The Winnipeg Jets are in first place. The New York Rangers currently sit in the top Wild Card spot in the Eastern Conference. In a tight Metropolitan Divison, the Rangers could fall out quickly. What might they be able to offer the Jets before February 26th?
The Rangers have made the playoffs for the last seven seasons and 11 of the last 12. They’re in a playoff spot. But they’re an aging roster, and have lost four of their last six contests. If they continue to slip, it would be wise for Jeff Gorton and co to ship off some assets to replenish the roster for next season. Or maybe start a rebuild. Also, Kevin Shattenkirk’s recent injury only complicates things.
How long can Henrik Lundqvist keep it up? That’s basically the only question the Rangers need answered to make their decision. For our exercise, we’re going to assume they slip far enough out of the playoffs to sell off some players. Easiest place to start? Impending free agents.
The New York Rangers have six players currently scheduled to become unrestricted free agents after the season: Michael Grabner, Rick Nash, Nick Holden, David Desharnais, Paul Carey and Ondrej Pavelec. Don’t count on an Ondrej Pavelec reunion, although the Jets could use a new backup goalie.
Rick Nash
Let’s talk about the big one first. Could the Jets look to acquire Rick Nash? Nash isn’t having a great season, with only 17 goals and 27 points in 58 games. He’s scored 40 goals three times in his career, however. And if you’re wondering if he’s running out of gas at 33, he netted two against the Flyers just a few short days ago.
Nash still may be running out of gas, though. His Corsi% has slipped below 50% the past three years. Also, the Jets don’t want to acquire Nash to help them reach the playoffs. Nash would be the ‘get over the hump’ guy, especially at a $7.8 million cap hit. And…he’s scored just 15 goals in 77 playoff games, which is, uh, not great.
Nash kills penalties, plays on the man advantage and skates well for a man his size. He’s a useful player, but he’s never been worth the money they were giving him in New York (as if that’s not a theme). If the Rangers really fall out, they might get what they can for him. That is, if he cares to leave. A full no-trade clause really hinders any talks, however hypothetical they may be. Never winning a cup may motivate Nash to waive it in search of his first ring. Unless he’s a pennies-on-the-dollar acquisition, I say pass.
Michael Grabner
Michael Grabner is pretty much the opposite of Nash. Cheap and exceeding expectations. But do the Jets need Grabner? Blazing speed, scoring punch and expert penalty killing? Grabner fits in just about anywhere, and the 30 year old Austrian is signed for just a $1.65 million cap hit.
Everyone thought Grabner had a fluke year, scoring 27 goals with the Rangers last season. Now he pops out of the gate with 23 goals in 57 contests, all at even strength. His Corsi% sits at 45%, but he was successful at the same point last year. He outperforms his peripherals, mostly due to his impressive skill of cutting off passing lanes.
I’ve opined before about the Jets’ need for penalty kill help, and this would be a premium upgrade. Grabner would come in and be the Jets best penalty killer, and add a bit of scoring and speed. What would it cost? Who knows. Rentals who don’t put up a point per game aren’t usually sold for a premium, but the Jets would have a lot of competition if the Rangers made Grabner available. He would be a nice pickup, though. I would love to see him skate on a wing with Nikolaj Ehlers.
Leftovers
Paul Carey and David Desharnais are nothing more than bottom roster filler, but I wouldn’t be opposed to the Jets calling and asking. I just don’t know that they’re more valuable than what they already have on the fourth line. They don’t move the meter.
Nick Holden doesn’t offer much, either. He’s an okay defenseman with a decent shot. Holden might be better than Tobias Enstrom, but that doesn’t say a whole lot. I’d steer clear.
I can’t imagine the Rangers parting ways with Brady Skjei, Ryan McDonagh, Mika Zibanejad, Jimmy Vesey, JT Miller or Kevin Hays. Ditto Mats Zuccarello. Chris Kreider is most likely out for the year. Marc Staal would basically be a salary dump, making over $5 million.
Jesper Fast, however, could be a sneaky pickup. I get the sense the Rangers like him more than they let on, so they may ask high for him, but he’s a good player. A Grabner-lite. Fast is a great penalty killer and, uh, really fast (ugh). If the Jets could pry him a way for something that isn’t prohibitive, go for it. Fast is a great checking forward, both back and fore. He has a bit of offensive skill, but doesn’t play much offense in the Rangers system.
Next: Jets Trade Options: Philadelphia Flyers
Should the Rangers sell hard, Fast would be the best pickup not named Grabner. Either would fill presumably the same role, but Fast has more team control. Might be worth a call to Jeff Gorton, Kevin.