Report: Rangers turned down trades for Patrick Kane and Timo Meier before acquiring Vladimir Tarasenko

In case you missed it earlier today, the New York Rangers acquired Vladimir Tarasenko and Niko Mikkola from the St. Louis Blues in exchange for a conditional first-round pick in the 2023 NHL Draft, a conditional fourth-round pick in the 2024 NHL Draft, Sammy Blais and Hunter Skinner.

In addition, the Blues are retaining 50% of Tarasenko's $7.5 million salary.

Full details from the Rangers:

The 31 year old Tarasenko is in the final year of a contract that pays him $7.5 million annually. He has 10 goals and 29 points in 38 games so far this season and is slated to become an unrestricted free agent this upcoming offseason. It'll be interesting to see if Rangers GM Chris Drury begins negotiations with Tarasenko on a contract extension.

It should be noted though that this is a long, long awaited trade for Tarasenko. It's believed that he requested a trade from GM Doug Armstrong as far back as 2020 after a reported disagreement with the team over how to handle a chronic shoulder injury. The reports at the time is that Tarasenko was not happy with how the organization treated him regarding his shoulder surgery and that he was looking for a fresh start elsewhere. Since then, he has continued to play for the Blues and even put up a career season in 2021-22.

Interestingly enough, the Rangers have also been linked to the likes of Patrick Kane and Timo Meier as well, but you have to assume that today's deal takes them out of the running for any more big name players. In fact, ESPN insider Emily Kaplan reports that the Rangers were scared off of both Kane and Meier given the asking prices that both players were commanding from the Blackhawks and Sharks, respectively.

From Kaplan:

That comment about the hip injury has to give you reason for concern too...

It'll be interesting to see if Kane's apparent injury keeps him from being moved ahead of the March 3rd trade deadline. Stay tuned, things are about to get interesting.