hits the crossbar and UPL loses track of it for a moment, 3-1 #LetsGoBuffalo #GoSensGo pic.twitter.com/lMyqeKkqnI

— Buffalo Hockey Moments (@SabresPlays) October 25, 2023

Though the NHL salary cap is going up next season by $4 million, that really doesn’t help the Rangers in March. Defenseman Ryan Lindgren is a pending RFA with salary arbitration rights, and will get a modest increase from his current $3M AAV. Adding a left defenseman like Chychrun would be considered a huge upgrade for Adam Fox, and allow Lindgren to move down in a shutdown tandem with captain Jacob Trouba.

That leaves K’Andre Miller as the most likely tradable defenseman to make this move. There’s no doubt that his offensive upside still hasn’t come close to being realized, but his defensive struggles are obvious this season. If the Rangers believe they are close enough to winning the Cup, they may have to make a tough decision.

Miller is a year younger than Chychrun, and also has one-year remaining on a deal worth 3.8M AAV. On the surface, Chychrun’s defensive stats may not wow anyone, but he’s played his seven NHL seasons with two lesser teams, the Coyotes and Senators. One has to wonder what his numbers would be on a legit contender.

At the end of the day, it’s going to take more than Miller and a first-round pick to pry both those players from the Senators. However, if GM Chris Drury isn’t willing to part with a roster player of substance, there’s no way this type of blockbuster could ever happen.

The latest NHL Trade Bait Tracker which is maintained at The Daily Goal Horn gets a big shakeup. With J.T. Miller and the Vancouver Canucks coming to terms on a massive 7-year deal, he’s no longer the top candidate. That honor moves to Jakob Chychrun as he climbs up to number one on the list.

Some new name are added including Nils Lundkvist of the New York Rangers, whose request for a trade dating back to last season is now public. The Canucks are over the cap at this moment, but will need to make more space for when Miller’s contract extension kicks in. This puts Bo Horvat in the crosshairs of rumors this upcoming season.

Let’s take a closer look at who could be moved between now and the next trade deadline.

NHL Trade Bait Tracker

A look at the top trade candidates

Jakob Chychrun: The Coyotes were asking for a package that started with a first round pick, a young player, and a prospect. Chychrun registered 21 points in 47 games last season and indicated he’s like to be moved. One team that appears to be aggressively in pursuit are the Ottawa Senators, so keep an eye on Ontario.

Vladimir Tarasenko: Latest reports indicate that Tarasenko has not rescinded his trade request and is very open to a move. He’s entering the final year of his contract which comes with an AAV of $7.5 million. Tarasenko is also coming off a great season where he recorded 34 goals and 82 points in 75 games. If he isn’t willing to extend, the Blues will most certainly deal him at the deadline.

Patrick Kane: With one year left on a deal that hits the cap at $10.5 million and a full no-move clause, it’s really up to him if he wants to go. He registered 92 points in 76 games last season and would return a haul of picks and prospects for Chicago. A recent report by David Pagnotta indicates that Kane is ready to move on, but Hawks GM Kyle Davidson dismissed that notion.

Nils Lundkvist: His agent Claude Lemieux revealed to Forever Blueshirts that they asked for a trade last season when he was sent down in favor of Braden Schneider in January. “We did request a trade when Nils was sent down last year,” Lemieux said. “We hope something can get done in the next few weeks.” The 2018 first-round pick has 4 points in 25 NHL games.

Bo Horvat: With Miller signed and Horvat possibly becoming a UFA in July of 2023, he pole-vaults into the top 5. The captain of the Canucks scored a career high 31 goals last season and finished with 52 points in 70 games. You can expect to start hearing rumors regarding his future soon.

Torey Krug: He’s been in and out of the rumor mill since last season. He still has a lot of term left on his deal but will generate interest. In 2021-22, he scored 43 points in 64 games. The St. Louis Blues have a few key players they need to sign for 2023-24 including Ryan O’Reilly. They will like try and shed some salary to make sure they can.

