The Rangers' trade deadline plan has changed significantly as a result of their pursuit of Jake Guentzel. Rangers fans are once again excited about Guentzel as a possible target, despite earlier talks focusing on players like Henrique and Vatrano. Guentzel, who is renowned for his versatility and scoring ability, might be the missing element the Rangers need to complete their top line with Chris Kreider and Mika Zibanejad.
You want to get the top line going at 5-on-5. This is the guy to do it.
— Steven Pappas (@StevenPappasTV) March 5, 2024
20-93 have shown they can cover defensively.
Dubas makes moves analytically and not by emotion (most of the time). The time is now for this team to win.@4EverBlueshirts | #NYR pic.twitter.com/GoniF7bTwP
Negotiations for Guentzel are apparently ongoing, with the Rangers allegedly offering a package that includes Zac Jones, Kaapo Kakko, and their 2024 first-round selection, according to insider sources. Rangers supporters are enthralled with the prospect of a blockbuster move, even if no deal has been signed yet. The idea of bolstering an already strong team with a proven offensive weapon like Guentzel has raised expectations for a deep playoff run. For this deal to have any chance of coming to fruition, the Penguins would need to be open to retaining 25-50% of Guentzel's contract if agreed upon.
New York #NYR update after acquiring Alexander Wennberg at 50% retained:
— CapFriendly (@CapFriendly) March 6, 2024
LTIR Relief: $5,237,500
LTIR Used: $2,329,167
LTIR Cap Space: $2,908,333
Deadline face-value cap space: $2,908,333https://t.co/UCSCdVjhMv
The Rangers executive staff, led by Chris Drury, believes that pursuing Guentzel is a calculated gamble. It's not an easy choice to give up a potential first-round selection and a promising young player like Kakko, but the chance to get a player of Guentzel's caliber might be too tempting to refuse. The Rangers currently leading the Metropolitan Division, and Guentzel's signing might give them the additional firepower they need to contend seriously for the Stanley Cup.
Per Frank Seravalli looks like the Jake Guentzel sweepstakes could come down to the Rangers, Hurricanes, and Golden Knights #NYR #canes #vegasborn #LetsGoPens
— Kyle Hall (@KHallNY) March 7, 2024
The Rangers are in the midst of a possible blockbuster trade for Jake Guentzel as the trade deadline approaches. Rangers supporters are anxiously expecting word of a completed move, as talks are still underway and the stakes are higher than ever. It remains to be seen if Guentzel will finally don the blue, white, and red, but one thing is for sure: the Rangers are willing to go above and beyond to strengthen their lineup in anticipation of a postseason run. All eyes are on Chris Drury and the Rangers front office as they try to close a transaction that might change the franchise as the deadline approaches.
Basically,
— NYR Louie ™️ (@LouieBellina) March 6, 2024
Rangers primary focus is Guentzel at RW and Vatrano is the back-up
Rangers primary focus is Wennberg at C and Dowd is the back-up
I’d be willing to be a pretty penny 2 of the 4 players above end up Rangers #NYR
In the midst of the Guentzel discussions, the Rangers have also made waves with a separate trade. Confirmation has come through that the Rangers have acquired Alex Wennberg from the Seattle Kraken, with the Kraken retaining 50% of Wennberg's contract. In exchange, the Rangers have parted with a 2024 second-round pick and a 2025 fourth-round pick. This move not only bolsters the Rangers' depth at center but also demonstrates their savvy maneuvering to maximize salary cap flexibility for another big move.
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