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New York Rangers’ complete off-season plan 2017

By John Williams

May 1, 2017; Pittsburgh, PA, USA; Washington Capitals defenseman Kevin Shattenkirk (22) moves the puck ahead of Pittsburgh Penguins center Matt Cullen (7) during the first period in game three of the second round of the 2017 Stanley Cup Playoffs at the PPG PAINTS Arena. Mandatory Credit: Charles LeClaire-USA TODAY Sports
May 1, 2017; Pittsburgh, PA, USA; Washington Capitals defenseman Kevin Shattenkirk (22) moves the puck ahead of Pittsburgh Penguins center Matt Cullen (7) during the first period in game three of the second round of the 2017 Stanley Cup Playoffs at the PPG PAINTS Arena. Mandatory Credit: Charles LeClaire-USA TODAY Sports /
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Mandatory Credit: Adam Hunger-USA TODAY Sports
Mandatory Credit: Adam Hunger-USA TODAY Sports /

Step two: Send assets to Las Vegas so they select Holden

The Rangers are in serious danger of losing one of Michael Grabner, Jesper Fast or Oscar Lindberg in the expansion draft. Sure, Las Vegas could also take Antti Raanta in the draft–which would not be a horrible thing for the Rangers– or the Rangers can bait them into taking defenseman Nick Holden.

Holden did have the best offensive stats of his career this past season. He notched 11 goals and 23 assists in 80 games this past season and in sheltered minutes, wouldn’t be a horrible grab for Las Vegas compared to what other defenders will be unprotected in the expansion draft.

Related story: The Rangers cannot afford to trade their first rounder to dump Girardi, Staal

A Holden-to-Vegas move would be a good thing for both teams. Vegas would be getting a veteran defender with playoff experience and offensive upside who has been well liked by every coaching staff he has ever played for, while the Rangers open up a spot on their defense for some youth to get a chance on the blueline, something that is desperately needed.

But if the Rangers feel like Vegas is going to take one of their forwards instead, they could offer Vegas a pick in a future draft plus a prospect like Mackenzie Skapski or Brandon Halverson to get a deal done.

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