MAJOR: Rangers Eyeing Blockbuster Trade for Selke Finalist

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Marvin Azrak
January 31, 2024  (12:51)

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Photo credit: MSG Photos

The New York Rangers are first in the Metropolitan Division, but don't let that fool you. Their record over the last eight weeks stands at 12-12-2. It's not exactly screaming "Cup contention," especially with Filip Chytil's season-ending injury adding to the woes. And let's not overlook former Vezina winner Igor Shesterkin's subpar form. It's been a disappointing stretch, leaving fans questioning the team's postseason prospects. Whether you believe a trade would fix everything or not, it's clear the Blueshirts need a middleman. It's why General Chris Drury isn't sitting idly by.

According to Hockey Hall of Fame scribe Larry Brooks, with the extra $4.4 million they have in cap space from Chytil's contract, there's chatter about the Rangers eyeing Calgary Flames Center Elias Lindholm, a former Selke finalist, to bolster the lineup. Lindholm, a pending free agent, could inject some depth down the middle.

Now, Lindholm's not without his quirks. The 29-year-old has nine goals and 32 points in 49 games. He's also slumped with two goals and 15 points in his last 25 games. He's in the final year of a six-year contract with a pricy $4.85 million tag.

Yet the Rangers don't need a goal-scoring center. They need a playmaker who can get his two flanks involved, as Vincent Trochcek has done with former first-overall pick Alexis Lafreniere and Hart Trophy candidate Artemi Panarin.

That said, Calgary won't let him go without a fight. The Rangers may have to say goodbye to a first-rounder, maybe even tossing in 22-year-old winger Kaapo Kakko, who they've been receiving calls about. And let's not forget about cap space – accommodating Lindholm's contract might mean sacrificing elsewhere, like acquiring a right winger, should Kakko get dealt.

However, don't be surprised if a trade for Lindholm may also lure defenseman Noah Hanifin, whom the Rangers have eyed for several years. That'll likely be a rental-for-rental swap with Ryan Lindgren going to Calgary.

It's a lot to digest, and the deadline's looming. Will Drury pull off the ultimate coup? Only time will tell.

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Previously

BREAKING: Gary Bettman to Hold Emergency Press Conference

Trade Imminent: Jake Guentzel Turns Down Massive Contract Extension in Pittsburgh

MAJOR: Four Members Of The 2018 WJC Scandal May Immediately Be Punished With A Shocking Sanction

POLL
JANVIER 31   |   76 ANSWERS MAJOR: Rangers Eyeing Blockbuster Trade for Selke Finalist Should the Rangers go all-in for Selke finalist Elias Lindholm in a blockbuster trade?
Yes	38	50 %
No	38	50 %
LIST OF POLLS

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