NYRangers Moving or Staying Put ?

With the trade deadline less than 24 hours away and the Rangers fresh off their 3-2 OT victory over the Sabers, which saw Ryan Callahan score the game winner, the trade rumors continue to swirl. Yesterday the Rangers parted ways with Wojtek Wolski sending him to the Florida Panthers for a 3^rd round pick and defensemen Michael Vernace. A small move but one that rid the Rangers of a little used player that was earning a decent salary, and opened up more cap room for the Rangers GM to make one big move or a few smaller moves. The one big move of course would be the acquisition of Rick Nash from Columbus. Well fans Rick Nash was in the lineup today against the Penguins, where he scored a shorthanded goal. It is still believed that Columbus is asking way too much for Nash, but only time will tell. As I said the other night when there was speculation that Dustin Brown might be available, I would prefer him, but as we all know last night he netted a Hat Trick, which will either drive up the price, or that was just what the Kings had in mind, lighting a fire under Brown. 

As far as the rest of the rumors surrounding the Rangers there are not too many other than Rick Nash. With that last night could have slowed down the trade for Nash because one of the keys to that deal, Tim Erixon, sustained a neck sprain during the Hartford game last night. With that said there are few other players that could be available, that we know of one being Bryan Allen from the Carolina Hurricanes. Now I know most of us are saying who? But here me out, Allen is a defensive minded defensemen who could be available at a low cost and could play 18-20 minutes a game. I know he is not a huge name that everyone is looking for, but the 1^st Place Rangers do not need a big splash. It has become obvious as of late that the Rangers D-men are looking a little run down, so why not get a solid defensive player that could alleviate some minutes from your top guys?

Another Player who might be available from Columbus, but we haven’t heard about because of Nash is Derick Brassard, he is a young playmaking Center which, the Rangers could also use on the 3^rd or 4^th line. Both players could be acquired for much less than Nash, and could fill in the gaps that might be starting to show a little bit in this current Rangers team.  One other player that might be available from the Colorado Avalanche is physical Defenseman Shane O’Brien. He has been on playoff teams and has an expiring contract, which could also be attractive at this time for the Rangers. That would fill a need now, without affecting any moves Sather might make this off season. Hopefully Michael Sauer can return, probably not this season but next season, which will give the Rangers another solid Defenseman, but you don’t know what will happen with Sauer especially after seeing what has happened with Sidney Crosby. All I know is its going to be an interesting 20 plus hours, especially for Rangers fans, which at this point can’t wait for the deadline to end so the rumors will stop.

- Joe Clewell