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Three players that could be moved if the Rangers are sellers

By Conor Power

NEW YORK, NY - NOVEMBER 13: Mika Zibanejad #93 of the New York Rangers and teammates Braden Schneider #4 and Chris Kreider #20 during the game against the Arizona Coyotes on November 13, 2022 at Madison Square Garden in New York, New York. (Photo by Rich Graessle/Getty Images)
NEW YORK, NY - NOVEMBER 13: Mika Zibanejad #93 of the New York Rangers and teammates Braden Schneider #4 and Chris Kreider #20 during the game against the Arizona Coyotes on November 13, 2022 at Madison Square Garden in New York, New York. (Photo by Rich Graessle/Getty Images) /
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Sammy Blais skating against the Arizona Coyotes
NEW YORK, NY – NOVEMBER 13: Sammy Blais #91 of the New York Rangers skates during the first period of the game against the Arizona Coyotes on November 13, 2022, at Madison Square Garden in New York, New York. (Photo by Rich Graessle/Getty Images) /

Sammy Blais

Although it has been a tough time in New York for Sammy Blais, it is not entirely his fault. Blais tore his ACL during his first season with the Rangers and he’s really struggled to get back to being what he was as a member of the St Louis Blues. With Blais not being able to perform at the peak of his powers, it has become clear that if the Rangers opt to go a different direction, he could be one of the first names in the rumor mill.

Although he is still looking for his first goal as a Ranger, Blais has recorded 9 assists in his first 35 games with New York. However, that would be reason number 6 or 7 as to why a team would want to acquire him. Despite the Quebecois not having the most deadly of shots or an excellent offensive instinct, there are several attributes that apply to him that are undeniable.

At 6’2, and 205 lbs, Blais is the perfect player to play in the bottom six for a team with Stanley Cup ambitions. He’s got a nasty side to him too which means he’s ideal for a 7 game series when you have to break the other team before they break you. While he likely isn’t going to help you decide the winner and loser of a game, he can certainly change the moment with a big hit, get involved in scuffles after the whistle, and get under the opponents’ skin.

Not to mention that Blais has a favorable contract. A cap hit of just $1.525 million until the end of this year. A lot of teams will be able to fit that under the inflated deadline salary cap limit. If the Rangers could get a couple of picks back for Blais, it would make the best of an awkward situation given his time in New York has been somewhat quiet. He’s not been disappointing, just unable to perform to his best given the attributes he had when he arrived.

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