The Rangers with a raft-full of cap room are expected to be buyers at the deadline. Barring a complete collapse the next 35 games, the only question is where New York will finish in the division and conference. Just as, and maybe more important, is if management thinks the team are true contenders or pretenders, which will drive how aggressive they are at the trade deadline.
The warts on this team have been evident pretty much all season. A primary being the lack of 5x5 scoring opportunities. In addition, and in conjunction to that, is the need for a top-six right winger and/or a top-nine center. Last, a set third pair defense or maybe another left-handed blueliner, allowing for shuffling of the defensemen in that role already.
Kevin Allen in his column today postulated that the New York Rangers will land Joe Pavelski.
The Rangers need one more scorer for the playoffs. Pavelski is the most proven forward among the rental properties. Pavelski and Rangers general manager Chris Drury know each other. They were teammates on USA’s 2010 silver medal-winning Olympic team. Drury knows what a class teammate he is. The Rangers have the salary cap space and the assets to make this happen. Not many other teams do.
If you ask me who my primary forward target would be, it's one of three, Pavelski, Claude Giroux or Tomas Hertl. (Update, based on blog comment, J.T. Miller is also firmly in the mix, but think his status may depend somewhat on what happens with Ryan Strome and his contract, unless Vancouver eats part if the cap space). Others like Andrew Copp, Paul Stastny, Arturri Lehkonen etc. are in the mix as secondary options, but of those top-nine options who might be available, it's those three. As of now, it's questionable all three will be available and the cost to acquire won't be cheap.
For Giroux to be traded in conference and division, the assets required in return will likely be greater for Philly to justify a deal. This also may be why Allen suggests Colorado, who are rumored to be in the mix, and Minnesota as possible favorites. Hertl is rumored to be re-signing in San Jose, the question is when and if they deal him prior to the deadline and then re-sign him this offseason.
Pavelski's availability will depend on where Dallas sits in the standings. Their recent hot streak leaves them five points shy of the last playoff spot. With a healthy crop of forwards and solid defense, the question will be if Braden Holtby and/or Jake Oettinger can backstop the team to wins. If either gets hot, then Dallas will remain incontention until the March 21 deadline, potentially resulting in Pavelski, a UFA after the season, remaining a Star.
Pavelski checks a ton of boxes. Can play wing or center on any of the top three lines. Fits in on power play and at even strength. Playoff experience and success, even though no Cup. Contract expires so not a long-term salary added. The cost to acquire will start at a first rounder and a prospect, maybe two. If the cost was a first, Nils Lundqvist (Klingberg replacement) and Vitali Kravtsov, including him since he is the most likely to be moved, i presume all would jump on this.
Dallas could ask for Filip Chytil or higher back rather than Kravtsov. My view is if Brennan Othmann's or Braden Schneider's name is mentioned, hang up. But would you say the same if Zac Jones and/or Will Cuylle? The question is what combination in addition to the first rounder is too high for your blood?
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