The New York Rangers are in rebuilding mode after sending off Rick Nash, Michael Grabner and Nick Holden as they mail it in for a disappointing 2017-18 season that will see a streak of seven-straight playoff appearances snap.
With just a few hours remaining until the NHL’s trade deadline, there are still some big names that the Rangers could possibly deal away to further accelerate the blowing up of this roster.
While forwards Mats Zuccarello and JT Miller have seen interest in their names pick up along the trade market, Rangers captain and defenseman Ryan McDonagh has been a constant subject of trade talks for the last few weeks.
It looks as though progress has been made in trade talks, but there might not be enough time to get a deal done.
According to NHL Network’s Brian Lawton, the Rangers have narrowed McDonagh’s possible trade destinations to four teams, all in the Eastern Conference despite the “sense” that some members of New York’s management don’t want to move him.
McDonagh is signed through the 2018-19 season and has continuously been a workhorse on a slumping and banged up Rangers defense with an abundance of postseason experience, making him one of the most attractive blueliners on the market this month.
But it seems that the Rangers’ price tag for McDonagh will hold up any possible trade. Per Jimmy Murphy of Murph’s Law, New York’s demands for the 28-year-old are astronomical, scaring away any team from pulling the trigger on a deal. Murphy also noted that the Philadelphia Flyers, who picked up Johnny Oduya on waivers earlier Monday, are one of those four Eastern Conference teams pursuing McDonagh.
The Blueshirts would likely want a return similar, if not greater than what they received from the Boston Bruins for Rick Nash, which was a pair of draft picks (2018 first round, 2019 seventh round), Ryan Spooner, Ryan Lindgren and Matt Beleskey.
In 49 games this season, McDonagh has recorded two goals and 24 assists with a plus-seven rating.
