New York Rangers Trade Rumors: Expect Changes in the Offseason

New York Rangers Trade Rumors: GM Jeff Gorton Could be Busy this Summer Making Changes to the Roster

TSN‘s Bob McKenzie gave fuel to New York Rangers trade rumors on Friday night, suggesting that GM Jeff Gorton is listening to offers. McKenzie predicts that the only untouchable names might be Henrik Lundqvist and Ryan McDonagh.

We could also include prospects Pavel Buchnevich and Brady Skjei to that list, as both have promising future’s in the Big Apple.

Bob McKenzie is reporting what many in the hockey world have been feeling for a while. Good enough to challenge the top teams in the Eastern Conference during the regular season for the last half decade or so, the Rangers always seem to find a way to fall short when it matters most.

Not surprising, New York’s offensive group has been borderline laughable for some time. It’s not that players such as Rick Nash, Derek Stepan, or Derick Brassard aren’t quality NHLers – because they are extremely talented.

As a collective group though, the New York Rangers simply aren’t skilled enough. A mix of players forced to play roles either above or beneath their abilities, it’s a tough way to generate chemistry.

New York Rangers Trade Rumors: 5 Potential Scenarios

More from Puck Prose

Built like a rock from the crease throughout the blueline, the New York Rangers only true weakness lies within their forward group.

It’s tough to compete when you’ve only got one true 1st liner, and five 2nd liners in your top six (and that’s being generous to a pair of players).

The answer might not be to trade Rick Nash, but instead, to find him another quality 1st liner to play with.

It seems Brassard or Stepan make the most logical sense as trade bait. Perhaps Jeff Gorton can package one of them along with other players/prospects for that top line upgrade.

Potential Upgrades to Play Alongside Rick Nash

Matt Duchene, Colorado Avalanche

Another team looking to shake their roster up, Duchene could be available for the right price – and easily an upgrade on Derek Stepan.

Ryan Nugent-Hopkins/Jordan Eberle, Edmonton Oilers

You’d have to be careful here if you’re Jeff Gorton. You don’t want to overpay for either of these players. They wouldn’t have the same impact as Matt Duchene, but could be a key piece of the puzzle for the Rangers.

Kyle Turris/Bobby Ryan, Ottawa Senators

Both should find their names on the trade block this summer as new GM Pierre Dorion looks to make changes. If NY could make the money work for Bobby Ryan, he could add a major boost – maybe return to 30+ goal seasons.

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Daniel Sedin/Henrik Sedin, Vancouver Canucks

Finding a way to add $14 million dollars in salary would prove the trickiest part of this deal. Then again, if they can trim Rick Nash and Dan Girardi‘s contract (among other moves), the cap space might exist.

This suggestion is far less likely, but if you’re New York and feel as though Henrik Lundqvist only has so many good years left, does age honestly matter if you can bring in a pair of vets who are still impact players?

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