What started as a report that the Rangers and Winnipeg Jets had a discussion about pending RFA center Pierre-Luc Dubois has devolved into sheer madness. There’s been no less than a half dozen names associated with the Blueshirts over the last few days, some are very much true and others sheer speculation or musings.

This article will attempt to analyze some of those names and put them into categories. We will start with the ridiculous to simply get them out of the way. Then we will venture into the possible and realistic options.

New York Rangers center options: The Ridiculous

Nazem Kadri

Frank Seravalli of the Daily Faceoff recently discussed pending UFA center Nazem Kadri on a recent podcast. He’s one of the hottest pending UFAs after scoring 87 points in 71 games last season.

“I think– I should say I know that one team that has Nazem Kadri high up on their list is the New York Rangers,” Seravalli said on the DFO Rundown. “Ryan Strome, take that money out and pay Nazem Kadri.”

Here’s the problem, Strome’s money is already out of the equation. The Rangers have just about $10 million in cap space remaining with holes to fill, including re-signing Kaapo Kakko to a bridge deal in the neighborhood of $2M per season.

The speculated contract on Kadri’s next deal, who is 31, is 7 years at $8M plus. How does that math work? Sure, you could make it feasible for this season if you dump players like Patrik Nemeth and Ryan Reaves, but it doesn’t work beyond that.

New York has to extend both Alexis Lafrenière, K’Andre Miller, and Filip Chytil (unless he’s traded) next summer.

While the Rangers were certainly rumored to be interested last season, it just doesn’t fit now. That’s why this lands firmly in the ridiculous category.

Evgeni Malkin

Another name attached to the New York Rangers thanks to pure speculation on the part of Elliotte Friedman is Evgeni Malkin of the Pittsburgh Penguins.

“I would wonder if the Rangers would try something (with Malkin on a short-term contract),” Friedman said on the That’s Hockey Talk Podcast.

Malkin, 35, finished the year with 42 points in 41 games. He’s wrapping up a deal worth $9.5M AAV against the cap and seems like an attractive option.

However, there was a report during the playoffs that Pittsburgh offered both Malkin and Kris Letang a 3 year-deal worth $5M AAV which they considered too low.

Do the Rangers really want an injury prone Malkin until he’s 38 years-old at over $5M AAV? That’s why this seems ridiculous to even entertain.

New York Rangers center options: The Possible

J.T. Miller

When the offseason started, the Canucks were listening to offers on Miller and Brock Boeser. Well, Boeser has just signed an extension for three years making Miller very likely to be traded.

Miller, 29, was the Canucks leading scorer with 99 points in 80 games this past season. He has one year left on his current deal which comes at a very affordable $5.25M cap hit. Speculation has his next deal expected to be in the $8.5M AAV range for at least 5 years.

Initially I believed the cost to acquire Miller would be too high, but after the Kings acquired Kevin Fiala for a first round pick and a prospect, Elliotte Friedman feels that Vancouver can get a little bit more.

If that’s the case, maybe Nils Lundkvist, and next year’s first-round pick plus a prospect gets it done. That’s much better than the believed ask of Filip Chytil, Braden Schneider, and a first they asked for at the deadline.

Andrew Copp

Although recent reporting has Copp heading to the market, there’s always a chance the Rangers can find a way to sign him. I will admit it seems slim right now.

The 27 year-old was the team’s top trade deadline acquisition. He posted 53 points in 72 games with 18 of those coming with the Blueshirts. In the playoffs, Copp added 6 goals and 14 points in 20 contests. He’s wrapping up a 1-year deal signed with the Winnipeg Jets for $3.6M. According to Jeff Marek on HNIC, Copp is in line for a new contract in the neighborhood of $5.5M AAV. That now appears to be on the low side.

If the two sides can circle back close to those numbers something could happen quickly.

Pierre-Luc Dubois

When it comes to a longterm player fit, the 24 year-old Dubois is perfect. Of course, in a salary cap world his next contract and more importantly the timing of it doesn’t.

