It’s every armchair GM’s favorite time of the year.. Trade Deadline Season. With rumors beginning to pick up and some moves already taking place, the time has come for the Rangers to truly begin making decisions on their approach to this year’s deadline. One of the last games before the All-Star break may have been the best piece of evidence indicating the areas where this team needs to improve if they want to make another push in the playoffs in the overtime loss to Toronto. With the Kid Line being at their best together as a full line, Chris Drury needs to consider options that might help the coaching staff solidify the other two line combinations which mainly comes down to the right wing position. On top of that, the Rangers depth situation on the back end is atrocious and has always been an injury or two away from disaster. That being said, the main focus areas for the Rangers are going to be similar to last year's deadline and that’s right wingers and veteran, bottom-six defenders. With that, let’s take a look at some teams, potential candidates and what it might cost to get them.
Columbus Blue Jackets: Gus Nyquist RW/LW & Vlad Gavrikov LD
One of the biggest roadblocks for the Rangers approach to the deadline that we are going to realize as we start thinking about potential targets is just how thin the market for depth, veteran defenseman really is. That being said, Vladislav Gavrikov is one of the bigger names out there worth exploring at the position. While it’s a bit unusual to label Gavrikov a veteran at the younger age of 27, he has just north of 250 NHL games under his belt, all of which with Columbus. Prior to that, Gavrikov was a KHL prodigy that made a name for himself as a trusted defensive defenseman. Since coming to the big leagues, Gavrikov has become a reliable two way defender that can eat up a good chunk of minutes and play in all kinds of situations. For the Rangers, he would be a huge step up from Ben Harpur on the third pair and could allow for Braden Schneider to take more of an offensive approach when warranted. He’s obviously trusted as a top-four defenseman in Columbus so with a little less pressure and ice time, he could really play into a role the Rangers need on that third pair.
Gustav Nyquist on the other hand, definitely fits the definition of a veteran a little better as the 33 year old winger has 700 NHL games under his belt. In eight of those seasons spanning across the last twelve years, Nyquist has put up 40+ point seasons and is just one year removed from a 53 point season. Given the fact that it’s been about a decade since he last played on a “good” hockey team, he’s kind of gone under the radar as a quality NHL goal scorer. He can play either side of the wing but to the best of my knowledge, prefers the right which is what the Rangers need. If the Rangers want to avoid some of the bigger name targets that can be a little more costly and risky, Nyquist very well could be the perfect trade deadline acquisition for the Blueshirts.
St. Louis Blues: Ryan O’Reilly C/LW, Vladimir Tarasenko RW, Ivan Barbasehv C/LW, Niko Mikkola LD
The Rangers best trade partner may very well be the St. Louis Blues, a team that no one really expected to be a seller at this year's deadline. Depending on how Chris Drury and management want to approach the deadline, they could honestly do some one stop shopping here as there are plenty of names that should be of interest to them. Niko Mikkola, while not the flashiest name, is definitely one of the available options for the Rangers in filling that third defense pair with Braden Schneider. He’s a big bodied player that plays the game hard and does all the kinds of things that a guy like Gerard Gallant loves. He can move the puck and bring a presence in either end of the ice, however does take a lot of penalties. That seems to be the only way he gets on the score sheet as he only has three points (all assists) on the year but at the same time, the Rangers aren’t looking to bring in a guy to necessarily make a ton of noise. That being said, if he can build chemistry with Schneider and essentially play close to unnoticeably as Harpur does with a little more flair, he could be a great depth pick up.
As far as forwards go, the Rangers have lots of options. If they want to make a push for elite level talent. Ryan O’Reilly is the type of player that instantly makes your team better. He’s a top center who plays the game hard in an all-around style, can score goals, play defensively, and is probably one of the best overall players you can get at this year's deadline. However, O’Reilly is primarily a center which is a position the Rangers really aren’t in need of. That being said, O’Reilly is the definition of a hockey player, I don’t see why the Rangers couldn’t pick him up at the deadline and shift him over to the wing.
If they would rather a more natural fit, they could look at the pure goal scoring right winger in Vladimir Tarasenko. Tarasenko has dealt with injuries so may not be anywhere close to the player he was in his prime but the ability to score goals doesn’t get lost overnight. He’s only ever played in St. Louis his entire career so a change of scenery, especially at this point in time could work to his advantage. Especially if it means putting him on the opposite side of Artemi Panarin. He does have a say in where he goes so if for whatever reason he doesn’t want to be a Ranger, he won’t be but it’s definitely an avenue worth exploring for Drury and co. Ivan Barbashev is another forward that would likely be a fourth line option for the Rangers that is likely on the block but of the three aforementioned players, I wouldn’t put too much time and effort into inquiring about him. If the Rangers aren’t interested in Tarasenko or O’Reilly but could pick up Mikkola and Barbashev for like a couple of draft picks (not firsts) then why not but increasing overall depth around the fourth line shouldn’t be the focus.
