New York Rangers Should Have Quiet Trade Deadline

The NHL trade deadline is approaching quickly, and the New York Rangers figure to be in the mix of rumors and speculation that accompanies this time of year. The Rangers have needs, most notably a top-six forward, but this trade market figures to command heavy prices given the many buyers and lack of identified sellers.

Over the last couple of seasons, the Rangers have been active before the deadline. Last year they acquired Keith Yandle and the year prior saw Martin St. Louis come to Manhattan. This year, however, the Rangers might be quiet at the deadline for several reasons.

The trades for Yandle and St. Louis drained much of the Rangers’ capital in terms of first-round draft picks and some young talent. With players getting older and more expensive, the Rangers really can’t afford to forfeit their future first-rounders right now.

The Rangers also can’t afford to surrender young players like Oscar Lindberg, Pavel Buchnevich, Brady Skjei or Dylan McIlrath. They are further hampered by the no-movement clauses of Marc Staal and Dan Girardi.

The Rangers’ best trade chip is Yandle and his expiring contract. There is a chance the Rangers could use Yandle to nab themselves a forward or restock some draft picks. They would, however, be losing one of their better defensemen this season. Then again, Alain Vigneault seems to have this aversion to playing Yandle, so right now he is a luxury who is not being used on the ice so perhaps they can cash in on him off the ice in a trade.

Unfortunately, it’s doubtful that Yandle alone would bring back what the Rangers need in a top-six forward.  But a quiet deadline might not be a bad thing. Obviously, if GM Jeff Gorton can get a big return for Yandle he should pull the trigger, but he can’t surrender the team’s future right now. This might not be popular with fans, but it is the level-headed thing to do right now.

The Rangers’ best chance for making another Stanley Cup run is a general improvement from players already on the roster and won’t come from a player acquired at the deadline at this point. Unless, of course, Steven Stamkos falls into their laps, but that won’t be happening so keep dreaming. Unless they are overwhelmed with an offer for Yandle, the Rangers should just roll with what they have and retool over the summer.