Forget the high cost in trading for him, it’s locking him up for 7 years at around $8M AAV being the problem. The Rangers don’t have that money to give right now. Especially when you consider that Alexis Lafreniere, K’Andre Miller, and Filip Chytil all need new deals next summer as we will continue to mention.

Even if Chytil is part of the package, it’s still precarious to sign Dubois for more than two-years. There’s a gamble Drury can take and that’s to bridge him at around $6M AAV until 2024, that’s when Chris Kreider and Jacob Trouba’s full no-move clauses become modified. They take up $14.5M in cap space combined.

So would you risk trading Kakko, Nils Lundkvist, and your 2023 1st rd pick for a player that may bolt for his hometown Montreal as a UFA in in 2024?

At the end of the day, you don’t win Cups by not taking some risks. I still think this is possible if the Rangers believe they can bridge him for two seasons and sign him longterm in 2024.

New York Rangers center options: The Realistic

Ryan Strome

I simply can’t rule out re-signing Ryan Strome even if he says he’s testing free agency. Especially not after the way he spoke on breakup day.

“Obviously my heart’s here. The last four years I’ve tried to pour everything into this thing on and off the ice,” an emotional Strome said. “I can’t predict the future but all I know is I love these guys and this team is destined for great things. It’s a little emotional. Honestly, it’s a great group of guys and I hope there’s more.”

The 28 year-old center had a solid season with the Rangers picking up 21 goals and 54 points in 74 regular-season games. In the postseason, he added another 9 points in 19 contests playing badly hurt. Strome completed a 2-year deal he signed with the Blueshirts back in 2020 for $4.5M AAV and maybe his heart will bring him with a favorable team deal.

Mark Scheifele

Scheifele, 29, has two years at $6.125M AAV which many teams would jump at including the Rangers. He had a strong season with 70 points in 67 games and is a perfect for this team and its salary cap needs.

While his AAV may be just a tad higher than what Drury is looking for, it’s that two year contract that’s perfect. It coincides with both Chris Kreider’s and Trouba full no-move clauses becoming modified. They represent $14.5M in cap space that could potentially be freed up to give to younger players.

He would also come at a cheaper trade cost than the aforementioned Miller and Dubois. A package of Filip Chytil and a 2023 first-round pick likely gets it done. By trading Chytil’s one-year remaining at $2.3M, it also frees up cap space to re-sign Frank Vatrano. That’s one less RFA to worry about next summer as well.

Despite Elliotte Friedman noting in his recent 32 Thoughts blog that the Jets want to keep Scheifele around, I believe if push came to shove they’d make the trade.

You better be ready for it because the New York Rangers rumors buzz is only going to get louder as we approach free agency on July 13.

There’s plenty of outstanding questions regarding all their pending free agents which include the following:

• Kaapo Kakko (RFA)
• Alexandar Georgiev (RFA)
• Libor Hajek (RFA)
• Julien Gauthier (RFA)
• Ryan Strome (UFA)
• Andrew Copp (UFA)
• Frank Vatrano (UFA)
• Tyler Motte (UFA)
• Justin Braun (UFA)
• Kevin Rooney (UFA)
• Greg McKegg (UFA)

Chris Drury has limited cap space ($10.5M) to work with this summer so many of these players won’t return. He can also try to trade or buyout defenseman Patrik Nemeth. That won’t do much, but every little bit helps. A trade without salary retention is worth $2.5M and a buyout gets them $1.5M this offseason.

With that housekeeping done, let’s dive into the latest trade rumors.

New York Rangers looking to re-sign Tyler Motte

According to NY Post’s Mollie Walker, the Rangers are very likely to re-sign Tyler Motte.

Drury spoke glowingly of the 27 year-old during the playoffs and it became evident at that time he was high on the priority list to keep.

“Free agency is still a bit a ways,” Motte said after the season. “I can’t speak on who’s interested but it will be interesting to see how it goes. I enjoyed being here, that’s for sure.”

