Rumor: Rangers preparing blockbuster deal?

The New York Rangers need a change, and they need it fast. There's talk that Alain Vigneault is on his way out - and that his immediate future will depend on Tuesday's matchup against the Vegas Golden Knights.

In the meantime, general manager Jeff Gorton appears to be shopping two important forwards on the team - Chris Kreider and Mats Zuccarello.

It's been talked about by several insiders and reporters, most recently by the New York Post's Larry Brooks. The team has been struggling out of the gate, only winning 3 games in their first 12. The team has had several changes brought to it - most notably with the addition of Kevin Shattenkirk, and the losses of Derek Stepan and Dan Girardi. 

Henrik Lundqvist hasn't been playing up to snuff and Ondrej Pavelec hasn't been too reliable in the backup role.

The team needs to replace Stepan's role down the middle, and the answer may lie in trading one or both of these two wingers. Ryan Nugent-Hopkins from the Edmonton Oilers can be a realistic option, seeing as they lack scoring depth on the wing.

Another option is Montreal. The Canadiens have a certain "center" in Alex Galchenyuk who's starting to find the back of the net like he's known to be able to and despite what Marc Bergevin says publicly, the former 3rd overall pick has been on the market for quite awhile.

Matt Duchene is also available, but it's unlikely that Joe Sakic wants a winger in return, unless coupled with a blue-chip defensive prospect.

Usually when a team of the Rangers' ilk struggles this badly, changes are made. That type of market generally operates that way. 

Firing or a massive trade. One or both are very likely, and soon.