On the New York Rangers, Toronto Maple Leafs, and Tampa Bay Lightning …
Larry Brooks of the NY Post: The Rangers appear to be a bubble team this year, and if they remain that way up to the trade deadline, would they consider moving some pending UFAs for futures?
Brooks wonders if they could get a first round pick plus for Rick Nash. If the pick was in the lower third of the first round, would it be enough for the Rangers to move one of their better forwards? Could they get a first round pick or a high second round pick for Michael Grabner?
Ryan McDonagh will be an unrestricted free agent after next season and could be looking at a seven-year deal between $45 and $50 million. If the Toronto Maple Leafs or Tampa Bay Lightning were to add McDonagh, it would move them into a serious Cup contender.
Could the Rangers get Mitch Marner from the Maple Leafs or Mikhail Sergachev from the Lightning?
On the Arizona Coyotes, Buffalo Sabres, Dallas Stars, and Edmonton Oilers …
Chris Nichols of FanRag Sports: Elliotte Friedman was on Sportsnet 650 talking about the trade market and teams looking for centermen.
“I think it’s hard to see that right now. I mean there’s no question about that,” noted Friedman. “I think you look at Arizona, what centermen do they have to move. You guys know Brad Richardson, but he’s not a top-six guy. Would they flip Stepan again at some point? I don’t know.”
Friedman says the Buffalo Sabres aren’t likely trading Jack Eichel or Ryan O’Reilly, and unless a team thinks Sam Reinhart is a center, and he may not an answer for them.
“I do think as the season goes on some things will become obvious. I’ve wondered about Jason Spezza in Dallas, but with Hanzal out maybe he’s starting to go a little bit again. I liked him the other night against Montreal. I just think that if it’s not a guy like Spezza, and I assume Tavares is not on the block – and I have no reason to believe he is at all right now – you’re right. At this point in time it’s pretty thin and you’re probably going to have to look at wingers.
“One other name I would throw out there – if Edmonton doesn’t get back into the race, I’m curious what they’re going to do with Nugent-Hopkins.”