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The New York Rangers plan to shop in the NHL's rental market |
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The New York Rangers have the seventh-best record in the NHL today. But they are the NHL team that can help themselves the most before the trade deadline.
Coach Gerard Gallant's Rangers have the NHL's third-best goals-against average and the fifth-best power play. Arguably, they have the NHL's best goalie this regular-season in Igor Shesterkin. Also, they have enough salary cap space to add both forward and defenseman to help them in the postseason.
According to CapFriendly.com, they are projected to have more than $7 million to spend down the stretch.
By comparison, the six teams in front of them in the standings -- the Colorado Avalanche, Carolina Hurricanes, Florida Panthers, Toronto Maple Leafs, Minnesota Wild and Tampa Bay Lightning have a combined $2 million in available cap space.
That clearly doesn't mean those contenders can't trade someone to clear up some space. A player with a hefty salary could be lost for the season and end up on long-term injured reserved. More space could be gained that way
But the Rangers have a much easier path to adding top players than any of the other teams at the top.
Joe Pavelski, Ben Chiarot, Tomas Hertl and Mark Giordano are all expected to be on the trading block. Is there any chance the Rangers could land both Pavelski and Chiarot, or Pavelski and Giordano?
Before that question is answered, we should consider whether the Rangers would give up the assets that will be necessary to land any of those players. All of the above will require a package that includes a first-round pick or equivalent.
My sense is the Rangers would be unwilling to give up any of their primary youngsters off their team in exchange for rentals. But they might give up a first round pick, or a second round pick, Vitali Kravtsov and/or other prospects to add players for this upcoming playoff run.
One possibility: The Rangers go hard after one of the forwards. They are 16th in scoring at 3.02 goals per game. Their offense needs the most help. Then, would make a minor deal to add a veteran left-shot defenseman for depth.
The argument against going after rentals is that the Rangers may not be quite ready for an extended postseason run. The competition in the Eastern Conference is challenging. The Rangers are relying on some younger players.
But standing pat isn't how the Rangers like to roll. They went out last offseason to pick up players to be harder to play against this season.
Historically, the Rangers like to play out every hand. That's the New York way. That's why we can expect the Rangers to be a mover or a shaker at the deadline. They won't give up their best assets, but they plan to do some shopping .
Blogger •HHOF Writer's column on the NHL • 
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