New York Rangers Match With Coyotes for Fourth Line Trade

The New York Rangers’ fourth line has not been a problem this season. However, there is a way the Rangers can milk out further offense from their last group. Let’s take a look at the fourth line and what can be done moving forward.

The New York Rangers finally have four lines that they can roll as they wish. As evidenced by Jimmy Vesey and Pavel Buchnevich taking turns on the fourth line, the Rangers offense is deep and consistent throughout.

With that, Alain Vigneault owns the capability of mixing and matching his lines in different scenarios. The third line can be used in defensive situations, then later in offensive moments. While in the past Vigneault felt obligated to use the fourth line as a defensive line, this year’s line is not quite that style.

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Current Fourth Line:

As currently constructed, the Rangers fourth line stands as Pavel Buchnevich-Oscar Lindberg-Jesper Fast. Buchnevich and Fast are going nowhere, with Lindberg possibly leaving the lineup for Brandon Pirri or Matt Puempel at any time.

Buchnevich is an offensive-minded forward, Lindberg is a two-way forward (to a smaller degree) and Fast is a defensive forward with some offensive capability. The reason Buchnevich plays on the “defensive” line is that the Rangers have far too many offensive weapons. There’s simply nowhere else to place him.

The fourth line has been a source of fascination all season. New York can use any of their lines in any situation this season, making the need for a “defensive line” ala Brian Boyle-Dominic Moore-Derek Dorsett in 2014 unnecessary.

This is where things get most interesting. Unless the Rangers trade a forward at the Deadline, Buchnevich and Vesey will take turns on the fourth line. Both are learning the NHL game and require playmakers to work with. Oscar Lindberg and Jesper Fast are not playmakers.

Fast’s role is steady in that he provides defensive contributions to an otherwise shaky line. The gritty winger also brings necessary intangibles and is capable of bringing offensive contributions as well. That leaves one spot open for Lindberg, Pirri, or Puempel.

Or….

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Potential Fourth Line Adjustment:

We all know the Rangers’ defense is among the worst in the NHL. We’ve covered that the Rangers must outscore their own defense to win games. With that in mind, the goal must be to put the best offensive team together.

Given that the Rangers do not need a defensive fourth line, nor do the fourth liners have to contribute on the penalty kill, there is another option for the Rangers.

Go all in on forwards.

That means shipping away Brandon Pirri and finding an offensive weapon to complement the already lethal offense. The best place to look would be the Arizona Coyotes, who boast both Anthony Duclair and Radim Vrbata.

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Acquiring either Duclair or Vrbata would mean shifting the lines around to place J.T. Miller at center, but it would also mean another option for the power-play, and four unstoppable offensive trios.

At no point could opposing defenses take their feet off the pedal, and any defensive weaknesses on other teams would be exploited.

Duclair may cost a pretty penny, but putting him on an at first sheltered line with Buchnevich or Vesey would be an optimal way to grow both of their games.

Additionally, Duclair is already loved in New York, and can grow in the organization.

Vrbata is a right handed shot, something the Rangers can use for the power-play. His 41 points would rank ahead of Michael Grabner and Chris Kreider. (stats as of 2/21)

One more player to keep an eye on is Curtis Lazar, but Lazar will likely be too costly and does not provide enough offense at this point.

Next: Top 5 Rangers' Assets at the Trade Deadline

While trading prospects or assets for a position the Rangers do not have a desperate need in may seem silly, it could serve as a way to push the Rangers over the hump. No other team would have as deep or as strong of an offense as New York. With those forwards and Lundqvist in net, anything is possible.