New York Rangers: Five Expansion Exposed Trade Targets

The New York Rangers will lose some players in the upcoming expansion draft. However, they may be able to recoup their losses by trading with other teams who are bound to lose players. These players could be traded to the Rangers and protected for the upcoming season.

When the Las Vegas Golden Knights join the NHL in under a month, they will be picking from a handful of unprotected players to build around. Vegas may be bribed to stay away from certain unprotected players. Others will be left to the mercy of the draft.

The New York Rangers could have a great expansion draft. As of the end of the season, the Rangers have multiple contracts to shed, and Vegas is the place to send them. However, before the draft even starts, the Rangers could make moves to modify their protected list.

The Rangers can make moves before the expansion draft in a couple of ways. First, they can buy out the dead weight. The Rangers will likely buy out either Dan Girardi or Marc Staal. This will open a spot for a defenseman to be protected. The Rangers will also likely shed the contract of Rick Nash or Derek Stepan through trade, which opens a spot for a forward to be protected.

With spots open to protect other players, the Rangers can expand their horizon to trades. There are multiple players who would fit with the Rangers are vulnerable to being exposed.