This is also an opportunity for Motte to cash in off a solid season posting 15 points in 58 games with 2 playoff goals, so nothing is set in stone.

Motte was making just $1.225M on his last contract. You can expect a decent increase on a multi-year deal. My best guess is something in the neighborhood of $2M per season on a 3-year contract.

Pierre-Luc Dubois and J.T. Miller rumors

There’s growing concern that both Andrew Copp and Ryan Strome will be looking to test the UFA market, which would open up a gaping hole at the second line center position. With Strome being more open to staying on a team he loves, it’s believed that Drury has shifted focus back to him.

Of course, due diligence is taking place on the trade market.

On Wednesday, RDS’ Francois Gagnon reported that the Rangers spoke with the Winnipeg Jets about Pierre-Luc Dubois. The 24 year-old pending RFA is now a top trade bait candidate after he informed the Jets he wants to become a UFA in 2024.

Forever Blueshirts learned that Dubois and Canucks forward J.T. Miller are both on the Rangers radar this summer. Both players have been of interest at various times in the past two seasons.

Miller, 29, has 1 year left at $5.25M and is very likely heading to UFA status next summer. There is also a question if he is the right type of center for Artemi Panarin. He’s also played wing for a good portion of his career.

While Miller fits cap-wise for this season, the cost to acquire him for just one year makes little sense. Unless that price comes down, which was believed to be three pieces, Drury should steer clear.

As for Dubois, he has familiarity with Panarin and has longterm promise. From what I could gather, the trade price would include at least two young players/prospects and a first round pick.

To make things more difficult, locking him up for 7 years will cost Drury around $8M AAV. The really Rangers don’t have that money to give right now. Especially when you consider that Alexis Lafreniere, K’Andre Miller, and Filip Chytil all need new deals next summer.

Even if Chytil is part of the package, it’s still precarious to sign Dubois for more than two-years. There’s a gamble Drury can take and that’s to bridge him at around $6M AAV until 2024, that’s when Chris Kreider and Jacob Trouba’s full no-move clauses become modified. They take up $14.5M in cap space combined.

So would you risk trading Kakko, Nils Lundkvist, and your 2023 1st rd pick for a player that may bolt for his hometown Montreal as a UFA in in 2024? That’s where it’s rumored he eventually wants to play. These are all things Drury must consider in a Dubois trade.

Of course, the Rangers can try to trade for another Jets center in Mark Scheifele. He’s affordable with a $6.125M cap hit for two more years and would be perfect.

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The New York Rangers are possibly looking at a trade to address their future at second line center. Winnipeg Jets pending RFA Pierre-Luc Dubois is reportedly a target for GM Chris Drury according to Francois Gagnon of RDS.

“By the way, according to information obtained during the final, the New York Rangers would be more than interested in acquiring Pierre-Luc Dubois,” said Gagnon in a translated tweet. “Ongoing negotiations with the Jets on the parameters of a transaction. It’s not done, but Chris Drury is very interested.”

Dubois, 24, registered 28 goals and 60 points in 81 games this past season. He’s wrapping up a two-year deal with an AAV of $5M.

New York Rangers interested in Pierre-Luc Dubois

Pierre-Luc Dubois is a pending RFA this summer and is eligible to become a UFA in two more seasons. According to Sportsnet’s Elliotte Friedman, who reported last week that Dubois informed the Winnipeg Jets of his plans to reach unrestricted free agency in 2024.

“Pierre-Luc Dubois has informed the Winnipeg Jets that his current plan is to test unrestricted free agency when eligible in the summer of 2024,” Friedman said. “Now the Jets have control of the process until then, and what we’re also hearing though is that they wish to keep him and have him as a Jet for a long time to come.”

Sportsnet

The Rangers interest in Dubois is not new. When he was on the block before Columbus traded him to Winnipeg in January of 2021, Forever Blueshirts was made aware that the prior regime made several calls to try and acquire him. It should be noted that Drury was Assistant GM at that time.

