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New York Rangers: Playing for a job next season

By Steve Paulus

NEW YORK, NY - FEBRUARY 06: The New York Rangers celebrate after defeating the Boston Bruins 4-3 in the shootout at Madison Square Garden on February 6, 2019 in New York City. (Photo by Jared Silber/NHLI via Getty Images)
NEW YORK, NY - FEBRUARY 06: The New York Rangers celebrate after defeating the Boston Bruins 4-3 in the shootout at Madison Square Garden on February 6, 2019 in New York City. (Photo by Jared Silber/NHLI via Getty Images) /
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NEW YORK, NY – FEBRUARY 27: Chris Kreider #20 of the New York Rangers looks on against the Tampa Bay Lightning at Madison Square Garden on February 27, 2019 in New York City. The Tampa Bay Lightning won 4-3 in overtime. (Photo by Jared Silber/NHLI via Getty Images)
NEW YORK, NY – FEBRUARY 27: Chris Kreider #20 of the New York Rangers looks on against the Tampa Bay Lightning at Madison Square Garden on February 27, 2019 in New York City. The Tampa Bay Lightning won 4-3 in overtime. (Photo by Jared Silber/NHLI via Getty Images) /

Trade bait

It’s tough to predict trades. There is no sure thing when it comes to trade-able assets.  Jeff Gorton shocked Ranger fans when he dealt Derick Brassard three summers ago in a deal that has become the high point of his  tenure as GM.  Between draft picks and players, Gorton has assets he can deal and it’s assured that he will.

Forwards

  • Chris Kreider –   Six weeks ago he was untouchable.  Now, he is potential trade bait.  One of the most perplexing of all Rangers, he is headed towards another good, but not great year.  His numbers project to 29 goals and 55 points,  both close to his career highs.  With one more  year on his contract at $4.6 million, he may be one of the most sought after Rangers.  I wouldn’t be surprised if Gorton tries to use Kreider and one of his first round picks to return some assets.  If he can pull off another Zibanejad for Brassard type deal, Kreider’s days on Broadway could be numbered.  At any rate, the next three weeks will determine if Kreider is worth a contract extension or worth dealing.
  • Jimmy Vesey – Vesey has one more year before he hits free agency so the question is do they try to extend him or do they trade him at the deadline next season?   He has improved every season, but has yet to crack the 20 goal barrier.  On a offensively-impaired team, he is worth keeping, but the Rangers cannot overpay a third line winger.
  • Vlad Namestnikov – Namestnikov has one more year on his $4 million annual contract.  He has shown promise at times and could be dangled this summer or next year at the deadline.  Most GM’s are well aware of his production when surrounded by superior talent as he was in Tampa.  One argument for keeping him is as a mentor to the three young Russians potentially joining the team next year.

Defense

  • Neal Pionk – Pionk’s value may never be  higher and it might be the right time to trade him.  With Hajek, Lindgren and Rykov all possibly on the Rangers blueline next season along with the incumbent veterans, numbers may rule.  Better to trade Pionk to a team looking for a right handed shot on the power play  while his highlight end-to-end rush against Montreal is still in everyone’s minds.
  • Fredrik Claesson – Claesson is perplexing.  When he plays he is a solid defenseman who is pretty reliable.  Yet, he is the first healthy scratch on defense for a non-playoff team. Claesson is an RFA next season so he may be worth more as a trade target than a seventh defenseman.
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