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New York Rangers: A Sam Gagner trade could be a savvy move

By George Ruggiero

LAS VEGAS, NV - MARCH 20: Sam Gagner #89 of the Vancouver Canucks skates with the puck against the Vegas Golden Knights in the first period of their game at T-Mobile Arena on March 20, 2018 in Las Vegas, Nevada. The Golden Knights won 4-1. (Photo by Ethan Miller/Getty Images)
LAS VEGAS, NV - MARCH 20: Sam Gagner #89 of the Vancouver Canucks skates with the puck against the Vegas Golden Knights in the first period of their game at T-Mobile Arena on March 20, 2018 in Las Vegas, Nevada. The Golden Knights won 4-1. (Photo by Ethan Miller/Getty Images) /
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LAS VEGAS, NV – MARCH 20: Sam Gagner #89 of the Vancouver Canucks skates with the puck against the Vegas Golden Knights in the first period of their game at T-Mobile Arena on March 20, 2018 in Las Vegas, Nevada. The Golden Knights won 4-1. (Photo by Ethan Miller/Getty Images)
LAS VEGAS, NV – MARCH 20: Sam Gagner #89 of the Vancouver Canucks skates with the puck against the Vegas Golden Knights in the first period of their game at T-Mobile Arena on March 20, 2018 in Las Vegas, Nevada. The Golden Knights won 4-1. (Photo by Ethan Miller/Getty Images) /

Following the open of free agency, the New York Rangers are in need of NHL talent to fill the lineup. A veteran player who seems easily traded for is Sam Gagner of the Vancouver Canucks.

Even though the New York Rangers are in the middle of a rebuild, the organization wants to put a serviceable group on the ice. That being said, not all of the young players in the organization are ready to make the jump to the big leagues. As such, the team has a few holes to fill.

A veteran player that makes sense for the Rangers for a few different reasons is Sam Gagner. The 28-year-old center is starting the second year of a three-year deal with the Vancouver Canucks. He has had a recent resurgence that would make him a solid bottom six forward for the Rangers.

Gagner’s Play and Influence

Last season, Gagner played in 74 games and scored 10 goals and 21 assists for the Canucks. And the year before that, he played a huge role in a strong Columbus Blue Jackets team. That year, he played in 81 games, scoring 18 goals and 32 assists for 50 points.

The Rangers only have eight forwards under contract as of now. And only three of them happen to be natural centers. Gagner would easily slide in as the Rangers’ third line center.

At the same time, Gagner would serve as a good mentor for the plethora of young Rangers’ centers. The 10-year veteran has had plenty of career ups and downs and could certainly become a leader in the locker room for the young forwards.

Gagner’s Contract

Gagner currently carries a $3.15 million cap hit and is signed for the 2018-2019 and 2019-2020 season. The Canucks’ recent signings along with the emergence of young players like Brock Boeser and Jonathan Dahlen make Gagner expendable. Not to mention, Jake Virtanen, one of the Canucks other great young players, is a restricted free agent who is expecting a sizable raise.

From the Rangers’ standpoint, Gagner has a manageable cap hit to take on. The Rangers have approximately $23 million in cap space. However, the Rangers have to make a couple of signings of their own.

The Rangers currently have four very important restricted free agents to deal with, namely Kevin Hayes, Brady Skjei, and Ryan Spooner. Each of those players is in line for a raise, leaving the Rangers with not much cap space to work with. As such, a cheap contract like Gagner’s would be easily taken on.

Next: New York Rangers: Should Howden be used as a trade chip?

The Rangers acquiring any player comes down to a few things. The main one being place on the team. Gagner fits into this Rangers’ team very well, and would not be a bad acquisition by any means.

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