They weren’t alone as 12 teams reportedly inquired. Those teams included Anaheim, Minnesota, Montreal, Winnipeg, Calgary, Ottawa, Buffalo, Philadelphia, Detroit, Washington and Arizona. 

With the Rangers looking for a second line center for around $6M or less, Dubois may present a more realistic fit than either UFAs Ryan Strome or Andrew Copp.

What will it cost the New York Rangers

In truth, what is there not to like about a 6-3, 218 lb center that is only 24 years-old? He’s a former 3rd overall pick in the 2016 NHL draft and has 239 career points in 361 games. All that while playing for the struggling Blue Jackets and Jets.

Those stats are going to have a lot of teams looking to trade for him, so the Rangers would need to give up a considerable package of young players back.

The Rangers have a pending RFA of their own in Kaapo Kakko they need to sign, he could easily be part of the package along with another prospect like Nils Lundkvist in order to get a deal done.

One major concern is the rumor that Dubois may have his heart set on playing for his hometown team, the Montreal Canadiens. If being traded to the Rangers still doesn’t change his mind about becoming a UFA in two-years, Drury can’t give up anything more than Kakko and Lundkvist.

Is there a way to keep Kakko in the deal? Possibly, if Filip Chytil is of interest. That would mean Barclay Goodrow is the new third-line center, which makes re-singing Tyler Motte even more important.

Another possibility is trading Brennan Othmann along with Lundkvist. However, with the season Othmann just had, I’d look to keep him.

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The Columbus Blue Jackets send Pierre-Luc Dubois and a 3rd round pick to the Winnipeg Jets for Patrik Laine and Jack Roslovic. It’s without the best the Jackets could’ve hoped for as they even replace Dubois at center with Roslovic.

New York Rangers were never going to be a major player for Dubois

If you were hoping that the Rangers could trade players like Ryan Strome and Tony DeAngelo for Dubois, you were sorely mistaken. I also don’t believe the Rangers were willing to part with DeAngelo right now anyway.

If you though the Rangers could offer up a Filip Chytil as well to sweeten the pot, you were mistaken again. The Rangers were unlikely to land him from the beginning, just by a matter of circumstance.

A well placed source already told me back in early January that the Jackets were unlikely tor trade Dubois to the Rangers. The Jackets are slated to return to the Metro next season and likely meant they wanted even more to do so.

Don’t Worry, the Rangers are going to push for star players soon

At the same time I was told that Dubois was unlikely, it was reiterated that the Rangers are going to be in a position soon to acquire big time players.

Here’s what I was told just a week ago by a well placed source, the Rangers have too many highly rated prospects and all are not going to play here. The expectation is if they don’t make a move at this deadline, the Rangers will be aggressive in the offseason.

Forever Blueshirts 1/5/21

So hold on tight fans, and watch players like Alexis Lafreniere, Kaapo Kakko, K’Andre Miller, and Filip Chytil start to come into their own. Because sooner rather than later, your screams for another star center may be answered.

Jack Eichel anyone?

Alexis Lafreniere’s ice time with Rangers so far this season

• 13:21 (vs NYI)
• 16:31 (vs NYI)
• 14:14 (vs NJD)
• 15:06 (vs PIT)
• 14:48 AVG

As far as 5v5 ice time goes, only Artemi Panarin (14:58), Pavel Buchnevich (13:35) and Ryan Strome (13:10) have played more than Lafreniere (12:17).

The 19 year-old rookie is a -2 on the season, but only has 5 shots on 10 attempts in the early going. Lafreniere is coming in to the league known for his playmaking ability, but needs to start shooting more to keep defenders honest.

If he can start playing away from the boards and get to the middle of the ice, the points will come.

RELATED: LAFRENIERE FACES OFF AGAINST IDOL CROSBY

Artemi Panarin truly a special player

Last night Artemi Panarin recorded his 100th point as a member of the New York Rangers. He did so in 73 games on the strength of 34 goals and 66 assists.

Certainly many Rangers have notched 100 points in the Blue Sweater, but none faster than Panarin. With his PP assist on Adam Fox’s goal he surpassed Mark Messier who scored his 100th Rangers point n 74 games.

