Rumor: McDonagh hitting the trade market

The coming weeks will be crucial for the New York Rangers, who were finally able to line up a few wins in the past week. Despite their 5-7-2 start, the Blue Shirts are still looking for a spot in the 2018 playoffs, but if they don't manage to elevate their game, a couple of terrible things could happen. 

First, coach Alain Vigneault could get the boot. But worst, their star defenseman and captain Ryan McDonagh could be traded. According to Matt Larkin of the Hockey News, though McDonagh loves New York and is a huge part of the team and their quest for a Stanley Cup run, the time for rebuild might be right around the corner. 

"If they aren’t in a playoff spot by February, McDonagh offers should start piling up, Larkin explains in his mailbag. 

"He’s an extremely attractive buy, signed through the end of 2018-19 at a $4.7-million cap hit, and would be a true difference maker. He’d elevate a good team to a great one."

The 28-year-old does have a modified no-trade clause, including a list of 10 teams to which he would not accept a trade. 20 teams could get the chance to fight for his services and this clause makes this potential trade possible. 

Several teams, still capable of fighting for a playoff spot, have been looking at the market for help on the blue line. The Toronto Maple Leafs, Washington Capitals and Edmonton Oilers could make a push for McDonagh, who might also be willing to join Auston Matthews, Alex Ovechkin or Connor McDavid. 

It would be a blockbuster trade nonetheless!