The Vancouver Canucks in the Winnipeg Jets have begun the arms race in the West as they have acquired key players to bolster their lineups.
Many expected the Rangers to join in this mini trade frenzy as the team is desperately in need of a new centre with two key losses over the past few weeks.
Rangers missed an opportunity yesterday when the Montreal Canadiens moved Sean Monahan to the Winnipeg Jets for two draft picks.
The Rangers are now looking at the Chicago Blackhawks and particularly Tyler Johnson.
The 33-year-old who has played for the Hawks for three seasons, has played 35 games scoring nine goals and forces for 13 points and is -15.
Those numbers are not flattering but in his previous season before the team was dismantled, he played 56 games, scoring 12 goals with 20 assists for 32 points.
Coming to a new team like the Rangers would give his numbers a boost and he would also help the team solidify their playoff hopes as he has experience in playoff hockey and winning the Stanley Cup with the Tampa Bay Lightning.
The cost to acquire Johnson would be far lower then other players as he has had issues with injuries in his past.
It is also possible that Chris Drury could retain him for next season as he is in the back half of his career.
POLL | ||
FEVRIER 3 | 867 ANSWERS Major trade in the works between Chicago and the Rangers Will Tyler Johnson be traded to the Rangers? | ||
Yes | 322 | 37.1 % |
No | 545 | 62.9 % |
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