On the New York Rangers …
Larry Brooks of the NY Post: Several teams have contacted the New York Rangers about goaltender Antti Raanta. If the Rangers were to trade Raanta, it would mean they would lose someone else in the expansion draft – likely one of Oscar Lindberg, Jesper Fast or Michael Grabner.
Source said the Rangers haven’t told defensemen Dan Girardi or Marc Staal to expect a buyout, nor have they asked if either would waive their no-movement clauses. Doesn’t mean that it’s not being considered. There is basically no chance that both will be back with the Rangers at the start next season.
On the Vancouver Canucks …
Ben Kuzma of the Vancouver Canucks: The Stars are dangling the No. 3 pick in the draft, and the Canucks might be interested.
The Stars are looking for top-four, right-handed defenseman,
The Canucks have 27-year old Chris Tanev, who carries a $4.45 million salary cap hit for the next three years.
Tanev has a no-trade clause that kicks in on July 1st – lists eight teams that he can’t be traded to.
Moving Tanev would create a big hole on the Canucks blueline. Nikita Tryamkin left for the KHL already, Erik Gudbranson has wrist surgery and they could lose Luca Sbisa in the expansion draft.
They would still have Alex Edler, Troy Stecher, Ben Hutton and Gudbranson in their top-four.
Would Tanev and their 2017 2nd round (No. 55 from Columbus) be enough for the Stars for the No. 3 pick?
There are reports that the GM Jim Benning has already contacted the Stars about the pick.
“That’s not true, but I will inquire at some point. But I haven’t yet,” he said.
Having both the No. 3 and No. 5 pick would allow them to pick a playmaking center and a puck-moving, power powerplay defenseman
Centers – Gabriel Valardi, Casey Mittelstadt or Cody Glass.
Defensemen – Miro Heiskanen, Timothy Liljegren or Cale Makar.