New York Rangers Pacific Division Trade Targets for 2017 Offseason

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Nov 2, 2016; Montreal, Quebec, CAN; Montreal Canadiens defenseman Nathan Beaulieu (28) scores a goal against Vancouver Canucks goalie Ryan Miller (30) and Erik Gudbranson (44) during the second period at the Bell Centre. Mandatory Credit: Eric Bolte-USA TODAY Sports /

Vancouver Canucks – Erik Gudbranson

Erik Gudbranson was just traded to the Vancouver Canucks from the Florida Panthers in the offseason of 2016, but he didn’t find his groove in Vancouver right away. Albeit, his season was cut short by a wrist injury in December. Even so, in 30 games with Vancouver, Gudbranson only posted 6 points.

Gudbranson is a great big defenseman with a powerful shot. He doesn’t add much on the power play, but he can kill penalties and sees the ice well. Assuming Brady Skjei is moved up to the second pair for the 2017 season, Gudbranson could slot into the Rangers bottom pair.

Would Vancouver part with Gudbranson that easily? More than likely not. They see a good amount of potential in him, and the rumors haven’t been flying. The Canucks also have very little to offer in the way of trades. Their prospect system has been depleted. They’ve failed to get the ball rolling on their rebuild for the last couple season. Gudbranson may very well be one of the only bright spots in the organization, and even he’s shaky.

Next: Five Potential Replacements for Michael Grabner

The Rangers should definitely be interested, depending on his availability. He may not be a high power offensive defenseman, but the Rangers could use a little bit of grit on the blue line.

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