New York Rangers are encouraged to make shocking decision once the trade deadline approaches
Photo credit: The Hockey News
The New York Rangers have had a great string of games lately, as they've played a full sixty minutes. However, they've been unable to finish games in regulation, and haven't been able to place themselves on a successful path, especially if they face the Washington Capitals, or Florida Panthers in the playoffs.
The New York Rangers have improved their play, with 32 games left in the season. However, the Eastern Conference could turn into a bloodbath, as teams are heating up and one of them is the Washington Capitals who are 1st in the Metro, with a record of 34-11-5.
The Capitals are one of the Rangers Metropolitan Division rivals, and could be a tough customer in the East as the team tries to make it back to the ECF, where they faltered last year.
While Shesterkin has been able to give the Rangers a winning chance every night, with a .900 plus save percentage in six games, the team cannot escape their lack of finishing touch, and sometimes bad play.
So, while Shesterkin could carry the Rangers to the playoffs and even steal a round for them, he can't do it all on his own, and the team in front of him just hasn't been good enough this season.
The Rangers should move their UFAs at the trade deadline, which could mean trading Reilly Smith, Ryan Lindgren, and Jimmy Vesey.
With the ascendancy of Matt Rempe, and Adam Edstrom it seems likely that GM Chris Drury could utilize Vesey to retrieve some draft capital or assets in return for the depth forward.
Vesey seems the most likely to be moved as he hasn't seen consistent playing time this season, with Adam Edstrom and Matt Rempe getting fourth-line minutes over him. However, Lindgren and Smith could bring the team some assets in a trade.
While Reilly Smith a former Stanley Cup champion with the Vegas Golden Knights, was acquired for a 2027 2nd-round pick, and a 2025 5th-round pick.
He's underperformed this season scoring only 25 points (10 G, 15 A) in 49 games with the Rangers. A far cry from the prime years we saw in Vegas. He could be a valuable addition to a playoff contender and could fetch a draft pick in return.
With Will Borgen given an extension, Lindgren's time in New York could be at an end.
Lindgren was signed to a one-year "prove-it" deal that paid him $4.5 million and instead could find a fresh start elsewhere. He's seen a decline in production on the top-pairing and could find buyers at the trade deadline, and fetch a decent return for the Rangers.
Previously on NYRangersInsider
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13 HOURS AGO | 256 ANSWERS New York Rangers are encouraged to make shocking decision once the trade deadline approaches If you were GM Chris Drury of the New York Rangers who would you trade? | ||
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