We all know just how special Messier was to the Rangers franchise. Panarin is walking a very similar path on Broadway.

RELATED: RANGERS FALL TO PENGUINS IN SHOOTOUT

NHL Rumors: Rangers not in on Pierre-Luc Dubois

The rumor mill was buzzing last night upon Darren Dreger’s report that Pierre-Luc Dubois was close to being traded. He followed that up with expecting a deal to be completed as soon as today.

According to the insiders, Dubois is most likely headed to Winnipeg in a multi-player deal where Patrik Laine and Jack Roslovic could be headed to Columbus.

Prior to Dreger’s reporting, I wrote that the Rangers (who are interested) did not feel that the Jackets would trade Dubois within the division. Remember, they are in the Metro and this current realignment is temporary.

For the latest, read The Daily Goal Horn.

It goes without saying that I think other teams have as well.
Now the question is which teams can satisfy what the CBJ want. This won't be a futures-only deal. I think Columbus wants this to be a hockey deal if/when they proceed.

— Pierre LeBrun (@PierreVLeBrun) January 22, 2021

Source: Rangers doubt Columbus will trade him within the division

I spoke with a well placed source that doesn’t believe the Jackets would trade Dubois to them or anyone else in the Metro. There is of course the possibility of realignment but at this moment, it’s expected divisions will revert to pre-pandemic set up.

The source also added that the Rangers are going to be in a position very soon to go after some big named players and cited the prospect depth pool. “Everyone can’t play here,” I was told.

Still, there’s a chance that if the Rangers present the best offer, Columbus won’t let being within a division stop them.

PLD speaks to the media from Nationwide Arena.

Full Interview: https://t.co/RY6v2898lq#CBJ | @HMARcars pic.twitter.com/a5GcUDsYPA

— Columbus Blue Jackets (@BlueJacketsNHL) January 22, 2021

Rangers will keep tabs on situation regardless

No matter what, the Rangers will keep a close eye on this situation. I’ve also heard they and others may have already re-engaged with Columbus.

Eventually, I’m guessing next summer, the Rangers are going to get around to finding another top-6 centre for their talented lineup. Can you imagine if that’s Dubois? A 1-2 punch at centre of Mika Zibanejad and Dubois and all that talent on the wings… Yikes. There’s absolutely no question in my mind the Rangers will be among the many teams who check in with Columbus. The fly in the ointment is that Columbus ideally would rather avoid trading within their own (normal) division. So there’s that. But as far as a need and fit, this is a good one.

Pierre LeBrun

So when you hear a center like Pierre-Luc Dubois is available it is certainly tantalizing to a New York Rangers fan. And since he is looking for a change of scenery, it does raise the question if they should pay the price to obtain him.

Pierre-Luc Dubois looking for a trade

What is there not to like about a 6-3, 218 lb center that is only 22 years-old? Compounded by the fact that player also was a 3rd overall pick in the 2016 NHL draft and has 159 career points. All that while playing for an offensively inept Blue Jackets squad in 238 career games.

Did I also mention in his second year in the league he scored 27 goals? At age 20!

Latest rumors have him interested in playing for the Montreal Canadiens, but a bigger stage is what he really desires.

What would it cost to land Dubois

As far as the Rangers go, a package that didn’t also include a player like Adam Fox, or Kaapo Kakko probably wouldn’t move the needle. That’s also likely a non-started for Jeff Gorton. But the Rangers do have a lot of other options.

It would make more sense for the Rangers to trade Ryan Strome in the deal. Basically, Dubois would automatically be the #2 center anyway. Of course, Strome alone isn’t getting it done and will require additional pieces including a prospect like Vitali Kravtsov, or K’Andre Miller.

Of course, trading Miller doesn’t seem like an option either. Remember, you have to give to get. Would Tony DeAngelo move the needle instead? Just keep in mind, you can’t have 4 lines of first liners just because you think that’s how it works. And you can’t have top pair defenseman from top to the bottom either.

