NHL Trade Rumors: New York Rangers preparing for fire sale

According to the latest NHL Trade Rumors, the New York Rangers are ready to be huge sellers at the trade deadline.

This season has not gone as planned for the New York Rangers. During the offseason, they signed Kevin Shattenkirk to a massive deal because they thought they were still Stanley Cup contenders. Though the Rangers are just two points out of second place in the Metropolitan Division at the All-Star break, it’s clear their future needs help. After being tied to many NHL trade rumors as buyers, it will likely be the opposite this season.

They are ready to fully embrace a fire sale, according to Larry Brooks of the New York Post.

"The mandate, approved (if not established) in the owner’s suite by Jim Dolan, is to build a Stanley Cup winner rather than to simply extend a seven-year playoff streak that is in jeopardy."

More from Puck Prose

Years of giving up first-round picks has really bit the Rangers in the butt. Their prospect system is suffering as the team looks to the future. So naturally, the Rangers want to make sure they can contend in the future and perhaps make the inevitable post-Henrik Lundqvist rebuild a little less painful.

Brooks mentions Rick Nash and Michael Grabner as two obvious candidates. Those are two forwards who have proven they can score goals. Nash will have a more limited number of suitors thanks to his expensive cap hit ($7.8 million). Even though he will be a free agent after this season, that’s a hefty cap hit to take on. Nash will also likely command the largest return. Especially since the Rangers are likely going to retain salary on him to accommodate a trade.

Grabner will have more suitors, but likely won’t get as huge of a return. Though perhaps if the market for him is significant enough, they’ll be able to get a second-round pick for him. Nash should command a first round pick and/or a top prospect.

Brooks also mentions Nick Holden, who’s a steady and reliable defenseman. He’s not a top pairing blueliner like he currently is with the Rangers, but he’s at worst solid in his own end. Perhaps Holden can find his scoring touch from last season as well.

The biggest thing to come from Brooks’ article is that they are willing to listen on offers for captain Ryan McDonagh and forward Mats Zuccarello. Both should command very significant returns since they are both under contract through next season. This gives them the chance to potentially influence two playoff races.

Next: 3 Players The Rangers Must Trade

It’s weird seeing the Rangers, who have made six consecutive postseason appearances, as being active as sellers. But it’s for the best, especially in the long run.

Stay updated with all the latest NHL Trade Rumors by checking out our Rumors page

Home/Rumors