Rangers Roundup: Ratelle to the rafters, targeting Justin Faulk, and more trade rumors

Ratelle(NHL)

The Rangers have announced that the center of the GAG (Goal A Game) Line will have his jersey retired next season. Jean Ratelle‘s number 19 will join his longtime linemate Rod Gilbert to the Garden’s rafters.

Per the NYPOST:

“To have your sweater retired is the greatest honor a player can receive. You can’t ask for more than that,” the universally admired Hall of Fame center said by phone. “I’m really looking forward to being back at the Garden. My family will be with me. I’m going to enjoy it.”

Ratelle scored 817 points in 862 regular season games in NY and added 42 points in 65 playoff games as well.

Justin Faulk Available?

It is no secret that the Rangers are in the market for a top pairing right handed defenseman. Enter 24 year old offensive stud, Justin Faulk…but is he really available?

Adrian Dater has been covering the Avalanche for awhile, but even if Faulk is “said” to be in play it doesn’t mean that Hurricanes aren’t just saying that to start trade talks with teams about other players.

However, if he is available then the Rangers should make every effort to go after him. Listen, if the Rangers would consider parting with any of their young forwards for upcoming UFA, Kevin Shattenkirk I’d rather go for the younger and more talented Faulk.

Adding Grit….Alex Burrows

Larry Brooks recently noted that the Rangers may look to add Alex Burrows of the Vancouver Canucks on the cheap at the deadline. If the price is right, I am all for it…as I was when I posted it way back on November 21st!

The 35 year old RW 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 1.25M at this point according to CapFriendly.

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 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.

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.

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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