Chicago Blackhawks: Patrick Kane, RW, Max Domi C/LW/RW, Andreas Athanasieu RW/LW
I couldn’t keep Patrick Kane off the list completely. It’s no secret that he’s linked to the Rangers and everyone and their mother is thinking that he’ll end up there, reuniting with Panarin. But let’s cut to the chase. Patrick Kane is nowhere near the player he used to be. Sure, a trade to New York could be just the spark he needs but if it’s going to cost an arm and a leg, it’s not worth it. Kane also has a bit of a controversial history throughout his tenure which is something you have to think about when considering bringing a veteran onto a team full of young players. I won’t go too into that but nevertheless, the Rangers are better off avoiding these negotiations unless they get him for pennies on the dollar. Similarly to Tarasenko, Kane would also have a say in the process and while I’m sure he’d be city bound in a New York minute, he’s going to want an extension and the Rangers absolutely can not consider that. If Chicago even mentions the words Kaapo Kakko, Filip Chytil or Alexis Lafreniere hang up the phone immediately.
Max Domi is another name the Blackhawks will likely shop but again, you have to do your due diligence. This is a guy who has moved around a lot for a third overall draft pick who is still in his mid/late twenties. The Rangers don’t really need a center and while he probably would be fine on the wing, I just don’t see a fit for him here, especially as a rental. One name that does make some sense if the Blueshirts want to go a similar route as last year, avoiding big fish, is Andreas Athanasiou. Athanasiou could be a Frank Vatrano type of addition, a secondary goal scoring winger with some speed and a shot. He’s in the midst of his ninth season in the NHL and in 47 games on the season, has 16 points. Numbers that aren’t by any means but worth questioning considering the face that he’s seeing top-six minutes in Chicago. Granted, it’s not a good Chicago team by any means but you do have to wonder if he’s capable of scoring more consistently. If it’s between Athanasiou or Nyquist I’d say go Nyquist but like everyone’s favorite Taco Bell commercial asks, “por que lo más dos?”
Detroit Red Wings: Oskar Sundqvist C/RW, Olli Maatta LD, Adam Erne RW/LW
Detroit could be another potential location where the Rangers can pick up a nice little package that can improve their depth at both forward and defense. Oskar Sundqvist is a guy that has all the qualities the Rangers liked in Sammy Blais, but is actually scoring goals and contributing consistently this season. While the hope is still for Blais to come back from his conditioning stint and find his game, a guy like Oskar Sundqvist can be a good substitute for that role and could even potentially do so in a more versatile role. The big bodied, right handed shot can play center as well as either wing and most importantly, already has his name etched on Lord Stanley’s hardware. If the pickens become slim closer to the deadline and he’s still available, Sundqvist is definitely worth thinking about.
At defense, Olli Maatta has plenty of experience which also includes winning the Stanley Cup back with Pittsburgh. While his game has trailed off a bit in the years since, he still brings a reliable presence to the back end and could also make for a great pairing with Braden Schneider. He’s not a standout guy but he plays his position exceptionally well, bringing a very defensive defenseman style of play. With his experience, credentials and overall play, Maatta could be the best option for the Rangers going into the trade deadline.
Arizona Coyotes: Nick Bjugstad C/RW
The former University of Minnesota standout has bounced around a bit since leaving the Florida Panthers but is quietly having one of his best seasons since his career in 2018. At 6”6 Nick Bjugstad obviously has some size to his game but also has a great shot and can be an offensive threat in the Rangers bottom six. Again, just like Sundqvist, Bjugstad is primarily a center which isn’t a high priority for the Rangers but if the Rangers keep Goodrow on the wing he could be a great fourth line center. I actually like Bjugstad a lot and believe he played at the U with Ryan Lindgren so there is a connection there. It’s looking more and more like the Rangers will have an identical approach to the deadline as last year and bringing in Bjugstad can be one of those little moves that has a higher reward than risk.
Ottawa Senators: Tyler Motte C/LW/RW
Ah, hello old friend. Rangers fans are well acquainted with Tyler Motte who was a big part of the Rangers run to the Eastern Conference Finals last season. Lots of traction has picked up with Motte potentially being available at the deadline again this season and if that’s the case, the Rangers should be all over it. It’s clear that Motte’s style of play worked in New York and for the longest time in the offseason, it seemed like management was working hard behind the scenes to try and find a way to bring him back. Nevertheless, the stars didn’t align and Motte signed in Ottawa but with the Sens being far from the playoff picture once again, the stars could be aligning as we speak. The cost probably wouldn’t be very high and if the Rangers are interested, I’m sure they’d have his old jersey ready to go and waiting for him at the drop of a hat.