Josh Anderson: The Canadiens are looking for cap flexibility as they continue their rebuild efforts. One player teams will find attractive is Josh Anderson as they hope they can get him at reasonable price. Last season, he registered 19 goals and 32 points in 69 games. He’s a John Tortorella type player, who coached him in Columbus, so look for the Flyers to be in on him if they can work something out.

Jonathan Toews: He is no fan of the rebuild Chicago is planning and will likely be looking to waive his no-move clause come the next trade deadline. So what’s the market for an aging center on a clear decline after scoring just 37 points in 71 games? The Hawks will have to eat half of his $10.5M contract in order to entice a team to take the pending UFA. I’m not so sure that will be enough unless Toews can find that old scoring touch this season.

Jake DeBrusk: After publicly requesting a trade, he’s now publicly rescinded it. Although GM Don Sweeney did not dismiss the notion of possibly moving the young forward on. DeBrusk has a nice second half to last season and finished with 42 points in 77 games. He will have teams interested if he’s shopped.

Blake Wheeler: He had a solid season with 16 goals and 65 points in 60 contests. However, the Jets are going to have to eat a chunk of his cap hit in order to facilitate a trade. He has two years remaining with a whopping $8.25M AAV and very few playoff contenders can afford him at that cost. This is more likely a trade deadline deal if he gets moved at all.

–The Daily Goal Horn

While I truly believe the Rangers have serious interest in reuniting with J.T. Miller from the Vancouver Canucks, they aren’t the only ones. So there’s probably a good chance that any additions for a playoff run will come in the form of a rental.

For this article, I decided to flip the script a little and talk about players the Rangers are unlikely to land in a trade and provide a reason why. Let’s dive in.

Unlikely Rangers Trade Targets: Joe Pavelski

Pavelski, 37, has 48 points in 43 games this season and will be a UFA in July. When the trade deadline rolls around, many teams will come a knocking for the versatile pivot. Although he seems to have already made up his mind where he’d rather be.

“We love it there,” Pavelski said of his wife, Sarah, and their son, Nate. “Things couldn’t be any better for us right now. The family’s doing great. It’s a great city. Really enjoy the guys in the locker room and the team. For us right now, that’s probably the No. 1 option.”

The Mercury News

There’s still a chance Pavelski may be moved at the deadline, but Dallas is is just 4 points out of a playoff spot. If they are still close, and with his public statement that this is where he wants to stay, Pavelski will remain with the Stars.

Claude Giroux

The Philadelphia Flyers captain was already rising on the NHL Trade Bait Board before GM Chuck Fletcher made these comments:

“It will be Claude’s decision,” Fletcher said. “Claude has a no-move [clause] in his contract; ultimately that will be his decision [to waive]. We’re at the halfway point [of the season]. We’re two months to the trade deadline. We’ll continue to have conversations, and ultimately a decision will have to be made one way or the other. But it’ll be Claude’s decision.”

ESPN

Giroux, 33, is in the final year of a contract that comes with a $8.275M cap hit. He has 35 points in 42 games this season and would be an excellent top six add for teams hunting for a Cup.

The expectation is that Giroux will seek a trade to a contender and everyone is pointing to the Colorado Avalanche. Also, it’s hard to see a scenario where the Flyers would trade him within the division, including the Rangers.

Tomas Hertl

Last month, I spoke with a team executive about the upcoming NHL Trade Deadline. During the chat I asked about some potential and obvious names on the market.

One name that everyone expects to be high on many teams’ trade lists is San Jose Sharks forward Tomas Hertl.

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 38 points in 46 contests.

As soon as he was mentioned, the response I received was that the Sharks are probably going to keep him. In truth, why wouldn’t they? Especially if Evander Kane’s grievance fails, San Jose will have that full $7 million in cap space to extend Hertl.

