We’ve got some more NHL rumours for the weekend. American Thanksgiving is almost upon up, but general manager are already thinking about the upcoming deadline. Teams are trying to fill holes and fill needs in their respective rosters. Some moves have already been made. However, others may have to wait a bit longer to make a deal. One contending roster that’s trying to fix things is the New York Rangers. This edition of NHL rumours deals with the team looking to strengthen the centre spot.
All NHL rumours come from the original spot and are subject to change.
NHL Rumours
New York Rangers Look for Centre Help
Rumour: Vincent Z. Mercogliano of Lohud had a recent mailbag about how the Blueshirts may improve their roster. We talked adding to the defence in a previous edition of NHL rumours. However, we focus on possible forward help for New York.
Analysis: Mercogliano said the Rangers should address their blueline issues. However, Filip Chytil injury may prove too much of a hole for general manager Chris Drury to avoid.
New York does have a good record, but it was regarded as a main Stanley Cup contender before the season. The Rangers have picked up wins, but there are some noticeable flaws in their roster.
Chytil’s recent injury has once again raised concerns about the team’s roster. There are some good forwards, but the bottom-part of the lineup does make some Blueshirts’ fans nervous. The Rangers’ on-ice play and injuries will determine Drury’s next course of action.
Who’s on the Radar
Mercogliano brings up a couple of forwards that the Rangers could target. One of them is veteran centre Yanni Gourde of the Seattle Kraken. He carries a $5.167 million cap hit and is an unrestricted free agent at the end of the season. Seattle could move some players if they fall out of contention. This is a distinct possibility with Jordan Eberle missing some time.
Another target is a familiar face to Rangers’ fans. Mercogliano mentions that Frank Vatrano could make a return to Manhattan if the Rangers and Anaheim Ducks make a deal. Vatrano was a deadline acquisition at the 2022 trade deadline. He currently makes $3.65 million this season.
Drury does worry about cap space with his roster. However, both Seattle and Anaheim could retain up to 50-percent of the either player’s salary to make a deal easier to digest. Both clubs aren’t using any of their retention slots at this time.
A Surprising Trade Chip
Mercogliano also mentions the Rangers could move an important part of their roster to create space. Defenceman Ryan Lindgren is making $4.5 million after signing a one-year pact in the off-season.
There’s worry that Lindgren may walk for nothing in the 2025 free agency window. One wonders if Drury might be tempted to get something out of Lindgren before possibly losing him in free agency.
It would make sense to maybe trade like for like and get a defenceman for Lindgren. However, a forward could also be in the plans for Drury if Chytil’s injury is a long-term one.
Main photo by: Steven Bisig-Imagn Images
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