Three Rangers who could be traded by NHL deadline
Rick Nash of the Rangers celebrates his goal against the Flyers at Madison Square Garden on Jan. 16, 2018. Credit: Jim McIsaac
The NHL trade deadline is Feb. 26. With that in mind, these Rangers could be involved in deals:
Rick Nash
As a short-term rental, the veteran winger and former Canadian Olympian could skate on a second line and on the power play, stationed in front of the net for a club with a Grade-A first line. Several teams have inquired about the 33-year-old unrestricted free agent and two-way power forward, now in his 15th season. The Rangers are believed to be asking for a first-round draft pick and more and may have to retain some of the remaining salary on his hefty contract.
Michael Grabner
The speedy winger, 30, has 21 goals, many on breakaways when he’s disrupted neutral zone passes with his reads and quickness. Another unrestricted free agent who also kills penalties and likely will test the market this summer, when the Blueshirts could be interested in bringing him back.
Nick Holden
Although he has slowed at 30, the 6-4 defenseman, in the final season of a two-year contract, could provide depth for teams looking for blueline help. The Rangers have younger defensemen to replace him and Holden could bring back a fourth-round pick in return.