Rangers keep coming up in trade rumor chatter
Glen Sather
We are almost a month away from the NHL’s version of Christmas in March, as the Trade Deadline is fast approaching. As more teams realize they will be sellers and not buyers, the action has begun to heat up.
The Rangers are obvious buyers at the deadline and with trade chips to play with it could be a wild ride come March 2nd.
Blueshirt Trade Chip, John Moore
John Moore (Getty)
John Moore has gone from promising young defender to platoon mate with Matt Hunwick. Larry Brooks believes that he may be showcased in February to land a rental defenseman for the playoffs. Ottawa’s Marc Methot, Carolina’s Andrej Sekera or Colorado’s Jan Hejda are three names Brooks stated the Rangers are looking at.
Lyle Richardson of SPECTOR’S HOCKEY noted that Hejda is off the table now that Erik Johnsson will miss several weeks with a knee injury. It should also be noted that Andrej Sekera camp and the Canes have not met yet to discuss staying, further fueling the fire that he will be traded.
The Kings, Red Wings, Penguins and Ducks have already asked about Sekera.
Looking For a Middle Man
Antoine Vermette
Per TSN’s Bob McKenzie, Coyotes Antoine Vermette is one of the hottest commodities out there with top contenders knocking on Don Maloney’s door. The Rangers have been linked to his name for several weeks now. Of course, other contenders like the Ducks, Blackhawks, Avalanche, Canadiens and Blues are vying for his services as well.
The Arizona Republic has recently reported that GM, Don Maloney is not looking for a rebuild but more of a retooling. He also stated everyone is available except Shane Doan. Now before anyone cries for Sather to acquire Oliver Ekman-Larsson, just realize the ransom an NHL team would have to give for a 23 year old future Norris winner would be insane.
As for Vermette’s asking price? TSN’s Darren Dreger said on radio that Maloney is seeking a 1st round pick, a prospect and/ or a current NHL ready player. We believe the Rangers have those bargaining chips in Mats Zuccarello and/or JT Miller.
Of course, trading JT Miller for a 32 year old center looking for a 5 million plus deal come July is a hell of a price to pay for a possible rental.
mike santorelli
Another and far cheaper option is Toronto Maple Leafs, Mike Santorelli. Darren Dreger said about the Rangers, “they’re looking for a center-man and there might be a Leaf connection here.” This is the point where he brings up Mike Santorelli and the fact that the Blueshirts tried to sign him in the offseason. NY would lose out to Toronto who obtained his services for $1.5M thanks to the Rangers having limited cap space left.
If the Rangers miss out on Vermette, expect Santorelli to be plan B.
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