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Nils Lundkvist seeking trade, looking for top-four spot |
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The relative calm and peace from the summer is now gone. Larry Brooks reported today that the Rangers and GM Chris Drury are trying to deal Nils Lundkvist, who had told management he is unlikely to report to camp in absence of a deal. Lundkvist’s rationale, and that of his agent Claude Lemieux, stems largely from the logjam in front of him on the blueline.
A few excerpts from the column:
The Post has learned that general manager Chris Drury has been working with Lundkvist’s agent, Claude Lemieux, in order to effect a trade to an organization in which the Swede would have a better opportunity to challenge for a top-four spot and role as a power-play quarterback.
At the same time, though, the Blueshirts are seeking a semblance of equal value in return for Lundkvist, the slick, puck-moving, offense-oriented defenseman who is generously listed at 5-10, 187 pounds.
It is just that there is no room at the inn for the foreseeable future for Lundkvist with Adam Fox, Jacob Trouba and the 6-foot-2 Schneider — who plays with the physical edge favored by Gerard Gallant — locked in on the right side in New York
The Blueshirts, though, could certainly use a young, top-nine-type center who might grow with the organization. That is believed to be Drury’s target as they deal with this latest situation involving a young European unhappy with his plight.
Lundkvist has no issues with management. He just sees an unyielding roadblock ahead. If one of his greatest attributes is the ability to run the power play, he will not get that opportunity as long as Fox is wearing the uniform. This will mark the first year of Fox’s eight-year contract extension.
Lundkvist struggled to adapt to the North American style of play after dominating in Sweden. Taken 28th overall in 2018, Lundkvist was viewed as a steal at that spot, especially after seeing his performance overseas. But he struggled with the much more physical aspect and speed of the NHL, impacted also by the smaller rink size here compared to Sweden.
He is by far not the first and won’t be the last to require an adjustment period. That isn’t the problem. Lundqvist doesn’t see a path forward to PP TOI with Fox and Jacob Trouba manning the points while Braden Schindler surpassed him as well on the right side depth chart.
As Brooks points out, the Rangers were remarkably healthy for the most part last season. One injury to any of their RH d-men and Lundkvist would be pressed into action. While this is not a Vitali Kravtsov situation, as we saw last year when Sammy Blais went down, if Kravtsov had stayed, he likely would have been promoted and slotted into the top-nine at a minimum. Lundkvist and Lemieux should keep this in mind rather than remaining home if a deal isn’t reached.
Matthew Robertson and Zac Jones remaining as left side, third pair options. They are joined by Libor Hajek and Jarred Tinordi, which sends shock waves and shivers down every Rangers’ fans’ back. Hopefully one of the kids gets the role, but if not, questioning management’s decisions are more than valid.
Drury has to be smart and not just make a deal to appease Lundkvist, which he won’t. If moving the young d-man, whose value and luster have fallen since before last season, a requisite return is required. In addition - and maybe as important - signing 1-2 veteran RH blueliners as just in case, break glass PTO measures would be a wise idea to cover their rear if something happens.
New York Rangers Blogger • 
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