The plan remains clear. The Rangers desire a top-line right wing to help get Mika Zibanejad going at 5-on-5. They also wish to upgrade at third-line center, filling the void left by Filip Chytil’s season-ending upper-body injury believed to be a concussion.

And don’t rule out the Blueshirts trying to acquire a third-pair defenseman, or at least a depth blue-liner.

So, that’s some heavy lifting for general manager Chris Drury in the coming days. And that’s without factoring in Drury doesn’t want to mess with solid team chemistry.

That said, let’s see what the Blueshirts trade board looks like at this point.

Related: Projecting moves Rangers will make before trade deadline

Updated Rangers trade board 3 days before NHL deadline

10. – Kevin Labanc – F – San Jose Sharks

Previous: NR

OK, this would not be a popular move. Let’s start with that. Labanc has been scratched the past six games by the second-worst team in the League. He has only two goals in 37 games and is a minus-21. But the 28-year-old is a New York kid who’s been solid in even-strength point production throughout his career and could absolutely benefit from a change in scenery. San Jose would have to eat half his salary, but even with that, it would not cost the Rangers much to land Labanc. However, this is more of a last-resort option if better ones don’t bear fruit.

9. Yakov Trenin – C – Nashville Predators

Previous: NR

Trenin plays a heavy game, perfectly suited for the postseason. He’s not going to help the bottom six generate more offense but he’d be a solid add for his defensive smarts and physical play. He did score 17 goals two seasons ago, but has 10 this season, which is less of an outlier. The Rangers have scouted him and he’d be an affordable 3C option.

UPDATE: Trenin was traded to Colorado Avalanche on March 7.

8. Kyle Okposo – RW – Buffalo Sabres

Previous: NR

Okposo has recently been linked to the Rangers. At this stage of his career, the Sabres captain seems better suited to a third-line role than top-minutes on the ZIbanejad line. But Okposo is a pro’s pro, a solid two-way wing, who has 12 goals this season and had 21 two seasons ago. Okposo wouldn’t cost much to acquire, but the Rangers likely seek a more dynamic option on the wing.

7. Jordan Eberle – RW – Seattle Kraken

Previous: No. 3

Eberle fell quite a few spots in the latest Rangers trade board because rumors continue to swirl that he’s not on the trade block and could be a candidate for a contract extension. However, he remains an intriguing option if the Kraken do seek offers for the pending UFA. Eberle is sitting on 296 career goals and produces both 5V5 and on the power play, making him a good fit with New York.

6. Joel Edmundson – D – Washington Capitals

Previous: No. 9

Edmundson would be an excellent fit on the Rangers third defense pairing, providing defensive stability that Erik Gustafsson cannot. The 30-year-old is the best left-shot defenseman who’s also a rental on the market, steady and reliable and with a winning pedigree. He won the Stanley Cup in 2019 and played in another Cup Final, and said recently he’s hungry to play for a true contender again. It might cost too much to land Edmundson, though, since there will be many teams in on him.

UPDATE: Edmundson was traded to Toronto Maple Leafs on March 7.

5. Tyler Johnson – F – Chicago Blackhawks

Previous: No. 6

Johnson is pointless in his past four games after the 35-year-old had five points (three goals, two assists) in his previous six. But he’s an intriguing option. Johnson has value as the 3C and can also play wing, so the versatility in a long playoff run is worth keeping in mind. He’s also played 116 Stanley Cup Playoff games and is a two-time Cup winner. Haven’t heard his name pop up too often in regards to the Rangers, but he could be a real under-the-radar pick up.

4. Anthony Duclair – RW – San Jose Sharks

Previous: No. 7

The Duke gets a fairly significant bump here and it’s just a feel that a reunion with him could be the second best option at right wing for the Rangers. He has scored 14 goals in 55 games on a bad team, but was a key contributor for the Florida Panthers in the 2023 postseason, which has to be intriguing to the Blueshirts. He’s a fast, shoot-first wing, who’s not just a power-play scorer. That’s key when considering he’d play with Zibanejad if brought back to New York.

UPDATE: Duclair was traded to Tampa Bay Lightning on March 7.

Related: Why Rangers must acquire top-line right wing to spark Mika Zibanejad

3. Adam Henrique – C – Anaheim Ducks

Previous: No. 2

Originally, Henrique was No. 1 on this list after the All-Star break. Then he dropped to No. 2 a week ago. Now, he’s been passed by fellow center Alex Wennberg. That doesn’t mean Henrique wouldn’t be a solid fit as New York’s 3C. But it’d cost more to acquire Henrique than Wenbberg and there’s more salary at play, too. If right wing wasn’t their most pressing need, Henrique might be worth it for the Rangers. But that’s not the case. So, he’s dropped back another spot here, though still worth taking a close look at. 

UPDATE: Henrique was traded to the Edmonton Oilers on March 6.

