Trade thoughts on Kesler, d-men, Richards, Moulson, more...

With the trade deadline about 30 hours away, some musings:

If the Rangers are interested in C Ryan Kesler (perhaps to keep him away from Pittsburgh and Philadelphia), it will take either Derek Stepan or Derick Brassard, a prospect, (would be lucky if it's Danny Kristo or someone Torts likes, say, Marek Hrivik) and maybe a No. 2 pick if GM Mike Gillis can't pry a No. 1 from the suitors. Kesler has two years left at $5 million.

The Rangers still could really use an experienced 5-6 defenseman. If one of the top six is injured, cannot see Vigneault having to rely on Justin Falk, who turned down an option to play some games in Hartford during the Olympics and hasn't played in 2014. AV said he was OK with him not going to the AHL (Falk's wife was expecting, he said), but that aside, it's either Falk or Conor Allen who'd step in, and that's not playoff blueline material. Wonder if Henrik Tallinder or Chris Phillips fits the bill? Have to believe Ehrhoff and Edler will be too pricey, and Isles won't send A-Mac to their rivals.

The PP misses Mats Zuccarello, who presumably could be back next week sometime. But another forward with size, even a third liner, couldn't hurt if you're going to match up with Boston and Pittsburgh eventually. The Matt Moulson rental makes sense, but most likely, he'll be available in the summer. 

Really thought it was bad business to not use the second compliance buyout on Brad Richards last summer (look it up) and believe the Rangers will cut ties this time rather than be forced to take the cap hit to 2020.

Those Marty St. Louis rumors vanished kinda quickly, huh? Again, a summertime target. And I'd certainly consider Paul Stastny.

BTW,  not all the Rangers UFAs and some RFAs will be back. Brian Boyle's on that list (he'll make $$$ elsewhere), and there's Falk, Carcillo, DMoore.

Prediction: the valuable Cap Geek website will be very slooooow Wednesday.