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New York Rangers top 5 replacements for Rick Nash if he is traded

By Lou Venditti

Dec 15, 2016; Dallas, TX, USA; New York Rangers left wing Rick Nash (61) in action during the game against the Dallas Stars at the American Airlines Center. The Rangers shut out the Stars 2-0. Mandatory Credit: Jerome Miron-USA TODAY Sports
Dec 15, 2016; Dallas, TX, USA; New York Rangers left wing Rick Nash (61) in action during the game against the Dallas Stars at the American Airlines Center. The Rangers shut out the Stars 2-0. Mandatory Credit: Jerome Miron-USA TODAY Sports /
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Mar 25, 2017; Buffalo, NY, USA; Buffalo Sabres left wing Evander Kane (9) during the game against the Toronto Maple Leafs at KeyBank Center. Mandatory Credit: Kevin Hoffman-USA TODAY Sports
Mar 25, 2017; Buffalo, NY, USA; Buffalo Sabres left wing Evander Kane (9) during the game against the Toronto Maple Leafs at KeyBank Center. Mandatory Credit: Kevin Hoffman-USA TODAY Sports /

Evander Kane

Let’s get the worst out of the way first.

Evander Kane, much like anyone else with the last name Kane in the NHL, is a public relations nightmare for his team. The soon to be 26-year-old winger has been involved in a myriad of off-ice incidents.

After having multiple minor incidents with the Winnipeg Jets organization, he was traded to the Buffalo Sabres as a way to rid themselves of the pest. The Sabres have had their fair share of trying to keep Kane in line as well. Most recently, Kane was arrested for an incident at a Buffalo bar in 2016. This is why Kane’s name has floated in trade rumors all season long.

Aside from his office shenanigans, Evander Kane fits Rick Nash’s role to a tee. While he isn’t nearly as big and doesn’t show as much scoring prowess, Kane is a fast winger with a good shot. Kane can play on the power play, and provide at even strength as well.

Comparing their two 2016-2017 campaigns is almost identical. Kane scored 28 goals and 15 assists for 43 points, while Nash scored 23 goals and 15 assists for 38 points. Kane played just three more games than Nash did.

If the Rangers can get past Kane’s off-ice issues, he could make a great addition to the Rangers. He is not only younger than Nash, but he is producing at the same level as Nash and costs less.

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