New York Rangers: Ranking the team’s assets for the trade deadline
The New York Rangers are ready to rebuild. Many players are reportedly on the trading block, but who can get the most valuable return?
The New York Rangers publicly announced their intention to trade key players and hit the reset button. They have several attractive pieces, ranging from leading scorer Michael Grabner to captain Ryan McDonagh.
While it would be surprising if every Ranger on the market gets traded, it seems an inevitability that some of them will. But depending on who gets moved, the returns may vary. If the Rangers move McDonagh, for instance, the change in team trajectory will be much more substantial than if they move someone like David Desharnais.
Blue Line Station took a look at the five most valuable trade pieces the Rangers have, and what kind of impact they might return.
Nick Holden
Since October, Nick Holden has held a spot on the New York Rangers’ top pairing. While that’s not much to brag about on one of the worst defenses in the NHL, the brand value is high.
Holden can play either the right or left side, making him a versatile asset.
On top of that, if given more sheltered ice time, he can be an impact player in the offensive zone. Holden led all Rangers defensemen in goals last season with 11 tallies. He has a knack for surprising dekes and driving the net.
With defensemen always in demand at the trade deadline, Holden could bring back a middling draft pick or two. But more importantly for the Rangers, moving him will free up a spot on the top pair, giving more deserving players a shot at proving themselves.
Michael Grabner
The New York Rangers struck gold during the summer of 2016. Michael Grabner has seen a renaissance in Alain Vigneault’s counter-attacking system, scoring at a frankly shocking rate over the last two seasons.
He leads all Rangers in goals this year, despite seeing no power play time at all. Grabner’s defensive prowess is impressive, too, as he has a knack for cutting off passing lanes and generating breakaways with his remarkable speed.
Any contending team would be willing to part with some attractive assets for Grabner. The Rangers no doubt hope to acquire a first-round pick or a good prospect, but may need to settle for a second-rounder and a depth pick.
Mats Zuccarello
The New York Rangers may find themselves making the most painful trade since sending Brian Leetch to Toronto. The beloved Mats Zuccarello, leading scorer in four of the past five seasons and multiple Steven McDonald Award-winner, could be heading out of town.
Zuccarello is on an extremely friendly contract, and is one of the most creative passers in the NHL. He’s a proven and consistent 60-point scorer, and would bring back a hefty haul if traded.
A first-round pick would be just the start, if not a blue chip prospect. While it’s no sure thing the Rangers will move Zuccarello this year, it’s a sad reality that his name is even popping up in trade rumors.
The simple fact is that the Norwegian winger is an impact player with a friendly cap hit and is nearing the wrong side of 30.
Rick Nash
The biggest name on the market, as far as the New York Rangers are concerned, is Rick Nash. He’s already given his list of teams he’ll accept a trade to, and his name carries tremendous weight.
Supposed playoff shortcomings are overblown (remember his 14 points in 19 games in 2015?), and Nash’s two-way play is outstanding. He can play in all situations, and even on the decline he’s good for 20-25 goals every year.
The reported asking price for Nash is a first-round pick, a prospect, and a roster player. Rumor has the Nashville Predators circling, but the Rangers should expect an easy time of prying away prospects like Eeli Tolvanen or Dante Fabbro.
Even if the Rangers don’t manage to pry away an elite prospect, they should expect a premium return if and when Nash packs his bags.
Ryan McDonagh
While it may seem shocking that the New York Rangers’ captain could be leaving in less than two weeks, the possibility is there. By all accounts, McDonagh has been asked for his list of teams, giving the Rangers clarity on where he can be dealt.
If McDonagh is traded, he will undoubtedly be the biggest prize of the deadline. Still under 30, McDonagh is one of the best American-born defensemen in the league. His down season notwithstanding (playing with Nick Holden will do that), McDonagh is still a premier shutdown defender with a spark of offense.
McDonagh’s resume speaks for itself, and teams desperate for that winning piece know that. Whether it’s his impressive playoff numbers or Olympic experience, McDonagh is a proven performer at the highest levels.
Next: Did announcing the rebuild hurt the Rangers?
If the Rangers do bite the bullet and trade their captain, they’ll get a king’s ransom. Trading McDonagh should command a return of a top prospect and a high pick, at the very least.