Here are some more NHL rumors for this weekend. With American Thanksgiving approaching, general managers are already considering the upcoming trade deadline. Teams are looking to address gaps and fill specific needs in their rosters. While some trades have already occurred, others may take longer to finalize. The New York Rangers, in contention but seeking improvements, are focusing on strengthening their center position.
All NHL rumors are sourced from original reports and can change.
**NHL Rumors**
**New York Rangers Seeking Center Assistance**
Rumor: Vincent Z. Mercogliano of Lohud recently discussed potential roster improvements for the Rangers in a mailbag Q&A. Previously, we highlighted the need for defensive additions, but now the emphasis is on potential forward support for New York.
Analysis: Mercogliano suggested that the Rangers should address their defensive shortcomings. Nevertheless, the injury to Filip Chytil might be too significant for general manager Chris Drury to ignore.
Although New York has a strong record, they were anticipated to be top contenders for the Stanley Cup at the season’s start. They’ve secured wins, yet several flaws in their lineup remain apparent. Chytil’s recent injury has heightened concerns among fans regarding the team’s overall composition. While there are some solid forwards on the team, the depth of the lineup worries some Blueshirts fans. The combination of on-ice performance and injuries will influence Drury’s future decisions.
**Potential Targets**
Mercogliano mentions a couple of forwards the Rangers could pursue. One option is Yanni Gourde, a veteran center from the Seattle Kraken. He has a cap hit of $5.167 million and will be an unrestricted free agent after this season. If Seattle finds themselves out of playoff contention, they might consider moving players, particularly with Jordan Eberle sidelined.
Another name mentioned is Frank Vatrano, who could potentially return to the Rangers if a deal is struck with the Anaheim Ducks. Vatrano was acquired during the 2022 trade deadline and currently carries a salary of $3.65 million this season.
Drury is mindful of his salary cap situation. However, both Seattle and Anaheim could retain up to 50% of the players’ salaries, which would facilitate a trade. Neither team is currently using their retention slots.
**An Unlikely Trading Piece**
Mercogliano also highlights that the Rangers might consider trading a key roster player to create cap space. Defenseman Ryan Lindgren is earning $4.5 million after signing a one-year contract in the off-season.
Concerns exist that Lindgren could depart during the 2025 free agency period without any return for the team. This raises the question of whether Drury might be inclined to trade Lindgren before potentially losing him for nothing.
It could be advantageous to trade Lindgren for another defenseman. However, if Chytil’s injury turns out to be long-term, acquiring a forward might also be a priority for Drury.
