Rangers' GM Chris Drury lists two surprising players as untouchables during recent trade talks
Photo credit: The Fourth Period
GM Chris Drury could move some of the current Rangers squad as we know it.
They're underperforming with a 13-10-1 record in the Metropolitan Division, only good enough for Fourth place. A good enough reason for any GM to make the tough decisions.
While trade talks ramp up as March comes closer every month, teams are making lists of desirable players they want in trades, and players to move.
GM Chris Drury is no different, and According to Peter Baugh of The Athletic, the Rangers have two trade tiers.
Peter Baugh of The Athletic breaks it all down, ranking the Rangers players by 'trade tiers'. He sees only two players as untouchable (his 'Not going anywhere' tier), and two players in the 'Young potential trade chips' club.
Baugh mentions that two of the untouchables, he thinks Drury will keep in the cupboard are as follows.
Fox has three 70+ point seasons, a 2021 Norris Trophy, and two All-Star Game berths. Fox is a foundational piece for the Rangers according to Baugh. It seems that he's only one of the untouchables.
Alexis Lafrenière
The former 1st-round pick broke out last season scoring 57 points( 28 G, 29 A) and has yet to reach his full potential.
Lafreniere is 23 years old and signed an extension recently, ensuring he is part of the Rangers future.
"ensures he's part of the team's long-term plans."
Whose Out
Miller is a pending RFA and could see himself moved, as a highly valued defenseman who hasn't found his full potential in the NHL yet. He could yield a nice return in assets for the Rangers, as a former 1st round draft pick.
His 43-point season( 9 G, 34 A) in 2022-2023 wasn't a fluke and could benefit from a fresh start elsewhere.
Kaako is another former 1st round draft pick who peaked in 2022-2023, scoring 40 points( 18 G, 22 A) during the campaign. Since then he's struggled to justify a spot in the lineup until recently, slotting in aside Filip Chytil, and Will Cuylle.
Kaako has the skill to put up numbers offensively and plays a responsible two-way game. At a $2.4 Million price tag, he could find himself on a rebuilding team's roster or a contender who needs depth.
Veterans
Veterans like Jacob Trouba and Chris Kreider could happen sooner than the offseason according to Baugh.
As for Trouba and Kreider, Baugh does rank them as possible trade bait, but realistically figures it wouldn't take place until the offseason for both of them.
Previously on NYRangersInsider
| POLL | ||
DECEMBRE 4 | 2477 ANSWERS Rangers' GM Chris Drury lists two surprising players as untouchables during recent trade talks Who do you think GM Chris Drury of the New York Rangers will trade first? | ||
| Kaapo Kakko | 379 | 15.3 % |
| K'Andre Miller | 673 | 27.2 % |
| Jacob Trouba | 1211 | 48.9 % |
| Chris Kreider | 214 | 8.6 % |
| List of polls | ||
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