Chris Krieder on Nichols on Hockey: Darren Dreger on TSN 690 was talking about New York Rangers pending UFA forward Kevin Hayes. It’s still possible that the Rangers and Hayes could come to an agreement on an extension, but he could be moved to a contender.
“Kevin Hayes, to me, should be a player that Minnesota or a team like Winnipeg should be looking at. I mean, just everything he brings, I think he’d fit nicely in that conference.”
Chris Nichols of Nichols on Hockey: Bob McKenzie on NBCSN said he doesn’t believe the Rangers are shopping Chris Krieder or anyone of their ‘core’ that has term left.
“They get phone calls, and someone will say, ‘What about Mika Zibanejad? Any chance…’
“‘No.’
“Unless there was a ridiculous offer, but nobody is anticipating that.”
If the Rangers were to move Krieder they would have to get back a young, NHL ready play with really high upside. They aren’t moving for futures – draft pick an average prospect.
Chris Nichols of Nichols on Hockey: Bob McKenzie was on NBCSN talking about the New York Rangers and their pending free agents in Mats Zuccarello, Kevin Hayes and Adam McQuaid.
They will likely move them, but they won’t just give them away.
McKenzie thinks the Rangers are getting lots of interest in Hayes. Zuccarello is back healthy and playing well. Goal scorers are always at a premium at the deadline. The Devils got a 2nd round-pick for Brian Boyle, so the Rangers will be looking for more than that.
“I think the New York Rangers believe if they can get a first-round pick and something for Kevin Hayes, that would be fantastic. If they can get a first-round pick or a top prospect – not both, but one of those – for Zuccarello, that would be great too.”
McQuaid is a tough, depth guy and could net the Rangers a couple lower end draft picks.
“But he’s more of a lower-case deal, more like Nick Holden-style return of a fourth-round pick and a seventh-round pick.”