Most of the talk on
trade deadline will be about whom the New York Rangers might acquire and I will
get to that in a few hours, but let us look at which guys on the roster might
be expendable, and those who might not be, but could move anyway. With the addition of Bryan McCabe the Rangers have options because they now possess eight defenders capable of playing at the NHL level. Which of the members of their defense core could be on the move?
Matt Gilroy:
Gilroy is the most obvious
of the Rangers to be on the move, whether it be a move for Brad Richards or
not. He is going to be a restricted free
agent that will require a 1.925 million dollar qualifying offer in order to
retain his rights which New York is almost assuredly not going to commit
to. Gilroy has played better this
season, but not to that level of salary.
Verdict: Leaves. If the Rangers can
get a mid-round pick for him you would have to think they move him along, and
someone might just pay it for the offensive potential he has in the right
system. Also has the potential to be a salary cap addition to a bigger deal.
Steve Eminger:
Eminger is in a
similar situation to Gilroy, but likely has less value in the marketplace. Eminger is a solid defensive defender who has
played well for large portions of the season and would be a very good addition
to a team needing to solidify their third paring. Being an unrestricted free agent with a
reasonably low salary of 1.125 million this season makes him available to a lot
of teams that are looking, but cannot afford any commitment.
Verdict: Stays. Eminger’s value to
the Rangers is likely higher than the late round pick they would likely get for
him. He has shown he is capable of
playing as high as a top four role, but solid in the bottom pairing and a guy
they have no problem carrying as an extra defender.
I know Michael Del Zotto should be here, but I will deal with him in another post.
I know Michael Del Zotto should be here, but I will deal with him in another post.
Possible moves from the Minors:
Tomas Kundratek:
Kundratek is an
intriguing prospect who is a potential puck moving defender down the line. He has adjusted well to the professional
ranks in the AHL, actually making the transition quicker than Ryan McDonagh to
begin the season. Kundratek is not ready
for the NHL level, but he will be sometime next season and would be a very nice
piece for a team to add to a deal and that Glen Sather might be tempted to part
with because of how deep his young defensive ranks are at the moment.
Verdict: Stays
unless Richards trade happens.
Pavel Valentenko:
Valentenko is a name
that a lot fans grew to enjoy during the preseason because of his big shot from
the point and his enjoyment of the physical game. I have questions about his foot speed for the
NHL level, but there will certainly be teams that could have interest in him as
a prospect to add into a deal.
Verdict: Stays.