Per multiple reports, the Sharks told inquiring teams in the offseason that they were still hopeful to work things out. That seems even more likely now.

John Klingberg

Klingberg, 29, has 23 points in 37 games this season. According to multiple reports, the two sides had been talking but are too far apart on a deal to prevent him from becoming a UFA this summer. He’s looking for an 8 year deal in the neighborhood of $63 million.

As far as trade destination go, Jeff Marek mentioned back in November that the Carolina Hurricanes are interested. Larry Brooks in the NY Post speculated that New York Rangers will be in on the pending UFA rental as well.

The cost to acquire a player like Klingberg makes no sense to the Rangers. Dallas would also pit Chris Drury in a bidding war with the Carolina Hurricanes making the move less attractive. Plus, he is a true rental because his next contract does not fit with the Rangers cap situation.

Jakob Chychrun

Jakob Chychrun’s name in the rumor mill is like a train coming down the tracks. It started as a rumble off in the distance but after Jeff Marek’s latest reporting sounds like it will blow through the station.

“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.”

Since then, the Rangers interest has been labeled as “overstated” by Larry Brooks. This is another situation where the cost to acquire is just too much for one player. Names like Vitali Kravtsov, Filip Chytil, and Nils Lundkvist have been mentioned going the other way.

It would be wiser for Drury to move those assets for multiple players like J.T. Miller, Reilly Smith, and Mark Giordano.

NHL Rumors

A look at available Senators players. Maple Leafs trade deadline approach, and a Rangers offer for J.T. Miller? Read more.

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.

While the New York Rangers and Chris Kreider were putting the final touches on a 7-3 comeback win at the Garden, a report of a trade offer for Jakob Chychrun ran like wildfire.

Sportsnet’s HNIC has a segment called 32 Thoughts which features Elliotte Friedman and Jeff Marek.

Chychrun of course was playing for the Coyotes last night against the Blueshirts when Marek dropped the info.

Rangers trade offer for Chychrun

“The Coyotes are looking for a package that includes a young player, a prospect, and a first round pick,” Jeff Marek said. “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.”

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.

Kravtsov, 21, is playing really well for Traktor in the KHL. In 19 games, he’s picked up 13 points which includes 6 goals. He was selected by the Rangers in the 2018 Draft, 9th overall and his situation and fallout with the organization is well documented.

The inclusion of Kravtsov makes complete logical sense. However, if the current offer has a first round pick in 2022, it’s unlikely to be the Rangers at this time. New York will need that pick in order to land at least one rental forward at the trade deadline.

Plus, if the Rangers are offering Kravtsov, and possibly a player like Nils Lundkvist that should be the heart of the deal. Drury needs to be very careful with what he gives up. Chychrun would be a vital piece to the team’s future for the next three seasons, but winning the Cup this season will also need another top six scoring forward.

The first round pick will be vital in acquiring one.

Rangers power rankings and playoff odds

Yesterday, The Daily Goal Horn published its latest NHL Power Rankings. Here’s a recap:

January’s Top Ten Teams:

1. Florida Panthers 28-8-5 (New)
2. Pittsburgh Penguins 25-10-5 ⬆️
3. Colorado Avalanche 27-8-3 (New)
4. Carolina Hurricanes 27-8-2 ⬇️
5. New York Rangers 26-11-4 (Even)
6. Tampa Bay Lightning 27-10-5 ⬇️
7. St. Louis Blues 24-11-5 (New)
8. Nashville Predators 25-14-3 ⬇️
9. Toronto Maple Leafs 24-10-3 ⬇️
10. Boston Bruins 23-12-2 (New)

New York Rangers: The Blueshirts continue to stun many hockey experts with their resiliency. They are 7-3 in their last 10 games, which is really impressive when you realize it includes a 5 game west coast road trip.

Per the website MoneyPuck, the New York Rangers chances of making the playoffs has jumped up since last month from 87.6%. to 94.7%. Some additional odds have them a 7.8% to win the Metro, and a 1.3% chance of winning the Cup.