San Jose Sharks: Timo Meier RW/LW
Last but certainly not least, a name that has picked up lots of traction lately is San Jose’s pending RFA, Timo Meier. It’s no secret that the Sharks are one of the front runners in the Connor Bedard sweepstakes therefore, they are going to be one of the big sellers at this year's trade deadline. With Timo Meier only having one year left on his deal, he has become one of the biggest fish in this year’s trade deadline pool. He’s a left handed shot that can play either wing and score plenty of goals in the process. Not only is he a guy that instantly makes your team better, but he’s a guy that you can also keep around and build things around which unfortunately, hurt’s the Rangers chances. One of the biggest reasons is that wherever he gets traded, he’s going to want to start working on an extension which is out of the question in New York. Not to mention, he’s a pending restricted free agent and would have a qualifying offer of TEN million dollars which is quite steep. The Rangers obviously don’t have to give him a qualifying offer and could even look to flip him on draft day but regardless, Timo Meier definitely seems like a too good to be true scenario. The asking price might be lower than expected and if that’s the case, then by all means go for it. I just feel the Rangers don’t have much to offer that other team’s wouldn’t be willing to top for a guy that would strictly be a rental for them.
The Rangers’ Trade Block
So obviously, we’ve taken a look at a ton of names that could be of interest to the Rangers, but how are they going to get any of these guys? There needs to be assets going the other way in order to make a trade a trade so what do the Rangers have to offer? Draft picks are obviously their best approach in potential negotiations. They have two first round picks in next year's draft thanks to the Nils Lundkvist trade and while in an ideal world, they end up keeping both of them, it’s fair to assume at least one of them will be traded. Along with the two firsts, the Rangers have their second, sixth and seventh round selections in the 2023 draft as well as Colorado’s third and Winnipeg’s sixth. For the following year’s draft, they have all their picks except for their third rounder UNLESS Arizona opts to take their 2026 second instead. (The condition as part of the Patrik Nemeth trade) Given the Rangers position, it’s fair to assume all these picks are in play. If they decide to keep one of their 2023 firsts, they should look to keep their own as they can control their destiny, not Dallas’.
As far as players go, there aren’t really any specific names on the trade block. I know a lot of fans are begging for the team to find a way to move Barclay Goodrow or Jacob Trouba because of their cap hits but the time to wake up from that dream has long passed. Neither players are going anywhere at the very least until their NMC’s are lifted and people need to realize that while both players are far from perfect, they play key roles for this Rangers team. A couple of younger names that have a fair chance of being brought to the table if the price is right are Zac Jones and Vitaly Kravtsov. Both players are in similar situations where they’re futures with the organization are kind of unclear. Kravtsov finally made strides and remained a constant in the team’s top nine but as of late, has fallen victim to the press box once again. Gallant sees him as a top nine guy but continuously prefers a lineup without him in it so if the Rangers can get a Timo Meier or Vladimir Tarasenko but have to give up Kravtsov in the process, I wouldn’t put it past them.
Same can be said for Jones who has been buried in the depth charts of Hartford since losing the battle to Libor Hajek for that sixth defenseman spot. A spot that Hajek eventually lost to Ben Harpur who just signed a two year extension. All those factors in mind, it doesn’t seem that Jones’ chances of growing in the Rangers organization are great so if the right move asks for it, he could be part of a trade package. Should the Rangers move either of them? Probably not, but like I said. If it’s a move for a big name player that the Rangers feel drastically improves their chances at making a run, they’re going to go for it. At the end of the day, whether it’s the right move or not, the Rangers are in the “go all in” window as contract uncertainties linger in the salary cap hell ridden future.
Make Three Moves
We know what’s available and we know what the Rangers have to offer, if I’m Chris Drury, this is how I go about it:
Acquire Oskar Sundqvist and Olli Maatta from Detroit in exchange for a pair of mid-high draft picks.
Acquire Tyler Motte from Ottawa in exchange for a mid to late draft pick.
Acquire either Ryan O’Reilly or Vladimir Tarasenko from St. Louis at 50% retained for their own 2023 first and a prospect if need be.
An honorable mention to Nick Bjugstad who would be my next choice for a late draft pick if let's say Tyler Motte doesn’t work out.
Panarin - Zibanejad -O’Reilly/Tarasenko
Lafreniere - Chytil - Kakko
Kreider - Trocheck - Motte/Vesey
Vesey/Motte - Goodrow - Sundqvist
Kravtsov, Gauthier
Lindgren - Fox
Miller - Trouba
Maatta - Schneider
Harpur
Thanks for reading!
Chris Feldman
Comments