New York Rangers unlikely to land David Pastrnak
Recently trade rumors have been swirling involving David Pastrnak of the Boston Bruins. Despite his intrigue, the Rangers are unlikely suitors for the 21-year-old forward.
David Pastrnak was phenomenal last season for the Bruins, totaling 34 goals and 70 points in 16-17. The winger is currently a restricted free agent, but there has been no agreement on a contract between him and Boston.
Recently there has been some speculation that the Bruins may look to trade Pastrnak. While it may seem shocking, Boston has dealt similar young talent like Dougie Hamilton and Tyler Seguin in recent years. The validity of the claims has yet to be confirmed, but regardless the Rangers won’t be in the Pastrnak sweepstakes whether they happen or not.
Against the cap
This is the main reason why the Rangers won’t make a move is their salary cap situation. After signing Mika Zibanejad to a new contract, the Rangers have just under $3.5 million left in cap space. While there are moves the Rangers could make to free up cap space, they would likely need to free up close to $3 million to acquire Pastrnak.
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That figure is based on the extensions that other young players with similar talent have gotten. Filip Forsberg and Johnny Gaudreau each garnered at least $6 million a year to be resigned. With the recent contract extensions for Connor McDavid and Leon Draisaitl, Pastrnak could request even more.
Either way, it would take a sizable move by the Rangers to free up the cap space necessary to sign Pastrnak. The Rangers look to be in a good place heading into the regular season. Pastrnak would certainly help the team, but the moves it would take to acquire him may not be worth the trouble.
Stay away from a trade
The two ways to acquire Pastrnak are either through a trade or to offer sheet the winger. An offer sheet hasn’t been signed since 2013, so that strategy is likely out of the question. The Rangers could conceivably trade for the winger, but the price at this time of the year would be too high.
New York has done a great job of building for the future while keeping a quality product on the ice. Their prospect pool is as deep as it has been in years and a trade for Pastrnak would probably require a draft pick plus one or two young prospects.
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If the Rangers were in need of scoring on their top lines, it would be a move to consider. This team, however, is deep and has plenty of talent and depth. Pastrnak would add to the army of talent but again, the price would be too steep.
Conclusion
It remains to be seen what comes of the David Pastrnak situation. If a trade is to come, the Bruins will get a quality return and whoever gets Pastrnak will get a budding star. The Rangers will get neither.
It doesn’t make sense, both financially and in the context of what’s best for the team, to make a blockbuster move at this time. By many accounts, the Rangers have had one of the best offseasons in the league. To make a big move now would be to jeopardize what has happened.
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A big move could still be in the cards for New York. At this time, the team is set. Outside of a possible depth signing there is no reason to tweak with a roster that has the ability and depth to be one of the best in the league. Whether or not the Pastrnak rumors become reality, they simply shouldn’t for the Rangers.