Chris Drury and the New York Rangers linked to a major trade which could save the season
The New York Rangers will have to look outside of the box, in order to save their 2024-2025 season. There's been big discussions of teams like the Ottawa Senators moving Brady Tkachuk, or the Vancouver Canucks moving JT Miller, but what if they couldn't land them? Where should they look?
While they could flip veteran forward Chris Kreider for a plethora of assets before we pull the trigger too soon, where else could we find depth scoring?
The New York Rangers could look to a trading partner they've dealt with before, the St. Louis Blues. The last time the two made a major deal, they sent Vladimir Tarasenko, and Nikko Mikkola for Hunter Skinner and Sammy Blais.
There have been rumors that GM Doug Armstrong of the Blues could put veteran Brandon Saad on the trade block.
If so, it could end up being a low-risk, high-reward buy for the Rangers.
Saad could bring veteran leadership and the experience of winning two Stanley Cups with the Chicago Blackhawks.
While this season he hasn't produced at a high clip, he can still provide depth scoring on a team, that has been offensively anemic.
Saad could be a third option for the Rangers if GM Chris Drury can't wrestle, JT Miller or Brady Tkachuk from their respective teams.
Saad's been a staple on the Blues 3rd-line with Zac Bolduc, and Oskar Sundqvist this season.
In 30 games with the St. Louis Blues, he's only scored 10 points( 4 G, 6 A) and could benefit from a fresh start on Broadway.
He'll be a UFA in 2025-2026 with a cap hit $4.5 Million AAV, and could easily fit under the Rangers current cap situation at $8.7 Million.
But would GM Chris Drury be bold enough to ask for a discount on his cap hit? I know if I was someone wanting to save money on veteran talent, it may cost a draft pick, but getting the trading team to retain a percentage of salary is never a bad idea.
Especially if the deal can happen quicker, as a result.
If you were GM Chris Drury would you trade for veteran forward Brandon Saad?
