New York Rangers Must Shift Trade Deadline Plans

After the New York Rangers’ number one trade target Kevin Shattenkirk was dealt to Washington last night, the team must change up their deadline plans with just over 24 hours to go.

Things got real interesting last night at around 9:30 P.M.

The number one trade target of the New York Rangers now belongs to their division rival, who will be meeting them at the Garden tonight. Our very own Brandon Cohen wrote about what the trade means for the Rangers going forward, and how it might actually be a good thing.

For what it’s worth, I agree with most of what he said there.

But I still do think that with one or two moves the Rangers can still be Cup contenders, it just won’t be easy.

With that said, there are a few different paths the Rangers could take right now that could help them possibly be contenders this year and next year, make them definite contenders next year, or have them see what they can do with minimal adjustments.

Strategy #1- Going for it This Year

Now, for this strategy to work, the Rangers would need to make a few different moves to improve the backend.

The first move would be to go out and get a puck-moving defenseman who is under contract for at least one year after this. This could be for any of the Anaheim Ducks top three defensemen, a Jake Muzzin or a Justin Faulk.

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In order for the Rangers to make any of these trades, they would probably need to send back a roster player, a prospect and a pick. Say the Rangers were to try and make a move for Jake Muzzin, maybe the Kings would move him for Kevin Klein–who has one more year on his contract and has a good reputation around the league-Ryan Gropp–one of the Rangers top forward prospects–and their first round pick.

That may not be enough, but that is gonna be the basis of the type of package they can give up for one of these guys.

The second move would be bringing in a guy like Brendan Smith who is more of a stay-at-home defenseman with good puck possession numbers throughout his career.

Maybe the Rangers could get this move done for a 3rd or 4th round pick, seeing as he is on an expiring contract and would be sought after as a rental.

If the Rangers take this path, they need to make two moves on defense. One move won’t cut it.

Strategy #2- Re-tooling and Preparing for 2017-2018

This strategy doesn’t necessarily throw in the white towel like many people suggest it would, but it basically sends a memo to the rest of the league saying, “watch out for us next year.”

This scenario would involve the Rangers dealing some of their depth players. This would include players like Kevin Klein, Brandon Pirri–who we will have an article about up on the site in a few hours–and possibly Rick Nash and Nick Holden who could possibly bring back big returns.

Last week, I wrote about Klein and what he could potentially bring back in a deal. In short, it would probably be a draft pick or two, but any help the Rangers could get in that department would be huge. The same thing goes for Pirri.

New York Rangers

Trading Nash

Here is where Nash comes into the equation. You could probably get some trade value for Nash to restock the farm system. A team like the Kings who are loaded with defensive depth in the NHL and the minors would be a perfect fit for a guy like Nash.

Trading Nash right now would do a few things for you.

Firstly, it brings back a coup of assets. Secondly, it opens up a top-six spot for Pavel Buchnevich to excel in. Thirdly, it opens up another slot to protect a forward in the upcoming expansion draft to protect Michael Grabner–who the Rangers should not trade unless they are blown away.

As for Holden, he is playing out of his mind right now and can’t possibly keep up the offensive numbers he has put up long term. With the way the market for defensemen is right now, the Rangers could get a ridiculous return for his services.

To fill his slot on the defense, the Rangers can go out and acquire a cheap depth defenseman to hold them over until next season, where they would need to completely rebuild the defense.

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Strategy #3- Standing Pat and Playing With House Money

This strategy would require the Rangers making a depth move to bring in another bottom pairing right handed defenseman just in case of injury. Other than that, the team would then continue on with the team that has given them 40 wins through 62 games this year.

This could end up being a worthwhile strategy for a few reasons.

The first reason is because it means the team won’t have to overpay on this crazy trade market, which they are bound to do if they go out and try to get a top two defender.

Also, standing pat would send a message to the team that the front office and coaching staff believes in the players that they have, and whether you believe in that kind of stuff or not, it could help give the team an added sense of confidence going into the postseason.

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Each one of the strategies outlined above have their pros and cons. Jeff Gorton is the only one who knows how plausible any of these plans are right now. We will find out soon enough.