Report: Rangers' Lundkvist wants trade, won't report to training camp

This just in from New York Rangers insider Larry Brooks: Former 28th overall selection Nils Lundkvist has reportedly informed the team that he will not report to training camp later this month and would like a fresh start with a new NHL team.

From Brooks' latest report for The New York Post:

The Rangers are engaged in an accelerated effort to trade Nils Lundkvist after being notified that the 22-year-old Swedish defenseman is unlikely to report to camp in the absence of a deal, The Post has been told by multiple sources. 

The Post has learned that general manager Chris Drury has been working with Lundkvist’s agent, Claude Lemieux, in order to effect a trade to an organization in which the Swede would have a better opportunity to challenge for a top-four spot and role as a power-play quarterback.

The 22 year old Lundkvist has been essentially blocked in the Rangers' system but more established defensemen like Adam Fox, Jacob Trouba, K'Andre Miller, Braden Schneider and Ryan Lindgren. In the case of Miller, Schneider and Lindgren, Lundkvist has been an equal or better pedigree, but has failed to gain the trust of head coach Gerard Gallant.

Lundkvist put up just one goal and four points in 25 games with the Rangers last season, but three goals and 15 points in 34 games with the team's AHL affiliate Hartford Wolf Pack.

More from Brooks on what the Rangers are looking for in return:

At the same time, though, the Blueshirts are seeking a semblance of equal value in return for Lundkvist, the slick, puck-moving, offense-oriented defenseman who is generously listed at 5-10, 187 pounds.

The Blueshirts, though, could certainly use a young, top-nine-type center who might grow with the organization. That is believed to be Drury’s target as they deal with this latest situation involving a young European unhappy with his plight.

A top nine center? How about a top six center? The Vancouver Canucks have a potential J.T. Miller trade locked and loaded and the Rangers, of course, are no strangers to Miller. Could these two teams reconnect on a potential deal with Miller and Lundkvist as the main pieces?