On the New York Rangers …
- Steve Zipay of Newsday: Rick Nash has been out since January 22nd, missing their past 12 games. He remains week-to-week with a bone bruise and has been doing off-ice workouts.
They could be waiting to temporarily create some cap space by putting him on the LTIR. They could do that before next Monday and bring in another top-six forward. Potential options include Eric Staal, Andrew Ladd or Patrick Marleau.
It might make sense for GM Jeff Gorton to explore a Rick Nash trade this offseason. He has a $7.8 million cap hit for the next two years. He has a list of 12 teams that he would accept a trade to. The Blues are likely on his trade list because of coach Ken Hitchcock.
Kevin Shattenkirk could be involved in a potential trade with the Blues. Shattenkirk has a year left at $4.25 million. It wouldn’t be a one-for-one deal.
- Larry Brooks of the NY Post: Chris Kreider’s name has popped up with more frequency as the trade deadline approaches. Teams may be targeting him as opposed to GM Jeff Gorton saying he’s available. Kredier is still only 25 years old. Trading him for a rental Eric Staal may not make sense.
On the Winnipeg Jets …
- Gary Lawless of TSN: The Jets continue to get calls on pending UFA Andrew Ladd.
It is believed that a team has already offered the Jets a first round pick and a prospect for Ladd.As many as six teams are believed to be interested in Ladd – the Ducks, Blackhawks, Panthers, Kings, Penguins and Capitals.
“You never know, with the interest this high, you might get more than a pick and a prospect. You might get a player too,” an NHL executive told TSN on Sunday. “The trick now is to not get greedy. If someone offers your price or better, now is the time to take it. The market can work in your favour and get you a high price. But it can also collapse on you.”