New York Rangers trade rumors: Vadim Shipachyov would be great fit

If Vadim Shipachyov is available, the New York Rangers should explore trading for him. 

The New York Rangers are trying to rebuild on the fly while maintaining their status as contenders. So far, that’s not working out for them, as they have a 2-6-2 record through their first 10 games. A huge reason for the Rangers’ lack of success so far has been their lack of center depth.

After trading Derek Stepan to the Arizona Coyotes, the team did very little to address it. That’s right, a team looking to win now got an extra first-round pick and Anthony DeAngelo for arguably their best center. And with the latter in the AHL, the Rangers have nothing to show for trading their first line center.

Before head coach Alain Vigneault gets fired, the front office should at least try to address their lack of centers. The Vegas Golden Knights have given Vadim Shipachyov permission to seek a trade after sending him to the AHL. And the Rangers would be a flawless fit for him.

The Risk

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Let’s be honest, there is a lot of risk in trading for Shipachyov. Any time a center isn’t wanted by an expansion team, that’s a red flag. Why are the Golden Knights so willing to get rid of a guy they just signed to be one of their stars?

Through three games, Shipachyov has a goal. Though he’s playing just over 10 minutes per game. The Golden Knights are doing very well without him. And with Shipachyov’s $4.5 million cap hit over the next two seasons, he’s an expensive risk.

The Reward

Despite the risk involved, Shipachyov is a guy the Rangers should be willing to take a chance. First of all, the trade market for centers is all but dead. The Rangers have tried trading for a center to replace Stepan, but haven’t been able to do so. If they can get Shipachyov for a cheap price, that could wind up being a massive bargain for them.

And it’s not like he’s a bum. Shipachyov was extremely productive in the KHL. That’s obviously not the same as the NHL, but it’s a good sign that he can be productive. The Rangers are certainly in a position to give him the time he needs.

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And there is optimism he could be productive with the Rangers. Shipachyov has experience playing with young forward Pavel Buchnevich, as the two were teammates in the KHL. The Rangers are extremely desperate for centers and don’t really have any internal options. They’ve exhausted options to try to find a second or third line center. Shipachyov could be that guy for them. And, most likely, they could get him for cheap because they can easily afford his cap hit.