2. Alex Wennberg – C – Seattle Kraken

Previous: No. 8

Wennberg was held out of Seattle’s 4-2 win against the Calgary Flames on Monday for “trade-related issues.” Reportedly, the Kraken are evaluating offers from the Rangers, Boston Bruins and Colorado Avalanche, if not another team or two. The Rangers likely need a third team to make the money work, but they are solidly in on the 29-year-old two-way center, who’s a more affordable option than Henrique.

UPDATE: Wennberg was traded to the Rangers on March 6.

1. Frank Vatrano – RW – Anaheim Ducks

Previous: No. 1

This is the player that’s made the most sense for the Rangers all along, and it appears they are trying their best to push this deal over the goal line. Of course, the Ducks do not have to deal Vatrano, who has one more season after this one on his contract. So, they could revisit the trade market this summer or at next season’s deadline. But there’s no guarantee Vatrano will duplicate his career-high 29 goals (so far), which means his trade value might be the highest it’s ever going to be right now. It’s going to cost the Rangers to get him, but Vatrano already proved in 2022 that he’s an excellent fit alongside Zibanejad and Chris Kreider.

Additionally, Larry Brooks of the NY Post reaffirms Forever Blueshirts report that Anaheim Ducks Frank Vatrano is a top target.

“I keep hearing his name, but they are going to have to do something to entice Pat Verbeek (Ducks GM) to move him,” a source told us in late February. “He’s not in the position where he’s walking out the door for nothing, so he won’t be looking to sell at any cost.”

Rangers may be getting traction on Wennberg…In addition, told NYR have more interest in Vatrano than Henrique….

— Larry Brooks (@NYP_Brooksie) March 4, 2024

Rangers working on trades

Wennberg, 29, has registered 25 points (nine goals, 16 assists) in 60 games this season. The Rangers are among several teams that have expressed interest in Wennberg, including the Boston Bruins and Colorado Avalanche.

Per Arthur Staple, there’s a possibility the Rangers could be using a third team to lower Wennberg’s AAV. A second-round pick and a prospect to Seattle for Wennberg, and a fourth or fifth round selection to another team may drive his cap hit to as low as $1.125 million.

#NYR could use a third team to get double retention on Wennberg to keep the cap hit down to $1.125m… 2nd and a prospect to SEA/4th or 5th elsewhere could get it done

— Arthur Staple (@StapeNHL) March 4, 2024

Meanwhile, Vatrano is a player that could spark Mika Zibanejad and Chris Kreider’s to start scoring more 5v5.

The former Blueshirts forward has an NHL career-high 29 goals in an All-Star season, and has another year left on his contract with a $3.65 million which means he isn’t a rental.

“The price for Frank Vatrano is high,” Elliotte Friedman wrote in his 32 Thoughts blog Monday. “He’d be perfect in many places, but someone reminded me that, a year ago, there was interest in [center Adam] Henrique, but [Ducks] GM Pat Verbeek made it clear if he didn’t get what he wanted, he could wait.”

Initially, Forever Blueshirts was told that the Rangers 2024 second-round pick along with either prospect Brett Berard or Matthew Robertson may be enough to get it done. Based on the latest reports, that pick now has to be a first rounder.

One final note, we have also learned that an upgrade over Erik Gustafsson is also on general manager’s Chris Drury’s radar. A name brought to my attention is Joel Edmundson in Washington.

Edmundson, 30, has played 44 games this season and amassed six points (1 goal, 5 assists). The pending UFA comes with a $1.75 million cap hit, that could come down with salary retention. A defensemen prospect like Matthew Robertson or Zac Jones could get the deal done.

So why Edmundson? He won the Stanley Cup in 2019 with the St. Louis Blues and played in the Stanley Cup Final in 2021 for the Montreal Canadiens, who fell to the Tampa Bay Lightning.

In a perfect world scenario, Kane would waive his full no-move clause only in a trade to the Blueshirts as to keep the cost to acquire him down.

That was all good when early preseason assumptions had the Rangers near the top of the Metro Division standings. Unfortunately, games aren’t played on paper and the team sits two points out of the last wild card spot with a quarter of the season gone.

New York Rangers need help now

The Rangers are struggling mightily losing three straight and having just four wins in their last 12 games (4-6-2).

It’s not just the record, but the manner in which they’re losing. This team is having trouble holding a lead and have broken Igor Shesterkin. After allowing four unanswered goals in the third period against the Oilers on Saturday, the team blew a 2-0 lead versus the Devils on Monday.

“Goalie played s–t game again,” said a frustrated Shesterkin. “I feel so bad and play so bad. I’m ashamed. Every goal is an easy play for me. I have to stop those. If our team wants to win the game, I have to play better.”

Two big issues that are plaguing the Rangers right now:

• A top six right wing
• A veteran left defenseman

As the season slowly slips away, addressing these problems quickly is paramount.

Kane can wait, trade for defense

With the Rangers struggling to hold on to a lead the immediate need is defense.

Patrick Kane can wait!

