New York Rangers are looking to trade Nils Lundkvist

With the blue line for the foreseeable future seemingly set in stone, questions have started to arise regarding the future of Swedish defenseman Nils Lundkvist. It has been revealed today that the New York Post believes the Rangers are looking to trade the Swedish defenseman before the start of the season. This is something that may have a big impact on this Rangers roster to start the year.

This isn’t because Lundkvist is a big part of this roster, but more because they’re going to be able to get a considerable return for the 2018 28th overall pick. Still highly regarded around the NHL, the Pitea, Sweden native could very much net a strong return. Lundkvist is a strong defensive prospect and if it wasn’t for the logjam the Rangers have on the right-hand side, he’d probably have seen more NHL time.

He has played 25 games in the big time, recording just three helpers and one goal. Four points in 25 games just aren’t helpful enough to justify keeping him around. So, why let him rot in the minors when you can move him now and get a big piece in exchange for him? It would be really poor asset management. Out of the 32 teams in the NHL, 32 would like to have a right-hand shot defensive prospect with a good NHL upside.

Now, I’d be lying if I told you I had a clue where Lundkvist ends up, but I think it is safe to assume that the Rangers want to move on from him sooner rather than later. This isn’t because he is a bad player, by any means. It’s just that he is going to be moved in exchange for a piece that could have a big impact on the Rangers this season. I’m not sure if that’s Vancouver, Chicago, or somewhere else.

Question for Blue Line Station readers: What do you think the Rangers could get back for Lundkvist?