Report: Cup contender getting ready to make blockbuster trade before Deadline

A lot has happened over the summer, and several moves did not please certain things. One of them is veteran forward Joe Thornton signing a one-year extension contract with the San Jose Sharks. Let's just say the New York Rangers did not like this one... 

Acccording to Larry Brooks of the New York Post, the Rangers not only try to get the 38-year-old center to play in the Big Apple this summer, the team wants to try to get him before the Trade Deadline. 

Because Brooks believes the inability of Rangers rookie Filip Chytil to become a reliable full-time center, GM Jeff Gordon could be force into the trade market and that Thornton fits that role perfectly. 

"The Post has learned the Rangers and Thornton had several productive conversations during the 38-year-old center’s free-agency period last summer that extended into midday of July 1," Brooks explains. 

Although a lot needs to happen to make that blockbuster move happen over the course of the next four months, the Rangers would have to find sufficient room to absorb the remainder of Thornton's $8 million salary and the two sides would have to work out the return for the Sharks. 

"The Sharks would have to acknowledge themselves less than a Cup contender. Thornton would have to be healthy," Brooks adds. 

There’s no question the Rangers need experienced depth at center and the Rangers could benefit from the friendship between Thornton and Rick Nash. The pair played together in Switzerland during the last two NHL lockouts. 

If the San Jose is struggling to clinch a playoff spot by February and if the Rangers remain in contention, perhaps a Thornton-to-New York deal could be worked out, if the veteran is willing to accept a trade.