What does Rangers GM Chris Drury have in store for the offseason? Which player could the Penguins target this summer? Check out the latest in today’s NHL Rumor Mill.
THE ATHLETIC: Vincent Z. Mercogliano wondered which path New York Rangers general manager Chris Drury will take during the offseason. Will he preach patience and focus on rebuilding for the future, or aim for a quicker turnaround by trying to add to his roster?
Mercogliano stated that two league sources claimed Drury prefers to acquire young, NHL-ready players in any trade involving Rangers center Vincent Trocheck, defenseman Braden Schneider, or others.
The Rangers had planned to use their cap space this summer to pursue a premium unrestricted free agent, but the depth in that talent pool has drained. They could instead turn to this summer’s trade market if any big-name players hit the block.
New York Rangers forward Mika Zibanejad (NHL Images).
Mercogliano said it’s no secret the Rangers have long coveted Ottawa Senators captain Brady Tkachuk, and Auston Matthews’ situation with the Toronto Maple Leafs has grown murkier. However, he’s doubtful they have sufficient trade capital to pull off a trade of that magnitude.
SPECTOR’S NOTE: Most of Drury’s actions have been to stage a quick turnaround rather than a full-fledged roster rebuild.
Drury is following the example of Pittsburgh Penguins GM Kyle Dubas, whose trades usually involve a return of promising NHL-ready players. Dubas has also found some bargain signings via free agency (Anthony Mantha, Justin Brazeau, Parker Wotherspoon) that have worked out well for the Penguins.
The Rangers GM held firm on his asking prices for Trocheck and Schneider at the trade deadline. With this summer’s UFA market depleted, teams will be turning to the trade market to address their needs. By then, some of those clubs could be more willing to meet Drury’s price than they were in March.
NEW YORK POST: Andrew Crane recalled the trade rumors that swirled around Rangers center Mika Zibanejad at this time last season.
The Rangers were in the middle of dismantling their roster. Meanwhile, Zibanejad was coming off a disappointing performance. Nevertheless, he reminded everyone that he had a full no-movement clause and that he still believed in this team.
A year later, Zibanejad has had a bounce-back performance with 33 goals and 75 points. He’s played a significant role in the blossoming of rookie Gabe Perreault and winger Alexis Lafreniere. No longer considered a trade candidate, he’s become a bridge to the future.
SPECTOR’S NOTE: The Rangers’ plummet to the bottom of this season’s Eastern Conference standings prompted some observers to wonder if Zibanejad might reconsider staying in New York. Based on Crane’s report, don’t hold your breath waiting for him to waive his no-movement clause.
THE ATHLETIC: In a recent mailbag segment, Josh Yohe was asked which star players the Pittsburgh Penguins might target in this summer’s trade market.
He believes Penguins GM Kyle Dubas could take a swing at Jason Robertson if the Dallas Stars put him on the trade block. The Penguins have the trade capital and the salary cap space necessary to acquire him.
SPECTOR’S NOTE: Robertson is a restricted free agent on July 1 with arbitration rights who will also be UFA eligible next summer if he and the Stars agree to a one-year deal. Dubas may love Robertson’s game, but he will want assurances that the 26-year-old winger will sign a long-term contract before agreeing to acquire him.