New York Rangers: Central Division Trade Targets

Minnesota Wild – Matt Dumba

Much like the Rangers, the Minnesota Wild have consistently made the playoffs for the past few years. Another similarity is that both teams have failed to get the job done in the playoffs. The Wild have had few question marks in their forwards and defensemen, but their goaltending has been slightly suspect.

The Rangers, on the other hand, have depth at goalie and forward, but have more than a few question marks on the defense. The Wild and the Rangers, then, make great trade partners. The Rangers need a defenseman like Matt Dumba, and the Wild need a goalie like Antti Raanta.

Matt Dumba is a 22-year old right-handed defenseman who has proven himself as a solid two-way player. In the first year of his current two season bridge deal, Dumba posted 11 goals and 23 assists for 34 total points in 76 games. The former first round draft pick would take plenty to get out of Minnesota, but the Wild’s need match the Rangers’ strength.

The Wild have two goaltenders under contract right now, but only one has proven himself. Starter Devan Dubnyk has been around the block, but he hasn’t been able to really steal games. The Rangers’ current backup, Antti Raanta, showed this season that he has the ability to steal games in relief of Henrik Lundqvist. A package including Raanta may be able to snag Dumba.