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As the trade deadline rumor mill begins to turn, the Rangers had a positive update on what will ultimately dictate how the club approaches March 8.
Filip Chytil is on his way back to New York, The Post confirmed with a league source, after the Czech center spent the past three weeks in his home country recovering from a suspected concussion.
The Rangers wanted to give Chytil a change of scenery in hopes it would help usher him back to full strength sooner rather than later.
Even if this is the positive injury news the Rangers have been waiting for and Chytil is able to return this season, there’s no telling how long it will take the 24-year-old to get back into game shape or how effective he would be upon his return. That’s only put more weight on the moves president and general manager Chris Drury will have to make before the deadline.
The All-Star break, from Jan. 28 to Feb. 4, should serve as a check-in point for Drury.
Depending on how close — or far — Chytil is from rejoining the Rangers at that point, Drury will have a better idea of what sort of players he needs to be going after.
Until the Chytil situation is cleared up, here are a few trade scenarios the Blueshirts may want to consider:
If the Rangers feel they need another center…
1. Adam Henrique, Anaheim Ducks: $5.825 million AAV, pending unrestricted free agent
The Ducks center certainly looked like an intriguing option Sunday night, when he scored twice in the first period before the Rangers ultimately stole a 5-2 win in Anaheim. Despite some concerning defensive metrics, which have come with playing for a struggling team, Henrique can create five-on-five offense. The Rangers may have to sweeten the deal to convince Anaheim to pick up some of his salary, but in the name of bolstering the team’s five-on-five production, it could be worth it.
2. Elias Lindholm, Calgary Flames: $4.85 million AAV, pending unrestricted free agent
It’s unlikely Calgary will be able to extend Lindholm, who probably would be an ideal addition behind Mika Zibanejad and Vincent Trocheck down the middle. The Rangers probably would have to include their 2024 first-round draft pick in an enticing trade package to make it happen.
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If the Rangers don’t need another center …
1. Jordan Eberle, Seattle Kraken: $5.5 million AAV, pending unrestricted free agent
The Kraken right wing would be an experienced addition to fill a hole in the top six for the Rangers. As he’s shown with the Islanders in the past, as well as during last season’s playoff run with Seattle, Eberle can be a clutch postseason player. Even at age 33, he still brings speed to any lineup.
2. Anthony Duclair, San Jose Sharks: $3 million AAV, pending unrestricted free agent
The Rangers’ third-round pick in the 2013 NHL Draft would make for a fun reunion story. Without long-term injured reserve pool funds, however, Sharks GM Mike Grier would have to agree to retain at least half of Duclair’s AAV for him to be the low-cost addition the Rangers would need him to be. His two-point performance on Dec. 3 at the Garden should have caught the Rangers’ attention.
Recently I asked for questions on my Texts from the Blue Seats text-message conversation with Sports+ members (join here). Here are the answers to some queries (lightly edited for clarity) that caught my eye:
What was the main reason Drury wouldn’t hire Patrick Roy as Rangers coach this past spring?
— Joseph Meliambro
I’m honestly very excited to see what Roy can do with the Islanders, but I don’t necessarily think Drury whiffed on not hiring him. Peter Laviolette’s temperament appears to be exactly what this Rangers team needs. Not only is he detailed, involved and instructional, Laviolette also is particular about when he chooses to send a message or light a fire under the Rangers.
That’s the biggest question mark hanging over Roy as he steps to the helm of his second NHL team. For better or for worse, which is yet to be seen, Roy is an always-emotional coach whose stint in Colorado didn’t lead to another NHL opportunity until eight years later. Drury may have had conversations that deterred him from choosing Roy.
If I recall correctly, in Laviolette’s introductory press conference, he mentioned the need to increase the compete level from Day 1 in preparation for the intensity of the playoffs. Do you think these competitive practices are having an adverse effect on the team?
— Peter O
I’ve thought about this possibility, but it can’t be overstated how much this Rangers team has seemed to enjoy Laviolette’s practices. They are engaged every time they step on the ice, regularly participating in new drills and remaining invested in the competition of it all. I think the team’s recent struggles have more to do with the injuries that have caught up to them and the way Laviolette has ridden certain players during this rough stretch. The Rangers are a one-line or two-line team on any given night lately, and that’s what could be running them into the ground.
What do you think of Tom Wilson in a trade?
— Michael Youngelman
I wonder what Artemi Panarin would say…
Since Brennan Othmann brings the same level of energy as Will Cuylle, do the Rangers plan on bringing him up soon?
— Richard LePetri
I don’t know if I’d go as far to say the two bring the same energy. Cuylle is much more physical, willing to do the dirty work, and he’s built for the NHL right now. Othmann has more finesse and scoring, but his three-game cameo clearly didn’t impress Laviolette enough to keep him around over Jonny Brodzinski. Othmann would be better served finishing out the season in Hartford to continue developing his game and gaining confidence.
Is Brodzinski like a 4A baseball player? Great as a minor leaguer and not very good as a major leaguer. He constantly misses the net and cannot get the numbers he got in the minors.
— Eddie Brill
It’s been clear for four seasons now that this is who Brodzinski is: A reliable 13/14 forward who brings the right attitude and can be used to temporarily plug a hole in the lineup. He’s been an important depth piece for the Rangers for some time and the kind of player every NHL team needs. But the inconsistencies in his game is why he’s remained in this role.
Now that Kaapo Kakko is back, do you think he stays on the top line? I know he helps defensively, but not sure if he brings enough offense to the mix.
— Sanford Wiener
At the moment, Kakko probably is the best option for that right-wing spot on the top line. Though it would’ve been nice to see what Cuylle could have done with a run in that spot, which appeared to be the plan before Kakko was activated off long-term injured reserve. Putting Kakko back on the top line was probably the right move, especially if Laviolette is trying not only to show his confidence in the Finnish wing, but also to motivate Kakko to produce. I also think if things don’t turn around, before Drury can give Laviolette more top-six right wingers to work with, Jimmy Vesey could be another option for that spot.