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Rangers Trade Deadline Watch: Zeroing in on Jake Guentzel

The New York Rangers are facing a decision as the trade deadline approaches. The Rangers have shifted their focus from possible transactions involving players such as Adam Henrique and Frank Vatrano to another target: Jake Guentzel. Rangers supporters are waiting impatiently for word of a possible blockbuster trade that would alter the team's roster, as speculations are circulating and excitement is growing. Chris Drury is the center of attention as he navigates the trade deadline chaos with the time ticking away.

By Gianni Maltese

Pittsburgh Penguins v New York Rangers - Game Seven
Pittsburgh Penguins v New York Rangers - Game Seven / Bruce Bennett/GettyImages
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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.

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.

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.

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.

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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