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New York Rangers: How to become a contender again

By Steve Paulus

BOSTON, MA - JANUARY 19: New York Rangers Winger Filip Chytil (72) and New York Rangers Defenceman Tony DeAngelo (77) gets congratulations from the bench on their lines goal. During the New York Rangers game against the Boston Bruins on January 19, 2019 at TD Garden in Boston, MA. (Photo by Michael Tureski/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images)
BOSTON, MA - JANUARY 19: New York Rangers Winger Filip Chytil (72) and New York Rangers Defenceman Tony DeAngelo (77) gets congratulations from the bench on their lines goal. During the New York Rangers game against the Boston Bruins on January 19, 2019 at TD Garden in Boston, MA. (Photo by Michael Tureski/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images) /
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OTTAWA, ON – FEBRUARY 17: Kevin Hayes #13 and Mats Zuccarello #36 of the New York Rangers attempt to corral the puck as Mark Borowiecki #74 of the Ottawa Senators has his stick break in the third period at Canadian Tire Centre on February 17, 2018 in Ottawa, Ontario, Canada. (Photo by Jana Chytilova/Freestyle Photography/Getty Images)
OTTAWA, ON – FEBRUARY 17: Kevin Hayes #13 and Mats Zuccarello #36 of the New York Rangers attempt to corral the puck as Mark Borowiecki #74 of the Ottawa Senators has his stick break in the third period at Canadian Tire Centre on February 17, 2018 in Ottawa, Ontario, Canada. (Photo by Jana Chytilova/Freestyle Photography/Getty Images) /

Trade Kevin Hayes, Mats Zuccarello and Adam McQuaid

Kevin Hayes

The Kevin Hayes admiration society is split down the middle.  Half say trade him, the other half say extend him.  As an unrestricted free agent who is having a “career” season, he is the best asset the team has to trade at the deadline.   But how good is he?

His scoring numbers project over a full 82 games to 21 goals and 69 points.  That’s fewer goals than he scored last season(25) , but exceeds his career points high by 20.  Last season, 69 points would have put Hayes in 36th place in the NHL. 98 players had more than 21 goals last year.  His value as a two-way center is indisputable, but he is not an elite player.

The reports are that Hayes is seeking a multi-year deal at about $5.5 million per.  That’s more than Mika Zibanejad is making at $5.35 million per year.  How does Zibanejad compare to Hayes?  Over 82 games, the Swede’s projected numbers are 29 goals and 75 points.   One could argue that the money is better spent on an extension for Chris Kreider who projects to 38 goals and 63 points over 82 games.

Hayes looks to be one of the top five forwards available at the deadline, but he isn’t the best.  Matt Duchene, Mark Stone, Wayne Simmonds and Micheal Ferland are considered better options.    If he can bring back a similar return to what the team got for Rick Nash they should make the deal.  A first round pick and a top prospect would be right.

Zuccarello and McQuaid

Both unrestricted free agents are the perfect example of a late season rental for a contender.  Zuccarello’s season projects to 18 goals and 56 points over 82 games.  That’s similar numbers to what he achieved the last three years.  Considering the funk he was in over the first half of the season, he could be headed to his best output ever.

Adam McQuaid brings toughness and playoff experience.  As much as he has stabilized the Ranger defense, he has to be considered a trade-able asset and if Nick Holden could bring back a third round pick and a prospect, McQuaid has to be more valuable. Any one of the teams that could face Boston in the playoffs would be well-served to acquire the former Bruin.

Any Rangers who do not fit in the long-term picture for the New York Rangers should be considered trade bait. By long-term, let’s consider the 2020-21 season as the campaign when the Rangers return to serious playoff contention.

The players in that group include Kevin Shattenkirk, Jesper Fast, Brendan Smith, Marc Staal  and Cody McLeod (if anyone will take them).  There are numerous no movement and no-trade clauses in some of their deals, but if they can be exchanged for assets, the Rangers should go for it.  Jesper Fast has one more season on his contract and just turned 27.  As versatile and important player as he is to this team, if his value is highest now, perhaps he should go.

That leaves the question marks.  They include Vlad Namestnikov, Ryan Strome and Jimmy Vesey.  These are players who are young enough to be contributors in two years, but could also be traded. All three will be free agents (Strome is a RFA) so decisions will have to be made.

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