New York Rangers: Metropolitan Division Trade Candidates

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Sep 29, 2016; New York, NY, USA; New Jersey Devils defenseman Yohann Auvitu (33) and New York Rangers defenseman Chris Summers (55) fight for the puck during the first period of a preseason hockey game at Madison Square Garden. Mandatory Credit: Brad Penner-USA TODAY Sports /

The Devils are another team who is just swimming in cap space. There isn’t really much of a future to pay for, so they are likely looking to make a big splash in free agency when the time is right for their core.

However they do have one superstar that currently sits in their possession who is looking to play elsewhere, and New York is on his short list.

Ilya Kovalchuck turned heads this past month when he announced he was looking to make a return to the NHL next year. The Rangers have piqued his interest and the Rangers should be listening.

If Kovalchuck is to return, he would need to sign with the Devils, or the Devils would have to trade his rights. The Rangers could be interested in giving the Devils either Derek Stepan or Rick Nash. The Devils have the money to do it and the Rangers seem to be kicking tires on moving one of the two.

Kovalchuck is exactly what the New York Rangers offense could be missing: a playmaker who can take over a game when you need him to. He could also serve as a mentor to young Russian Pavel Buchnevich.

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