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Rangers linked to acquiring Patrik Laine.
The New York Rangers are expected to retool and trade away some players, but they could make a surprising trade.
New York is hoping to compete for a playoff spot next season. So the Rangers still could look to bring players in ahead of the March 6 trade deadline. NHL analyst Jeremy Tingly of NHLTradeRumors linked the Rangers to acquiring Montreal Canadiens sniper Patrik Laine ahead of the deadline.
“It’s not often you see a Rangers/Canadiens trade, but this year could be different given the fact the Canadiens would love to acquire Vincent Trocheck,” Tingly wrote. “These two teams have been in ongoing talks, and if things advance, and Trocheck is heading to Montreal, don’t be surprised to see Laine included, along with a couple of top prospects, which the Habs have plenty of.”
Laine being part of a return for Trocheck does make sense, as it helps the salary work. Meanwhile, New York can get a good look at the former second overall pick to see if he’s healthy and fits into their system before he becomes a free agent on July 1.
Laine wouldn’t be the key part of the return for the Rangers, but he would be an intriguing addition to help fill out the roster for the rest of the year.
Laine is in the final year of his four-year, $34.8 million deal.
Rangers Plan to Retool
New York has had a disappointing season, and the team now plans to begin a retool.
The Rangers have already traded Artemi Panarin to the Los Angeles Kings and that may just be the start. Rangers general manager Chris Drury issued a letter that said the team plans to retool. However, the team wants to be competitive next season.
“Over the last few years, we’ve had some successes and moments to cherish. But ultimately it was not the end goal,” Drury wrote. “We are working relentlessly every day to bring a Stanley Cup back to New York. Because that is what our fans deserve. With our position in the standings and injuries to key players this season, we must be honest and realistic about our situation. We are not going to stand pat – a shift will give us the ability to be smart and opportunistic as we retool the team.
“This will not be a rebuild. This will be a retool built around our core players and prospects. We will target players that bring tenacity, skill, speed, and a winning pedigree. With a focus on obtaining young players, draft picks. And cap space to allow us flexibility moving forward. That may mean saying goodbye to players that have brought us and our fans great moments over the years. These players represented the Rangers with pride and class and will always be a part of our family.”
Who else the Rangers will trade is to be seen. But New York could also look to add players to the roster they believe can be competitive next season.
Laine Close to a Return
Laine was expected to be a key part of the Canadiens roster, but he has been injured this season.
The former second overall pick underwent core surgery in October and was expected to miss 3-4 months. Yet, as Montreal returned to practice, Laine is still not on the ice.
“Forward Patrik Laine will not participate in today’s practice (lower body, is being evaluated on a daily basis),” the team wrote in a statement on X.
Laine has skated in just 5 games, recording 1 assist this season as he’s dealt with an injury, but is expected to return soon.
Cole Shelton Cole Shelton covers the NHL, MLB and Cleveland Browns for Heavy.com. He has covered pro and college sports since 2016, including bylines at BJ Penn, USA Today, SB Nation, Rotowire, Canadian Baseball Network and more. More about Cole Shelton
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