New York Rangers: Four re-tooling teams to trade with
The New York Rangers find themselves in a trippy situation. They are in need of a center, and it looks right now that the only way to do that is by a trade. However, there are other avenues they could pursue. Here are four teams that are possible targets.
Out of the four teams that will be mentioned, there are five options that the New York Rangers could take. The Vancouver Canucks, Winnipeg Jets, Colorado Avalanche, and Florida Panthers are all suitable options at this time.
Some of the options will include goaltenders, but mainly forwards (centers) that the Rangers could do well with. Here are the top five options for this team.
Anders Nilsson- Vancouver Canucks
One of the lesser talked about things this offseason is the fact that the Rangers picked up Ondrej Pavalec as their backup goaltender. After losing Antti Raanta, they needed a replacement, and that was the best they could find. Currently, they have him at only a one year contract.
However, there’s always a price to pay for any player, big or small. This is more of an unlikely deal for the Rangers. Although, if they did want to go down this route and secure a backup goaltender, they might have to give up a mid-round draft pick and/or a fringe prospect.
Even though Nilsson recently signed with the Canucks, they might be open to moves over the course of his contract if they struggle as expected. As a team going through a transition phase, they’ll want to keep their options open. Keep this possible trade in mind for future reference.
Mathieu Perreault- Winnipeg Jets
A lot like the Rangers, the Jets are looking to get younger. That’s why trading away Perreault, who is 29 years old right now, isn’t a far reaching option for them. The Rangers should seriously consider this Jets’ center that could do a lot for them this next season.
Perreault originally played for the Washington Capitals to start his career and eventually moved on to Anaheim before settling with the Jets for the past three seasons. Last season, he played in 65 games for Winnipeg. In those games, he registered a total of 13 goals and 32 assists for 45 points.
The fact that he had a much larger amount of assists most likely means that he is more of a play maker than a goal scorer. What the Rangers lost with Derek Stepan was nearly a perfect mixture of both. And although it’s hard to replace, Perreault would bring something unique to the table that the Rangers should take a look at.
Nick Bjugstad- Florida Panthers
Bjugstad is a big name down in Florida. It would be a big move if the Rangers decided to go for him, but it is actually a good option. The Rangers have everything going for them now except center depth.
That’s why a player such as Bjugstad would give them everything. He had a down year last season. That can only mean one of two things. One, he will rebound and have a great season next year. Or two, this is the beginning of a downfall.
Judging solely based on his numbers, he will most likely rebound, so the Rangers would be smart to trade for him before the new season starts. Seven goals and seven assists last year won’t cut it for what the Rangers are looking for.
However, it would be wise for them to jump at the opportunity they have now even if they would have to give up a higher round draft pick. Be on the lookout for this option in the near future.
Gabriel Landeskog
For weeks, the name Matt Duchene has been circulating as a possible trade option for the Rangers. However, the Rangers seem to have the right team but perhaps not the right player.
Landeskog is one of the more talented players on the Avalanche and definitely someone the organization would have a hard time parting ways with. However, as with all teams going through a rebuild, they’re more willing than most to make some risky moves.
Last season, Landeskog recorded 18 goals and 15 assists for a total of 33 points in 72 games. While he is not a center (which we all know the Rangers need), this would be more of an option the Rangers would go for if they wanted to go heavy on the wing.
With the idea of Rick Nash possibly leaving hanging overhead next season, this might not be a bad choice for them moving forward if they want an in-house replacement. The problem is that the Avalanche might push to trade for J.T. Miller, which would be a lot of value the Rangers would be giving away. If they can avoid it, this is definitely something they should look into soon.
Markus Granlund- Vancouver Canucks
At only 24 years old, Granlund is at the prime of his career. There’s definitely no better time for the Rangers to jump at a player like this than now.
Granlund recorded 32 points last season. That included 19 goals and 13 assists, a solid amount for a young player navigating his way through the league. Again, it’s not “Derek Stepan level,” but it doesn’t mean he can’t grow into that eventually. And that’s what the team should be looking for instead of only an immediate fix.
Since as mentioned before, the Canucks are going through a bad stretch recently, it would make sense that they are more vulnerable to accept more deals. The Rangers wouldn’t have to give up too much for him.
Next: New York Rangers: A lack of assets makes trade opportunities slim
That’s exactly what they need right now because of their, once again, limited cap space. This is one of those options that isn’t as talked about, but it’s definitely worth a look at.