Perfect opportunity for New York Rangers emerges as Penguins reportedly shopping top defender
Photo credit: Sportsnet Pittsburgh
The New York Rangers will have a shot to snatch top-defenseman Erik Karlsson from the rival Penguins. Should GM Chris Drury call in on the cost?
It seems the Erik Karlsson experiment has failed in Pittsburgh, as NHL Insider Josh Yohe of The Athletic has reported that the team is shopping the Swedish defenseman.
If the right opportunity were to arise, GM Kyle Dubas will work the phones in order to move Karlsson, in another mistake made by the former Maple Leafs GM.
It's kind of becoming customary for Dubas to pull the trigger quick on players past their prime in order to bolster what more or less is a failing lineup.
Now, that the Penguins are at their weakest, the Rangers could swoop in and acquire Karlsson to shore-up the blue line at a discount.
However, as fans of the Rangers we should be aware, he's past his prime but still could be useful on the breakout.
His last great season in San Jose saw him score 101 points in 2022-2023, and maybe under Laviolette he could experience a resurgence.
But that is a big "what if" scenario.
In order to move Karlsson, unlike the Sharks the Penguins will have to consider retaining a percentage of his salary which at this point remains a $10 million cap hit.
Another factor to consider for GM Chris Drury is the no-movement clause.
While «many assume he would be willing to move on if asked,» Karlsson «seems to genuinely like playing for the Penguins,» Yohe said.
It might be a hurdle that negotiations could clear if Drury could sell him on playing in Madison Square Garden, and wearing the iconic Blueshirt we know and love.
The Rangers could seriously benefit from Karlsson, who would be an upgrade on some younger players in the lineup.
It might push out Braden Schneider, or Will Borgen down in the lineup, but you need production.
And like any winning team, they will pay any cost to find it anywhere.
That, plus his three points in three games for Sweden at the 4 Nations Face-Off, is beginning to draw out trade interest, Yohe writes. A move remains possible ahead of the deadline but is more likely to happen this summer, a league executive told him.
Karlsson still could have some juice left to help push the Rangers make it to the post-season.
Should GM Chris Drury pursue a trade with the Penguins for Karlsson?
Previously on NYRangersInsider
MUST READ
TRENDING NOW
