The New York Rangers have been in the NHL Rumor Mill a lot for a team that is 10-4-3.
It all started when Vitali Kravtsov refused to report to the AHL and self-exiled to Russia. He demanded a trade and the team is actively taking offers for the 21 year-old prospect.
He was supposed to be a part of their solution on RW this season after trading Pavel Buchnevich, but the situation got worse after Sammy Blais tore his ACL.
NHL Rumors: Rangers looking for a “middle six” forward
On TSN’s Insider Trading, Darren Dreger noted what the Blueshirts are looking for on the market.
“Chris Drury, the general manager for the New York Rangers, is looking for a middle-six forward, which isn’t a term we use often in hockey,” Dreger explained. “That can be a third-line player or someone who can punch into the top six.”
That is certainly interesting terminology that likely comes direct from the Rangers.
It sounds like Drury is getting the word out that he isn’t panicking by qualifying the need as a “middle six” forward. In truth, he is likely looking for a second line right wing. Keep an eye on Reilly Smith in Vegas as a potential fit.
Canucks open for trades
Vancouver Canucks GM Jim Benning held a press conference to discuss the team’s awful start.
He openly admitted that he’s been trying to work the trade market for deals that can help shake the Canucks out of their slumber. “We’re looking at everything,” he said.
For argument’s sake let’s just qualify that everything likely does not include trading Elias Pettersson, Quinn Hughes, or Thatcher Demko.
J.T. Miller is a name that continues to come up in talks, and last season Brock Boeser was a featured name in trade rumors.
Those would be the two big names to keep an eye on going forward.
The Return of the Nordiques?
Can this be? While many thought that Gary Bettman was opposed to the idea of returning a hockey team to Quebe, it sounds like he may be open to listening.
“I spoke with [Mr. Bettman], and we have meetings with him in the coming months,” Quebec Premier François Legault told RDS.
“You have to look at who is ready to invest. We have an amphitheater in Quebec that has already been built. We are in the process of making contacts with Mr. Bettman,” Legault continued. “We are looking at what we need to bring back the Nordiques. I think we are capable of having a second team in Quebec.”
With the NHL at 32 Teams, adding a 33rd would seem odd. That is unless one team may be looking to sell and relocate.
Any guesses who that might be?
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