Nils Lundkvist pulls move in hopes to expedite the trade process In New York

The New York Rangers are aware that Nils Lundkvist wants out. It has been reported that that the defenseman informed the team that he would like a fresh start with a new NHL club. In the past, Lundkvist had even hinted at the possibility of not attending camp this month, and on Friday, his agent Claude Lemieux told lohud.com, part of the USA TODAY Network, confirmed that his client will indeed not report and plans to stay home in Sweden until his trade request is honored.

Lundkvist has not been getting what he seeks: has been essentially blocked in the Rangers’ system but more established defensemen like Adam Fox, Jacob Trouba, K’Andre Miller, Braden Schneider and Ryan Lindgren. In the case of Miller, Schneider and Lindgren, Lundkvist has been an equal or better pedigree, but has failed to gain the trust of head coach Gerard Gallant. He put up just one goal and four points in 25 games with the Rangers last season, but three goals and 15 points in 34 games with the team’s AHL affiliate Hartford Wolf Pack. It is believed that GM Chris Drury wants a promising young center in return.

There was chatter that some clubs, including Arizona Coyotes, Detroit Red Wings, Montreal Canadiens and Vancouver Canucks, could express an interest in Lundkvist.

When asked about Lundkvist’s stand and if he would report to training camp, Drury told Vince Z. Mercogliano on Wednesday that the Rangers “certainly hope he’s here next week.”

They now have their answer…

While Lundkvist probably hopes this will expedite the trade process In New Rangers, Drury does not need to move him right away. He could eventually use him in a package for a bigger move.

Lundkvist might have to wait for when his GM finds the best deal for his services on the market. In the meantime, let’s see if Lundkvist not reporting to camp speeds up that process.