NYR TALK: Steve Zipay discusses possible trades on NHL Network Radio

Steve Zipay (Twitter)

Steve Zipay (Twitter)

This morning, Steve Zipay of Newsday was on NHL Network Radio’s Hockey This AM to talk about the Rangers.

Are the Rangers Better?

When asked if the Rangers were a better team than last year’s Cup finalist team, Zipay indicated that “record wise they are,” but continued with “there are still holes and flaws.”

Zipay discussed how as well as the defense was playing earlier in the year, since they’ve come out of the break “they’ve been a little disorganized and sloppy”. His feelings are that they will come around as each team goes through swings during a year.

The biggest issue with the team? According to Zipay, “they need help at center.” He discussed Kevin Hayes and explained how he and everyone “loves his game but he is not a center.” This a major topic I’ve been discussing for months and Zipay hit on almost all my points.

Zipay believes that Hayes made a name for himself as a winger in college and that is where he will end up. He noted Hayes’ inability to win draws and how that is impacting the Rangers possession numbers.

READ: RANGERS MUST MOVE KEVIN HAYES TO WING

Are the Rangers Going to Deal?

“They don’t have a lot of cap space,” Zipay told host Mike Ross. Zipay estimated a window of about $1.5 – 2M and believes they will “wait at least a couple of weeks before making a move.”

Zipay also mentioned that Don Maloney was in the building last night and acknowledged something is very likely to happen there. He discussed Antoine Vermette as a possibility but thinks his price will be too high.

Martin Hanzal (ESPN)

Martin Hanzal (ESPN)

“Martin Hanzal is a guy I like.” Zipay cited his size and ability to win draws at a rate of 55% as reasons why. Zipay feels that Hanzal makes more sense since he is signed through 2017 and a package including either “JT Miller or John Moore” could get it done. He finished his thought by saying Hanzal would be a “perfect fit on the 3rd line.”

Steve did not mention Mats Zuccarello or Martin St. Louis’ in any trade talks.

Note: Rangers have placed Ryan Malone on unconditional waivers, for more head to FTHN.

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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