Player for player trade brewing in New York?

The New York Rangers are said to be in the market for a center to solidify their third line and with Elias Lindholm and Sean Monahan off market, general manager Chris Drury has been forced to look elsewhere. According to Eric Stephens and Arthur Staple of The Athletic, the Rangers appear to be targeting Anaheim Ducks forwards Adam Henrique and Frank Vatrano. Both players have been mentioned as likely to be on the move ahead of the March 8 trade deadline, and the landing spot could very well be New York.

Just recently, the Rangers were forced to announced that forward Filip Chytil will be unable to return and compete this season due to a setback in his recovery from what is believed to be a concussion. Therefore, Drury could turn to one of the Ducks’ forwards to fill that void.

Henrique is currently on pace to set a career high in points this season, putting up 33 in 49 games so far. On top of that, he would add leadership and experience to the Rangers’ roster and push the club to capture the Stanley Cup.

“The East has no slam dunk favorite right now. The Rangers could put themselves in the upper echelon with this deal.”

However, Henrique carries a $5.825 million cap hit this year and is slated to become an unrestricted free agent in July. The Ducks would have to retain part of his salary for the Rangers to acquire him, assuming Henrique did not put them on his 10-team no-trade list.

Turning to a familiar face like Vatrano could be an option as well, he who was with the Rangers during their run to the 2022 Eastern Conference final before signing with the Ducks as a free agent. He comes in more affordable at a $3.65-million cap hit, is signed through next season and lacks no-trade protection. His value is high at the moment since Vatrano is on pace to reach the 30-goal plateau for the first time in his career.

The Rangers are believed to be willing to offer winger Kappo Kaako in a transaction as GM Drury has reportedly been fielding calls for him. This could therefore be a player for player trade brewing, though it is believes Ducks general manager Pat Verbeek could seek prospects, such as Brennan Othmann or Gabriel Perreault. The Rangers are however not willing to move them.

This could be a deal that takes place closer to the trade deadline as many negotiations might have to take place before the trigger gets pulled…

Recommended articles:

• Reason revealed on why Nick Bonino requested to be placed on unconditional waivers by Rangers
• Elias Lindholm trade offer rejected right before move to Vancouver!
• Rangers' owner James Dolan steps in to stop GM Chris Drury from making a trade
• Front office feud between Rangers and Canadiens ahead of trade deadline!
• Filip Chytil speaks out after season ending injury setback.