Rangers need to have an eye on the trade deadline now
Larry Brooks of the NY Post: The New York Rangers and coach David Quinn should start working towards the trade deadline to build some trade value for players who may not be in their long-term plans.
Defenseman Kevin Shattenkirk could return tomorrow. He’ll be 30-years old next month, has two years left on deal and a $6.65 million cap hit. He carries a limited no-trade clause.
Forward Mats Zuccarello hasn’t increased in trade value since returning from injury. The Rangers shouldn’t wait on trying to create a bidding war for him.
Panarin wants to see how far they go this year but won’t commit to the Blue Jackets
Emily Sadler of Sportsnet: Nick Kypreos on Headlines on Columbus Blue Jackets pending UFA forward Artemi Panarin.
“His agent went public, said all the right things in terms of how happy he is now in Columbus. He doesn’t want to get traded. He’d like to see out the season with Columbus, see how far they can go. In saying that, remains non-committed to a new contract,” said Kypreos. “Many believe inside our industry that he’s still destined to look at free agency, test the market, and the Rangers remain the odds-on favourite to land him next season.”
An extension could be coming for Cooper
Emily Sadler of Sportsnet: Tampa Bay Lightning head coach Jon Cooper is in the last year of his contract but a contract extension could be coming his way according to Chris Johnston.
“There’s been some thought that perhaps the Lightning management would want to wait and see how things play out in the playoffs with how many near misses they’ve had in the past but it does sound as though there’s been some progress in talks on an extension for him,” Johnston said during Saturday’s Headlines segment on Hockey Night in Canada. “Julien BriseBois, the Lightning GM, spoke to a few reporters today and indicated or seemed to indicate that something could be coming soon in terms of an extension on his head coach.”
