New York Rangers’ bold predictions for 2017 off-season

Dan Carrozzi- Rangers Acquire Jacob Trouba for Package Including Antti Raanta

My bold prediction is that the New York Rangers will trade Antti Raanta to the Winnipeg Jets for Jacob Trouba.

There has been a lot of speculation surrounding Raanta’s future in New York. As it stands, he has one year left on his contract and will be exposed in the upcoming expansion draft. He seems to be on the shortlist of desirable goaltenders to man the crease for the Vegas Golden Knights next season.

It would then behoove the Rangers to get some return on their investment instead of losing him for nothing. However, the Rangers will follow a different route than they did with Cam Talbot, and won’t flip Raanta for just draft picks.

The Rangers’ need for a top right defenseman is well known and the Jets seem like they could fit the bill.

Although the Jets seem to have their goaltender of the future in Conner Hellebuyck, his development hit a snag in his first season as a starter. Raanta will allow Hellebuyck to grow into his role while allowing the Jets to be competitive.

Therefore, the Rangers will trade Raanta, Ryan Graves and their 1st round pick this year to Winnipeg for Jacob Trouba.