As injuries mount, will the Rangers trade for Alex Burrows

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Zibanejad breaks leg (MSG SCREEN CAP via Yahoo)

Zibanejad breaks leg (MSG SCREEN CAP via Yahoo)

The Rangers have lost Mika Zibanejad to a broken leg suffered last night versus Florida. Pavel Buchnevich‘s back spasms could be a bigger issue as well. Chris Kreider has already sat twice due to neck issues, which could mean a deal is on the horizon.

Zibanejad is now lost for 6-8 weeks and we don’t have a timetable for Buchnevich. Rumor out of Vancouver is that Alex Burrows is available and most likely going to be moved at the trade deadline. Could that date be moved up now?

Burrows to Broadway?

The 35 year old RW has 2 goals and 5 points in 15 games this year. He is a reliable penalty killer and plays with a lot of grit. The biggest hurdle is his 4.5M cap hit, which the Rangers would be responsible for 3.5M at this point according to CapFriendly. Of course, putting Zibanejad on LTIR will give them the additional cap space needed to pull off a deal with salary.

Burrows will be a UFA at the end of the year and is already being identified as a rental. According to the Vancouver Sun, they believe Montreal and the Rangers are already likely suitors. He has 19 goals in 70 playoff games, which would be the most obvious reason either would consider adding him.

Lastly, he is an Alain Vigneault guy and they may both would love another run at the Cup together.  In their quest for Lord Stanley in 2011, Burrows scored 9 goals and had 17 points in 25 games for AV.

FullTilt Take

Burrows has a no trade clause, but you can easily see him waive it for the Rangers. Vancouver is rumored to be looking for a draft pick (likely 3rd or higher) for him at the deadline. Looking to acquire him now could raise that price to a 2nd or 3rd definitely.

I don’t think the Rangers will rush into making any moves. I think Boo Nieves will be given a chance to play center with the big club to replace Zibanejad. Now, if Buchnevich is out for an extended period and Kreider goes down again…they could be knocking on Vancouver’s door sooner rather than later.

By Anthony Scultore

Anthony Scultore has been covering the New York Rangers and the NHL since 2014. His work also appears at... More about Anthony Scultore

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