The New York Rangers seem very close to trading both Rick Nash and Michael Grabner, according to the latest NHL trade rumors
As the NHL trade deadline approaches, it’s important to keep an eye on which trade candidates are playing and which ones are sitting. If someone mentioned in NHL trade rumors is sitting, it’s a pretty good sign they’re about to be traded. The New York Rangers, ahead of their game on Thursday, Feb. 26 against the Montreal Canadiens, are sitting both Rick Nash and Michael Grabner.
Does this mean a trade is imminent? Not necessarily. However, at the very least, this tells us fans the Rangers are in active discussions with other teams about them. If a team is closing to getting Nash and/or Grabner, the team in question would probably like to ensure their health. While an injury might not be likely, you never know.
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The Rangers are still within striking distance of the postseason. A hot streak by Henrik Lundqvist might well get them there anyway. However, it’s pretty clear looking at the organization that they need future assets.
So why not get something for pending free agents like Nash and Grabner? Especially when both might return next season?
Nash is the more expensive of the two, which likely limits his suitors. However, he’s also the better player of the two.
Nash brings scoring and two-way play to the table. He also has impressive size and can generate scoring chances off the rush.
Meanwhile, Grabner is the cheaper of the two. On paper, he has more goals. But one must consider Grabner has been one of the best empty net goal scorers of all-time. He’s a pure goal scorer who, like Nash, does a lot of his damage on rushes.
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Unlike Nash, however, Grabner doesn’t bring much else to the table except for a really low cap hit. It’s going to be interesting to see what the Rangers get for both of them.
For updated NHL trade rumors, check out our Rumors page and our NHL trade deadline tracker!