Scott Laughton
We move from Orange County, California, to the only team in the NHL to wear orange as its main color. Onto Philadelphia Flyers forward Scott Laughton. Laughton has three years left on his deal at $3 million annually, and at the age of 29, there's minimal risk with him. For a long term fit, this is probably the best option if the Rangers are not sure about the status of Chytil long term.
Flyers General Manager Daniel Briere is expected to listen to offers on the Oakville, Ontario native, but he's not actively shopping the left-handed centerman. In fact, the only reason Briere is expected to be listening to offers on Laughton is because the center market is so incredibly weak, and he thinks someone might pay the astronomical asking price he can set for his asset. We'd all want Chris Drury to do the same.
Laughton has netted himself just five goals this season, but with 15 assists for a total of 20 points, these totals are not that bad for someone that has been playing in the bottom six of a team that isn't in the same ilk as the New York Rangers. Despite the Flyers being quite the surprise this season, it's not the same as playing on this blueshirts roster, and his totals would undeniably increase in New York.
In the summer, Briere wanted a first-round draft pick and more for him, so this is not going to be the most effecient use of assets, but if the Rangers want someone who might be a fit long-term, and can play almost anywhere in the lineup, this is the player they will be calling about. It'll be expensive, especially trading for him from a division rival, but it's the kind of risk that needs to be taken for a team that wants the Stanley Cup.