New York Rangers: Making sense of the waiver claim for Cody McLeod

The New York Rangers claimed the 33-year-old grinding winger from the Nashville Predators just before the All-Star break.

Cody McLeod has had a long NHL career, but it’s never been as a goal scorer. The 10-year pro has scored just 66 career goals. The most he had in a season was 15 back in 2008-09. However, he’s managed to find a home for his hard-nosed style of play, and physicality.

The Predators no longer had a use for McLeod, who’s in the last year of his three-year deal at $1.33 million dollars per. In 23 games this season, McLeod has just one goal and one assist for two total points.

But, the Rangers thought otherwise. What are they thinking? After all, inserting McLeod into the lineup is reminiscent of coach Alain Vigneault putting Tanner Glass in the lineup, or claiming Daniel Paille. Before we panic, let’s explore some logical explanations as to why the Rangers might have claimed McLeod.

They’re selling at the deadline

A report from Larry Brooks of the New York Post suggested that the Rangers were going to, “sell, sell, sell” at the trade deadline come February. This means the Rangers are going to trade some older, valuable pieces and acquire younger players or draft picks.

If this is the direction the team ends up going, it makes sense to claim McLeod as a body to fill empty roster spots. If Rick Nash and Michael Grabner get traded, which seems likely, the Rangers are admitting that this season is a wash.

It would be unwise to rush the development of prospects like Filip Chytil and Lias Andersson. It’s much more logical to slot in a veteran like McLeod. McLeod could be used as a dependable penalty killer, and add toughness to a team that desperately lacks it. He won’t drive possession with a career Corsi of 44.6, but he’s racked up 1,571 hits over his career for good reason.

Hartford Bound

While he reported to the Rangers, perhaps he was claimed to play a part on the Hartford Wolf Pack later in the season. I know what you’re thinking. What purpose would that serve? Let me explain. As I mentioned before, the Rangers’ two first-round picks this year, Chytil and Andersson, are now playing with Hartford.

Chytil has spent most of this season with the Wolf Pack and has been lighting it up. In 24 games in the AHL, Chytil scored seven goals and 13 assists for 20 total points.

Andersson just joined Hartford after playing overseas. He has two assists in three AHL games, and was recently the captain for Team Sweden at the 2018 World Junior Ice Hockey Championships.

Two young stars having success at any level makes them a target. Neither Chytil or Andersson are very big. Opposing teams seeing rookies skate around freely will look to slow them down by being physical. That’s where McLeod comes in.

McLeod can be a security guard of sorts, and step in to protect the Rangers’ young assets so they make it to the NHL unscathed. McLeod is known as one of the toughest guys in the league, and has racked up 1,359 penalty minutes in his career. I doubt anyone would take a run at Chytil or Andersson with McLeod looming.

A young deserving player gets scratched

The Rangers could be looking at McLeod as a player who can improve their chances right now. As of Tuesday, Vinni Lettieri remains in Hartford and McLeod will join the team meaning he may see ice time.

Management has shown a taking to veteran players. The Rangers are foolish if they think this year’s team is good enough to contend. They’re especially foolish if they think McLeod can help those efforts.

When talking to reporters, Vigneault said during a game last year in Denver that McLeod asked him for a shot. “Hey coach, are you looking for a tough fourth liner?” he quipped.

Next: A farewell to Jaromir Jagr

Vigneault may think McLeod brings in a new dimension different to what the Rangers have, but he must not get back into his old ways. The Rangers need to play the youngsters, and transcend towards the future.

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