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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 2, 2017; Philadelphia, PA, USA; Florida Panthers left wing Thomas Vanek (26) against the Philadelphia Flyers during the first period at Wells Fargo Center. Mandatory Credit: Eric Hartline-USA TODAY Sports
Mar 2, 2017; Philadelphia, PA, USA; Florida Panthers left wing Thomas Vanek (26) against the Philadelphia Flyers during the first period at Wells Fargo Center. Mandatory Credit: Eric Hartline-USA TODAY Sports /

Thomas Vanek

Thomas Vanek has outperformed Rick Nash for years. Even at 33-years-old, Vanek has shown he has plenty left in the tank to help out competing teams. Last season, Vanek scored 17 goals and added 31 assists with the Detroit Red Wings and Florida Panthers. That’s good for 48 points on the season, 10 more than Nash.

Vanek is demonstrably better than Nash is at this point in his career. Originally hidden in Buffalo, Vanek has recently been a journeyman across the league, filling holes in rosters. However, Vanek definitely has what it takes to join and solidify a competitor.

Vanek, like Nash, has size and can work the power play. He has 129 power play goals and 113 power play assists in his career, including five goals and eight assists last season.

The best part about Vanek is the cost. He’s coming off a one-year, $2.6 million deal with the Detroit Red Wings in which he was traded to a non-contender, and he likely won’t re-sign with Florida. His journeyman status will likely continue, and his price will keep dropping. The Rangers can add Vanek for a little more than they added Michael Grabner for last season, even if they don’t move Nash.

Thomas Vanek is an all-around impact player and would be an incredible addition to the New York Rangers. Even if Rick Nash isn’t moved, Vanek is someone the Rangers should be keeping their eye on.

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