New York Rangers have options on defense after the deadline

The New York Rangers are already making moves ahead of the trade deadline. Depending on who stays and who goes, they have some interesting options to fill out the defense the rest of the season.

The New York Rangers traded defenseman Nick Holden to the Boston Bruins on Tuesday in exchange for a third-round pick and Rob O’Gara. That move signaled the start of their sell-off ahead of the trade deadline, and left a big hole in their defense.

While Holden was hardly the Rangers’ best defenseman, he was playing big minutes under coach Alain Vigneault. The injuries to Kevin Shattenkirk and Ryan McDonagh cleared up lots of ice time, and Holden was there to take it.

Last night, Michael Grabner was traded to the New Jersey Devils for defenseman Yegor Rykov and a second-round pick.

Now, with trade rumors swirling around McDonagh and a bevy of defensive prospects getting NHL time, the Rangers have many options the rest of the way.

Related Story: Rangers trade Grabner to Devils for 2nd, prospect

Questions on the top pairing

Six months ago, hopes were high for the New York Rangers’ top pairing on defense. McDonagh and Shattenkirk seemed a lock to be one of the most dynamic duos in the NHL, ready to eat big minutes and drive a speedy offense from the back end.

But a training camp injury to Shattenkirk and Vigneault’s immediate demotion of the big free agent was just the first step in what’s been a disaster season for the Rangers.

McDonagh, after finally getting a chance to play away from Dan Girardi, was shackled to Nick Holden. Injuries to McDonagh added up, as well, culminating in possibly his worst season in the NHL.

With Holden gone, however, there’s a new chance for Vigneault to find a good match for McDonagh. Shattenkirk could return soon and get another look. The likes of Neal Pionk or Anthony DeAngelo should get looks alongside the Rangers’ captain, too.

Both have impressed during their recent promotions, though DeAngelo still has issues in the defensive end. If Vigneault wants to keep McDonagh playing hard shutdown minutes, DeAngelo likely won’t stick.

Of course, all this is dependent on what happens at the deadline. If McDonagh gets traded, the Rangers’ D is in even worse shape.

Related Story: Meet the newest Ranger: Rob O'Gara

Youth and depth

With the addition of O’Gara and the promotions of DeAngelo, Pionk, and John Gilmour, the Rangers are suddenly very young on defense. A lost season—even a tank, if you will—is the ideal time to see what they can do for the future.

Over the last dozen or so games, Pionk, DeAngelo, and Gilmour have gotten an extended look. O’Gara saw action in the Rangers’ first game since trading Holden.

Along with the likes of Brady Skjei and Marc Staal, the Rangers have a good mix of veterans and rookies, lefties and righties. Additionally, players like Gilmour and Skjei could swap over to the right side in a pinch.

Assuming McDonagh doesn’t get traded and Shattenkirk comes back on the top pair, that leaves two, maybe three slots for the kids to fight over. Skjei is a lock on the second pair. Staal will likely hold down the left side on the third pair.

In an ideal world, Staal will get plenty of rest, and the kids will be given every opportunity to show they belong.

A group of McDonagh-Shattenkirk, Skjei-Pionk, and Staal with DeAngelo or Gilmour could be the most dynamic Rangers’ defense in years.

Of course, Vigneault may prefer Shattenkirk with Skjei, opening up a chance for Pionk to play with McDonagh. Gilmour slotting in for Staal from time to time would be a good look, too.

Next: Rangers can get back into the playoffs in 2019

One way or another, the Rangers are in a unique position. They have promising young players primed for a real, extended opportunity to make an impact at the NHL level. Whether they make enough of one to stick around next October will remain to be seen.