Rangers will need to make a decision about Hayes
Larry Brooks of the NY Post: The New York Rangers went through a nice winning streak before loses over the weekend. GM Jeff Gorton is not in a rush to make any type of move as the trade deadline is still a ways off.
“We’re going to watch what unfolds, evaluate and go from there,” Gorton told The Post. “The way we play will be a factor in whatever decisions we make leading into the trade deadline. I’m certainly not in a hurry to do anything.”
The Rangers will have to make a decision about Kevin Hayes at some point. He’s a pending free agent and they may not want to re-sign him at the money he could be looking for. They could also look to move him if they could get a scoring winger or a top-four defenseman in a deal.
If the Rangers don’t think they can compete in the next two-three years then they may be better off moving him for a first round pick and a prospect or two.
Gorton said on Friday that they haven’t held any preliminary talks with Hayes’ agent. They are not able to sign an extension until after January 1st, and Gorton added: “we’ve got time.”
A six-year deal at $6 million could be where both sides end up if they talk about a long-term deal.
Brooks believes that unless the Rangers and Hayes are at an impasse or unless they could get a young scoring winger or defenseman back, they shouldn’t trade their arguably best player.
Untouchable to tradeable for the Rangers
Rick Carpiniello of The Athletic: Untouchables – Henrik Lundqvist, and any of their young kids (unless a top end player was involved) – Filip Chytil, Lias Andersson, Brett Howden, Libor Hajek, Ryan Lindgren, Igor Shesterkin, Vitaly Kravtsov, K’Andre Miller and Nils Lundkvist.
Almost untouchable – Mika Zibanejad and Jesper Fast.
Conceivable, but be careful – Chris Kreider, Pavel Buchnevich, Brady Skjei, Neal Pionk and Alexander Georgiev.
What would be the point? – Jimmy Vesey.
Possibilities – Vladislav Namestnikov, Ryan Strome, Fredrik Claesson, Anthony DeAngelo, Vinni Lettieri, Kevin Shattenkirk, Cody McLeod and Brendan Smith.
Keep this one in mind – Marc Staal.
Most likely to go – Mats Zuccarello, Kevin Hayes and Adam McQuaid.