On the New York Rangers …
Larry Brooks: There are some that think the Rangers will look to add a piece or two leading up to the trade deadline to make up for the loss of forward Chris Kreider. Kreider is likely done for at least the rest of the regular season.
GM Jeff Gorton should be listening to teams that call on pending UFA Rick Nash. Nash’s declining play this season lowers his trade value, but if two teams are interested and get into a bidding war, it could up the price. It’s unlikely that Nash would be back next season, so Gorton should listen to offers of at least a second-round pick plus.
On the Buffalo Sabres …
Chris Nichols of Fan Rag Sports: Bob McKenzie was on NBCSN talking about the Evander Kane – Justin Falk incident where Falk called Kane ‘selfish.” This reinforces Kane’s reputation around the league, but may not impact his trade value.
“I don’t think so,” said McKenzie. “I think people will look at it and say he’s been a very productive player last year and this year, he certainly seems to have kept his nose clean, and right now the Buffalo Sabres are looking for a high pick and a prospect for Evander Kane.
“I think this is a deal that gets done much closer to the deadline than now.”
Elliotte Friedman was on Sportsnet 650, and he doesn’t believe it will hurt his trade value either.
“And I think you’re right, people that don’t like Evander Kane are going to use that to bash him. But I think there’s a lot of other people who are going to look and say, ‘Hey, if we were going to trade for Evander Kane, we know that people have accused him of that already.’ I don’t know if that changes anything.”