Bottom Line, there’s cap concerns too

Dubois is also certain to be looking for a deal in the $9 million range when this one expires in the summer of 2022. Which the Rangers would need to clear cap space for, that can be helped with moving Strome, assuming the Jackets want him.

Bottom line, even if Dubois is available the Blue Jackets are even more unlikely to trade him into the division. Yes, there is realignment this season but all is expected to go back to the previous alignment next season.

If there is a deal that needs to be made, I’d look at teams like the Chicago Blackhawks, or L.A. Kings as potential trade partners first. The Rangers are going to make plays for big players next season, but making a play for Dubois would require a willingness from Columbus to do so.

Not sure the Jackets want to miss the playoffs in the future thanks to a player who wanted out of their city. Then again, maybe a permanent NHL realignment is coming and it won’t matter.

LATEST NHL RUMORS

New York Rangers Trade Rumors: Aleksander Barkov

Aleksander Barkov is a wanted man, at least according to the latest TSN Insider Trading.

“I’m told that a number of teams have made inquiries to GM Bill Zito over the last number of weeks to check out Barkov’s availability,” Frank Seravalli revealed. Zito also wanted it to be clear that he is not looking to trade him.

The 25 year-old will be a UFA in 2022 and the belief is the Panthers may not be able to sign him. Anytime a young center who has 407 points in just 479 games is even thought to be available, you can expect lots of rumors around him.

Teams rumored to be interested are the New York Rangers, Chicago Blackhawks, Anaheim Ducks, and L.A. Kings.

The fact that Rangers are involved and possibly one of the teams that made an inquiry should come as no shock. The Blueshirts feel they are another top center away from contention.

Tony DeAngelo on thin ice

The young defenseman has been a lightning rod of controversy since he’s been with the Rangers. Whether it’s his now deleted Twitter account, or his clashes with coach David Quinn, it’s become a little distracting. At least in the eyes of fans and media.

I will say this though, when it comes to his teammates and in the locker room he’s well liked.

After the Rangers season opening loss where DeAngelo took an undisciplined penalty for unsportsmanlike conduct, he found himself skating with the taxi squad. This could all result in a scratch for the league’s fourth highest scoring defenseman from last season.

This isn’t the first time David Quinn has scratched him if that is indeed what happens today. The bigger question is, with Nils Lundkvist just a Lulea contract termination away from signing his ELC, could DeAngelo be a trade bait candidate?

The word I am getting this early in the season is “yes.” DeAngelo is likely to be the centerpiece in any trade for a center.

Pierre-Luc Dubois rumor update

One of the top NHL Insiders and a friend to this network, Nick Kypreos reported that Pierre-Luc Dubois wants to play for the Montreal Canadiens.

According to Kyper, Jarmo Kekalainen wants a package that starts with Nick Suzuki and more. The ball could very well be in Marc Bergevin’s court. If that’s the case, Rangers are likely already out on this one.

Pierre-Luc Dubois first destination choice is @CanadiensMTL The @BlueJacketsNHL ask is now focused around Nick Suzuki / plus. Romanov has been deemed untouchable. Would you do it if your Marc Bergevin? @Line_Movement

— Nick Kypreos (@RealKyper) January 14, 2021

Rangers to trim training camp roster soon

Here’s a look at the remaining schedule for the Blueshirts. Based on how things have been planned all cuts plus the naming of the taxi-squad should be completed on January 12.

Sunday, Jan. 10

• 10:30 a.m. – Group A on-ice
• 11:30 a.m. – Scrimmage between Group A and Group B
• 12:30 p.m. – Group B on-ice
• Media Availability via zoom following scrimmage (for Group A players) and following Group B session

Monday, Jan. 11

• 10:30 a.m. – Group A pre-game skate
• 11:45 a.m. – Group B pre-game skate
• 7:00 p.m. – Scrimmage between Group A and Group B
• Media Availability via zoom following scrimmage

The Rangers will have a day off on January 12 followed by a regular practice by the full team on January 13.