Let’s start off with Gerard Gallant leaving Kaapo Kakko alone in the top six for the rest of the season. I’m still of the belief that Alexis Lafreniere should be up there as well. If the team is more comfortable with him staying on the left, it’s time to move the veteran Chris Kreider to the right.

My point is the Rangers have options to hold them over up front until it makes sense for Kane. However, on defense it’s clear that Libor Hajek and Zac Jones aren’t the answer. At least not for this coach.

The Rangers will need to clear some cap space in order to take on a decent veteran left defenseman. Per CapFriendly, the Rangers have $2 million in cap space available.

Montreal’s Joel Edmondson is a name I’ve heard in the past that just might make a good partner for Braden Schneider. The 29 year-old defenseman has one more year remaining on his contract that comes with a $3.5 million AAV.

We all know Gallant loves size and he’s 6-4′ and weighs 227 lbs. The Rangers may be able to get the Canadiens to eat some of his cap hit if they include a high draft pick along with Zac Jones ($925K), whom Jeff Gorton drafted.

There could be cheaper options elsewhere. Maybe a left defenseman that will be a UFA next season, but getting a rental early usually costs more than when you acquire them at the deadline when the trade market is saturated with them.

For more cap space, the Rangers should also consider trading Sammy Blais and his $1.525 million cap hit. The team can easily call up less expensive options in Gustav Rydahl or Will Cuylle to take his place.

Bottom line, this Rangers team needs help keeping the puck out of the net before they add Kane to put the puck in.

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If you’re wondering, the Rangers don’t play Montreal until January 5. As for Vancouver, that’s even further down road on February 8.

Plenty of scouts from around the league in attendance for Canucks-Habs tonight 👀

(📸: @StuCowan1) pic.twitter.com/3JiG4u3Tt8

— Tim and Friends (@timandfriends) November 10, 2022

Rangers send scout to Canucks vs Habs

The Blueshirts have a number of scouts, but to send Joy is very interesting. Since scheduled contests against these teams isn’t for months, it’s extremely likely that a trade could be possible.

What do the Rangers need? More secondary scoring to their bottom six, or a legit top six right wing to keep Alexis Lafrenière at his natural LW position on the third line. That’s where the Montreal Canadiens come in as they’ve been reportedly out there trying to move their plethora of veteran forwards.

Pierre LeBrun recently noted on TSN’s Insider Trading that Montreal has been calling teams looking to move players like Evgenii Dadonov, Jonathan Drouin, and Mike Hoffman. It should be noted that the all but Hoffman would be considered a rental, as he has another year left on his deal.

As for the Canucks, there could be some major changes coming after another awful start. This time, it could very well go beyond firing the head coach. While young players like Elias Pettersson and Quinn Hughes are untouchables, they could be open to shaking things up immediately with some of their veterans.

Vancouver’s center and captain, Bo Horvat is a pending UFA with a great contract for this season ($5.5M) and would really deepen the Rangers three lines.

“Our priority is to keep Bo (Horvat),” President Jim Rutherford said on Sportsnet’s Canucks Central.. “We recognize what he can do for us. I hope we can sign him but if he keeps playing like this we’re going to get a better return for him.”

Horvat, 27, haș a ridiculous 12 goals and 16 points in 14 games this season.

Of course, the Rangers could also be looking for help on defense and 29 year-old lefty Joel Edmundson from the Habs may be a possibility. He has another year remaining at $3.5M AAV.

Whatever deal is made, the Rangers are cap strapped at the moment, which means they have to send a roster player or two with salary the other way. Even then, it’s likely GM Chris Drury will need for the other team to retain 50% of the cap hit to make a trade work.

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Evander Kane suffers scary wrist cut. Read more.

NHL Rumors: Canucks management is not happy. Read more.

Top 5 surprise players this season. Read more.

“The NHL has rescheduled the New York Rangers vs. Islanders game at Madison Square Garden – originally scheduled for November 28, 2021 — to March 17, 2022 at 7:00 p.m.,” the teams said in a statement. “All tickets purchased for the originally scheduled game can be used for the rescheduled date.”

Joel Edmundson a trade target?

The Rangers are rolling with 10 wins in their last 11, so there’s absolutely no urgency to make a trade anytime soon.

It is believed that Chris Drury is in the market for a third pair defenseman. Whether that’s an upgrade over Patrik Nemeth or a new partner for him remains to be seen.

While I am a proponent for Mark Giordano, who was previously on their radar this summer, other options are emerging. Today, Larry Brooks speculated that Montreal’s Joel Edmundson could be a good fit.

I wonder whether Montreal’s Joel Edmundson might be a target. Edmundson is 6-foot-5, 224 pounds, and plays that way. But the 28-year-old is operating under a contract that carries a $3.5 million cap hit through 2023-24. The Canadiens would probably have to eat half for the Rangers to consider it and even that might not be enough.

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Another name mentioned was Anaheim’s Hampus Lindholm, and either could be a viable option. However, I believe the cost for Edmundson would be higher than Drury is willing to pay because he isn’t a rental.

If I’m Drury, I am looking for cheaper options on the third pair.

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