On the New York Rangers …
Jimmy Murphy: Source on the Rangers possibly trade forwards Derek Stepan and Rick Nash: “They’re trying to move both but good luck with Nash.”
Pat Leonard of the NY Daily News: The Rangers couldn’t really afford to pay Keith Yandle $6+ million to play on the left side when they also have left-handed defenseman in Ryan McDonagh, Marc Staal and Brady Skjei.
The right-handed Kevin Shattenkirk would be a perfect fit, and sources saying the Rangers are interested. He’d likely want $6+ million on his next deal.
Rangers GM Jeff Gorton is apparently working on more than one blockbuster move according to sources. Rick Nash and Derek Stepan have been mentioned lately as possible trade candidates.
Gorton may be looking to get out of Staal’s ($5.7 million) and Girardi’s ($5.5 million), but they have full no-movement clauses.
Nash ($7.8 million) has two years left on his deal and could be a good fit with his former coach Ken Hitchcock in St. Louis.
It’s unlikely that Steven Stamkos is in the Rangers plans.
On the New York Islanders …
Brett Cyrgalis of the NY Post: The Islanders will likely be losing both Kyle Okposo and Matt Martin. It’s looking like they are getting closer to re-signing Frans Nielsen. The Islanders need to bring in some high-end forwards.
Arthur Staple of Newsday: Islanders GM Garth Snow has been talking to other teams as he’s looking for a top-six winger.
Source saying Kyle Okposo is “100 percent gone.”
There hasn’t been any progress in the last week with regards to a Frans Nielsen extension.
Their No. 19 pick could be in play to help land a winger. They don’t have a second or third round pick. If they are not able land a winger with the pick, they could look to trade down.
If they move back in the draft, they could look at Alex DeBrincat or Tage Thompson.