The New York Rangers made news headlines last week with the acquisition of Vladimir Tarasenko and Niko Mikkola. The two have already helped solidify the depth the team needed and haven’t lost to this point.
With an upcoming road trip to Canada over the next week, it’s a golden opportunity for the Blueshirts to not only continue their five-game winning streak but also a chance to see if any additional moves are needed to be made. An apparent trade of Vitali Kravtsov could also spell additional assets being used to help the current team.
Luckily for the Rangers, their apparent “needs” match up well with players that are currently available. Let’s take a look at three names to keep an eye on.
Nick Bjugstad
Forever Blueshirts reported that Bjugstad could be a potential get for the Rangers should they move Kravtsov and it makes a lot of sense. Arizona could move the former first-rounder for a top young prospect, Kravtsov would get considerable play time and the Rangers could recoup draft picks and a solid depth center. Bjugstad is owed $900,000 as a part of the one-year deal he signed so it would also fit in the Rangers cap question.
Tyler Motte
I’ve been pretty firm with the belief that Motte returning wouldn’t necessarily be the good thing many fans of the New York Rangers are thinking. The team let Motte walk in free agency for Ryan Carpenter and that move blew up in their face within the first month of the season. Still, Motte is a cheap option and could provide depth and energy to a team that could use it on the fourth line.
Patrick Kane
Yes, there’s still a possibility that Patrick Kane could become a New York Ranger by the March 3rd deadline, although a trade would need to be extremely specific. Kravtsov, again, would get added playtime and the Blackhawks would have to eat most of Kane’s current contract. That being said, if there was a way to mitigate the disappointment of Kravy’s development or lack thereof, it’s getting two excellent veterans like Tarasenko and Kane to help not only bolster the offense but also to have championship experience on the roster. Kane wants to be a Ranger so let’s see if Chris Drury will oblige.
