Mandatory Photo Credit: @STAN SZETO / @ISAIAH J. DOWNING / @TIMOTHY T. LUDWIN / @DANNY WILD – USA TODAY SPORTS
(New York, NY) – The NHL trade deadline is rapidly approaching. Experts predict the Rangers will be very busy.
For the third consecutive year, the ‘Blue Shirts’ are seeking a first-line forward to play alongside Mika Zibanejad and Chris Kreider. But while New York looks to fill arguably their most important need – they better move fast. The trade deadline cutoff is 3 p.m. Friday.
One player that could fit the bill? Pittsburgh Penguins center Jake Guentzel. Vicent Meercogliano of USA Today says Guentzel is a player the Rangera have previously “expressed serious interest” in trading for. Per Mercogliano, to get Guentzel, an impending free agent, New York would need to part with “multiple young assets.” The 29-year-old is having another terrific season (22 G, 30A), and with Pittsburgh on the outside of the playoff picture, a deal seems logical. Guentzel, who’s played his entire eight-year career with the Penguins, had surpassed the 35 goal mark three times – playing alongside Sidney Crosby.
On paper? It’s the perfect fit. But the price could be an issue for Rangers general manager Chris Drury, who “strongly prefers” not to give up any players currently on the NHL team – or top prospects Brennan Othmann and Gabe Perreault.
Frank Vatrano of the Anaheim Ducks and Alex Wennberg of the Seattle Kraken are two other players the Rangers have high on their wish list.
Vatrano, who the Rangers acquired at the the trade deadline in 21-22, has enjoyed a career season, collecting 29 goals. But he’s another winger that comes with a high asking price. As for Wennberg, the veteran forward was not available for Monday’s game against the Flames due to “trade-related issues,” head coach Dave Hakstol said.
The Rangers are in serious need of help at center, and with Filip Chytil out for the season, Wenneberg would slide right onto New York’s third-line. The Kraken are reportedly sorting through offers and talking to other teams, but the Rangers are believed to be among the finalists for his services – according to Mercogliano.
The tradeline could be busy for the league as a whole. There are names flying around in all different directions. But one thing is for certain – the Rangers will be working the phones.