A Heavy Price for Dubois

In Larry Brooks’ latest Slap Shots piece he discusses the steep price to acquire Pierre-Luc Dubois. The long-time Rangers beat writer suggests that if team were trying to acquire young star center it would cost them the likes of Kaapo Kakko, since Alexis Lafreniere would be off the table. He also tosses in names like Filip Chytil and K’Andre Miller along with Kakko.

I think it’s a little much to stress a point.

One of FTHN’s little slogans is that we are usually, “ahead of the curve” as I like to say. This topic was dealt with on December 31st and here’s what I had to say.

As far as the Rangers go, a package that didn’t also include a player like Adam Fox, or Kaapo Kakko wouldn’t move the needle. It would make more sense for the Rangers to trade Ryan Strome. Basically Dubois would automatically be the #2 center anyway. Of course, Strome alone isn’t getting it done and will require additional pieces including a prospect like Vitali Kravtsov, or K’Andre Miller.

You have to give to get.

Forever Blueshirts

A package of Strome and a prospect like Kravtsov would make more sense. It gives Columbus immediate help at center, plus a prized offensive prospect to boot. Remember, we are talking Dubois and Connor McDavid here.

I’d also like to point out that a well placed source already told me that it would be unlikely for Columbus to trade Dubois in the division. Unless after this season a permanent realignment takes place that would remove the Jackets from the Metro, but I doubt it.

ALSO READ: RANGERS TO KEEP TABS ON DUBOIS SITUATION

LATEST NHL NEWS

According to the best hockey insiders, the New York Rangers will undoubtably be keeping close tabs on the situation. There is certainly a connection there with former Jackets president John Davidson now with the Blueshirts.

The biggest question is not if the Rangers have the pieces to trade for Dubois, but if the Jackets would do so within the division?

Insiders name Rangers as a possible trade destination for Dubois

Last night on TSN’s Insider Trading, Pierre LeBrun named 7 teams that would be in on Dubois. They were the Ducks, Flames, Kings, Jets, Canadiens, Blackhawks, and Rangers.

Per TSN, #NYR keeping tabs on Pierre-Luc Dubois. Source I spoke with doesn’t believe #CBJ would trade him in the division. pic.twitter.com/rzDkFRMmPS

— Forever Blueshirts (@4EverBlueshirts) January 8, 2021

Eventually, I’m guessing next summer, the Rangers are going to get around to finding another top-6 centre for their talented lineup. Can you imagine if that’s Dubois? A 1-2 punch at centre of Mika Zibanejad and Dubois and all that talent on the wings… Yikes. There’s absolutely no question in my mind the Rangers will be among the many teams who check in with Columbus. The fly in the ointment is that Columbus ideally would rather avoid trading within their own (normal) division. So there’s that. But as far as a need and fit, this is a good one.

Pierre LeBrun

Dubois would be perfect for the Rangers, but…

What is there not to like about a 6-3, 218 lb center that is only 22 years-old? Compounded by the fact that player also was a 3rd overall pick in the 2016 NHL draft and has 158 career points. All that while playing for an offensively inept Blue Jackets squad in 234 career games.

Did I also mention in his second year in the league he scored 27 goals? At age 20! Of course, you have to give to get.

It would make sense for the Rangers to trade Ryan Strome in the deal. Basically, Dubois would automatically become the #2 center anyway. Of course, Strome alone isn’t getting it done and will require additional pieces including a prospect like Vitali Kravtsov, or K’Andre Miller.

Dubois is signed for the next tow seasons with an AAV of $5 million. Which the Rangers would need to clear cap space for, that can be helped with moving Strome, assuming the Jackets want him. However, after that he could be looking for a longterm deal close to $10 million if he becomes a point a game player.

Bottom line, even if Dubois is traded, the Blue Jackets would be hard-pressed to do it with a division rival. Yes, there is realignment this season but all is expected to go back to the previous alignment next season.

Still, stranger trades have happened and if the package is right it could get done.