The New York Rangers have been looking for an upgrade up front since the start of the New Year, and after losing out on Elias Lindholm, who was acquired by the Vancouver Canucks, and Sean Monahan joining the Winnipeg Jets earlier this month, the Blue Shirts might have finally found the right place to shop.
The Athletic’s Arthur Staple and Eric Stephens recently reported that Rangers general manager Chris Drury may be interested in Adam Herinque and Frank Vatrano of the Anaheim Ducks. However, the Blue Shirts are believed to be exploring other options closer to home.
Staple and Kevin Kurz believes the Rangers might be looking at Philadelphia Flyers’ Scott Laughton, though it could cost them a first-round pick and perhaps more, given they’re division rivals.
“The Rangers’ first-round pick in the upcoming draft is the clear logical starting point. But I wonder if because the Rangers are a division rival, the price might be a bit higher than it would be for another suitor. After all, these teams could very well end up meeting in the first round of the playoffs the way the race is shaping up. If the Rangers would prefer to dangle a current player or a prospect for Laughton instead of a draft pick or two, a young forward with goal-scoring upside would be at the top of the Flyers’ list after they moved top prospect Cutter Gauthier in January for defenseman Jamie Drysdale,” wrote Kurz.
Laughton’s name has come up more and more in recent trade chatter as he is signed through 2025-26 with an affordable $3.5 million average annual value. He’s likely to get interested from clubs seeking more than a playoff rental. Laughton would be a good addition to the Rangers lineup if a deal can be struck before the March 8 deadline.
Other suggestions have been made to the Rangers, one from Larry Brooks of the New York Post, who points at Alex Wennberg of the Seattle Kraken as a trade target. He believes Wennberg has also been on the Rangers’ radar. However for now, the Kraken is still fighting for a chance to grab a wild-card berth in the Western Conference and general manager Ron Francis might hold on to Wennberg, unless an incredible offer comes in.
Which might be too much for Drury in New York…
The Rangers have already lost out on their first two trade picks, and so I can only assume they will make sure not to miss on the next offer they make to get the help they seek ahead of the postseason.
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