Taking a look at some of the Power Rankings around the league, the Blueshirts appeared to have climbed on many charts. Here’s how they’ve moved in rankings from the last time we checked in December to January:

• NHL.com 8th to 4th
• The Athletic 8th (same)
• ESPN 9th to 8th
• NBCSports 11th to 9th
• Sportsnet 7th to 4th

NHL Rumors

Fire sale in Chicago? Bruins a spot for Kessel and a possible DeBrusk for Chiarot trade? Read more.

Arizona Coyotes defenseman Jakob Chychrun is one of the hottest names on the NHL’s trade market. The big question tonight seems to be if he will be leaving New York City?

That’s because a new report indicates the New York Rangers have an offer on the table that the Yotes could be considering.

Rangers have offer for 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,” Jeff Marek said on 32 Thoughts tonight. “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.”

This is a follow up report from Marek, who recently noted that the Coyotes package would likely be similar to what the Sharks gave up for Brent Burns.

“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.”

Chychrun makes sense for the Rangers

Chris Drury 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.

Prior to tonight’s report, there was rumblings that linked the Rangers to Chychrun from what I could gather.

Obviously, Chychrun is going to cost significant pieces but for what the Yotes are looking for, the Rangers have ample amounts of.

What if the deal that includes Vitali Kravtsov also has K’Andre Miller, whom Chychrun would replace? It is possible that the Rangers may be willing to part with with Filip Chytil as well. The key for Drury will be trying to keep his first round pick in order to use it for a rental forward.

Another possibility could be either Zac Jones or 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. It fits the ready to win now mode.

If the Rangers can keep Miller, he could be a great pair with Braden Schneider down the stretch.

NHL Rumors

Fire sale in Chicago? Bruins a spot for Kessel and a possible DeBrusk for Chiarot trade? Read more.

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.

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For the New York Rangers, there’s plenty of options that will fit the bill come the Trade Deadline on March 21. At forward you have San Jose’s Tomas Hertl and Vegas’ Reilly Smith. On defense, Seattle’s Mark Giordano would make a great fit.

However, limiting yourself to just the rental market is shortsighted. Especially for the Blueshirts whose window to win the Cup is just beginning to open.

Rangers trade target Jakob Chychrun

Arizona Coyotes defenseman Jakob Chychrun is one of the hottest names on the NHL’s trade market.

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 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.

On a recent Sportsnet’s 32 Thoughts segment, Jeff Marek provided an update on the situation. Which includes the fact that at least 10 teams have made offers.

“A couple of offers have given the Coyotes cause for pause,” Marek said. “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.

Chris Drury 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. Rumblings indicate the Blueshirts are likely one of those 10 teams.

The package would be significant, but the Rangers could do it since they are overloaded with young players and prospects.

What if a deal that centered around K’Andre Miller, whom Chychrun would replace, along with Filip Chytil, and a first round pick sound? That would not address the team’s third pair issues, unless Arizona would 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. It’s fits the ready to win now mode.

Plus, from a cap standpoint it makes even more sense over the next few seasons. Miller’s ELC will expire in 2023.

Tyler Toffoli would be perfect

“Chris Drury has been looking for a forward to play top 9 or top six for weeks, if not months,” Darren Dreger said on TSN OverDrive. “Nothing is happening. That may speak to the parity, and we are a long way from who is a playoff team and who isn’t.”

We know that there are some solid options on the rental market for a forward. However, there is a player with some term on his deal that makes sense to me. I’m not the only one who sees it.

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

Montreal Canadiens forward Tyler Toffoli is very similar to Chris Kreider in how he plays and how he scores. Only difference is he can play right wing.

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.

Toffoli has recorded 17 points (five goals, 12 assists) in 26 games this season and would be a great fit with Ryan Strome and Artemi Panarin.

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