New York Rangers: Central Division Trade Targets

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Dec 15, 2016; St. Louis, MO, USA; St. Louis Blues right wing Nail Yakupov (64) handles the puck against the New Jersey Devils during the second period at Scottrade Center. The Blues won 5-2. Mandatory Credit: Jeff Curry-USA TODAY Sports /

St. Louis Blues – Nail Yakupov

Being completely honest, the St. Louis Blues are worse trade partners than the Chicago Blackhawks. Most of the valuable forwards are highly priced, and the only defenseman that the Rangers need is almost impossible to acquire. The Rangers could use another skilled depth forward to repeat some of the same success from this season.

Nail Yakupov, the former number one overall pick, is a restricted free agent this offseason but has fallen out of favor in St. Louis. The 23-year old is extremely speedy and skillful, but he hasn’t been able to find a team to stick with. The Rangers very well could be that team.

The Rangers already have a very skilled roster, and Yakupov’s abilities fit in with the style of play. He can pass, shoot, and stickhandle with the best of them, but he needs work on the defensive side of his game. The coaching staff and players currently on the roster would undoubtedly help out with that.

In terms of acquiring him, the Rangers wouldn’t have to give much up. Due to his RFA status, St. Louis can’t demand all that much for him, so a mid-level prospect or middle round draft pick could do the trick.

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