Possible Avalanche trade bait
If there is a trade to be made before February 25th, it is more than likely that the Rangers would package Alexander Georgiev with one of the aforementioned forwards.
Subtracting draft picks from a hypothetical return scenario, there are two select forwards that I believe will possibly be part of a potential trade package.
Leading the pack is 24-year-old right winger Valeri Nichushkin. The Rangers are looking to become young, skilled, and fast and Nichushkin exemplifies all three.
Drafted 10th overall in the 2013 draft, Nichushkin started his career with the Dalls Stars, but after suffering a season ending injury in his second year and only registering 29 points the following season, he was sent over to Colorado and following a disappointing first season in Denver, is finally starting to show off why he was drafted so early.
In 53 games, he has 12 goals, 24 points, and a staggering +26 rating on the third line.
The guy isn’t a superstar, but he is exactly what the Blueshirts are looking for right now.
In recent days, a lot of my attention has been drawn to prospect Martin Kaut. The bottom line about this kid is that he has the potential to be a star in this league.
Likely Colorado’s second best prospect to defenseman Bowen Byram, Martin Kaut was selected 16th overall two years ago.
Kaut was actually called up just the other day, but is still just a top prospect at this point and will not be ready for the NHL until next season.
The 20-year-old forward actually reminds me of Vitali Kravtsov in a couple of ways. He’s a big man at 6’2″ possesses a great shot and a ton of skill, but has had a tough time developing here in North America.
Despite that, he seems to finally be coming into his own recording goals in back to back games, recording 10 points in the past 16 games, and playing the best hockey of his professional career.
Martin Kaut will see the NHL ice for the first time Wednesday night against the New York Islanders.
Will it happen?
For all I know, there is a good chance that the New York Rangers and Colorado Avalanche will not shake hands on a deal, or deals, in the coming days. It’s also possible that none of the players discussed will actually end up being traded.
In spite of that, these trade make sense and are what I believe need to be done to help this organization be prepared for a run in its future.