Every week in our live chat, a question is inevitably asked:
Will the New York Rangers buy or sell at the deadline?
The question is understandable given the Rangers’ inconsistent season so far. Though they are right in the thick of the playoff chase in the Metropolitan Division, there has been several occasions where the team doesn’t look deep or good enough to make a real impact in the postseason. Tonight is one of those nights so far, as they trail the Toronto Maple Leafs as of this writing 4-0.
The Rangers have some significant assets if they decide to sell, including captain Ryan McDonagh and top scorer Mats Zuccarello. Both players have another year on their deals at a reasonable cap hit, and could bring back considerable value if made available. The decision to make them available though, doesn’t seem certain this point.
They also have several expiring contracts in Rick Nash, Michael Grabner, David Desharnais and Nick Holden, all of whom could be valuable on the trade deadline market. Those players could be moved without sacrificing any talent next season, but would signal a sort of white flag on 2017-18.
So what do you think? Should the Rangers blow it up completely, just move out a few rentals or actually add for a run at the playoffs? It’s not out of the question that they could be in a playoff spot by this time next week, making it hard to decide to throw in the towel. Leave your thoughts in the comments below.
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As I write this comment the Rangers are losing 4-0, in the second period, to the Leafs on the second night of a back to back, with Curtis Mcelhinney in goal. Sell Nash, Grabner, Holden, go to Hank and see if he will waive his NTC in order to go to a contender. It’s time to rebuild.
They need to sell, but not the core of what they can build around. Zuc, Ryan M. for top prospects, and the others for some mid range prospects would be the way to go in my opinion.
Moving Hank though – blasphemy.
Not sure if you judge it just on the first game after the break. The Leafs just SO bothNY clubs on a back 2 back with two rookie defensemen. It might be premature in this’s case…especially if the Leafs new lineup is a fluke.