Trade Deadline Day arrives for the Rangers and Kevin Hayes
Today the NHL’s Trade Deadline will come at 3:00 PM EST. At 3:01 the players remaining on their teams will breathe a collective sigh of relief and we will know who is on the move.
Kevin Hayes
This is the big chip that Jeff Gorton has to land an additional first round pick in the 2019 Draft. The 4 teams most associated with Hayes are the Nashville Predators, Calgary Flames, Boston Bruins, and Winnipeg Jets.
Mark Stone is the top player still available but Kevin Hayes leads the pack of a field that includes, Eric Staal, Mike Hoffman, Wayne Simmonds, and Derick Brassard. Of course, Artemi Panarin may be had at the right price but it doesn’t sound like Columbus wants to take a major weapon out of their lineup for the playoffs.
Adam McQuaid
The veteran defenseman will likely be moved today. The two teams expected to land him in a trade are the Toronto Maple Leafs and Tampa Bay Lightning.
Vladislav Namestnikov
Namestnikov is heating up and playing well lately and it has some teams asking about him. The Rangers can’t expect too much for him due to his offensive struggles this year. However, he is 26 years old and is signed through next season at an AAV of $4M.
The Rangers should hold on to him due to his age and upside. However, if Gorton can get a conditional 2nd round pick for him then he should consider moving him. The condition will likely need to be getting to the Final in order to turn it into a first, but it could be worth the risk.
Brendan Smith
The Rangers have been playing Smith a lot down the stretch. They have also utilized him as a forward showing his versatility. If the Rangers are willing to eat 50% (about 2.5M) of his contract which runs through 2021 a team may offer up a decent pick for him.
Other Names Out There
Chris Kreider – highly unlikely unless a team is willing to offer the King’s ransom Gorton has asked for.
Alexander Georgiev – highly unlikely unless a team offers a high pick.
Kevin Shattenkirk – highly unlikely unless a team give up a 1st rounder ad more.
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