|
Rangers mentioned by Elliotte Friedman as interested in Ben Chiarot |
|
|
|
|
|
Per Elliotte Friedman, the Rangers are one of six teams to be interested in Ben Chairot. Montreal's asking price for the veteran, left-handed blueliner is a first-round pick. The rumored interest and asking price are both not surprises, doesn't mean the Rangers should pay it.
New York is fairly clearly looking for a left-handed defensemen, as they look to be reluctant to play Zac Jones, unless via last resort. Jones has been in the lineup recently while Patrik Nemeth was sidelined due to personal reasons. Nils Lundkvist did not pan out at least initially, though I am still high on him. Jones, like Lundkvist, is viewed as a bit undersized, though I do think a pairing of him and Braden Schneider, as we have seen lately or even him and Jacob Trouba could be successful.
Fredman reports six teams have interest, a list made up of Chiarot with teams that are interested include St. Louis, Carolina, Florida, Los Angeles, Calgary and New York. First, the fact that six teams may be in the mix is pretty much what is expected, given the need for second and third pair blueliners across the league. Second, and before everyone is ready to storm the castle, just because New York is one of those six doesn't mean they will pay that price to acquire.
As seen below, the advanced metrics for Chiarot this year and the past few seasons are not kind. While that may not tell the whole story, on the face of it, not ideal. In addition, as may have been the case a few seasons ago when the Rangers acquired Brendan Smith for the stretch run, his metrics may not have stood out, but he played well down the stretch. Chiarot's weak advanced metrics do not mean he wouldn't be a decent addition, likely better than Nemeth, though unsure that has been a high bar to climb, but that don't make a string case to acquire, Plus, I am in no way, shape or form diminishing whatever the personal issues Nemeth has been trying to play through this season. In addition, as noted above, if given the choice, try Jones and Scheider for a while.
If acquiring a blueliner, Chiarot might not be the right choice.. Giving up a first for him in general is an overpayment. Now, maybe if Arturri Lehkonen were part of the equation, that might be more palatable. But even then, probably not. Tyler Toffoli might also be a trade target. But with two more years after this season at an AAV of $4.25, the Rangers might not be in the mix, unless Montreal eats cap room.
If targeting a blueliner, Calvin de Haan, also a UFA after the season, should be one of the primary ones pursued. He won't bring much offensively, but if solid defensively, which is what New York needs. If they wanted offense, they could just leave Jones in the lineup, but because he is viewed as undersized, I expect the team to pursue other options. Getting de Haan would provide a Nemeth replacement on the PK, if needed, and also allow d-pair shuffles if desired, since he could move up if needed.
Way too early to overreact to rumors. The ask, as of now, is a first rounder. If New York pays that price, then I get being upset. But rumors of being one of those interested, that comes with the territory when the team is viewed as in contention and pursuing a veteran, left-handed blueline.
New York Rangers Blogger • 
Join the Discussion:
»