With the NHL trade deadline a little over a month away, it seems like just a matter of time before the New York Rangers start wheeling and dealing.
Once a perennial Eastern Conference power, the Rangers are approaching the completion of their first year of the rebuilding process, one that is putting a premium on youth.
Last year’s trade deadline provided initial fireworks as the likes of Rick Nash, JT Miller, and Ryan McDonagh was shipped out of town, though things have slowed considerably outside the acquisition of Ryan Strome from the Edmonton Oilers for Ryan Spooner.
This time of year though has seen trade talks heat up as the Rangers look poised to ship away some more familiar faces.
The two biggest names connected to possible trades (dating to as far back as the summer) have been forwards Mats Zuccarello and Kevin Hayes, two players whose contracts expire at the end of the 2018-19 season.
Both could be seen as valuable rentals for contending teams during the second half of the season. While his better days are behind him, the 31-year-old Zuccarello still has 24 points in 35 games this season and brings a bevy of postseason experience having played in 60 career playoff games.
At 26 years old, Hayes would likely bring back a larger return for the Rangers as he continues to develop into a reliable power forward. Following a career-high 25 goals last season, Hayes has 10 goals and 23 assists through 39 games.
NHL.com’s Dan Rosen believes that Hayes could get the Rangers a first-round draft pick while Zuccarello could yield a second rounder. But a suitor needs to be found, first.
At face value, it looks like the Rangers are keeping an eye on the Colorado Avalanche as a potential trade partner as they’ve sent scouts to a number of their games this month.
With 52 points through 49 games, the Avs are in a dogfight for the final Western Conference playoff spot as seven teams near the bottom of the postseason picture are within four points of each other. After a hot start to the season, Colorado’s offense has experienced some inconsistencies, especially when their potent first line is shut down. Either Zuccarello or Hayes would provide some solid scoring depth should the Rangers’ asking price be reasonable.
Even Mark Kiszla of the Denver Post wrote that a trade for Hayes “needs to happen.”
It wouldn’t be a bad idea for the Rangers and Avalanche to get a deal done as soon as possible. With the approaching All-Star game giving teams a mandatory bye week, Hayes would have plenty of time to get out to Denver and acclimate to life with the Avalanche.
