Rumor: Two teams in the running for Rangers goalie

This could change the balance of power in the Western Conference.

HockeyFeed
HockeyFeed
Published 6 years ago
Rumor: Two teams in the running for Rangers goalie
Keystone Press

In his latest article for the New York Post, Rangers beat writer Larry Brooks reports that two teams have inquired about the availability of goaltender Antti Raanta in advance of the NHL’s Expansion Draft. Raanta, of course, will likely be exposed to the Vegas Golden Knights and could be plucked from the team for no return. It stands to reason then that Rangers general manager Jeff Gorton will suss out the trade market for Raanta over the next two weeks.

The two teams identified by Brooks as having made contact with the Rangers about the 28 year-old netminder are the Winnipeg Jets and the Calgary Flames. No real surprises here, both the Jets and the Flames were let down by their goaltending this season. In the Jets’ case, first year starter Connor Hellebuyck struggled to find consistency and did not have a capable backup behind him. The Flames rode a Chad Johnson/Brian Elliott duo into the postseason, but once they got there they were ultimately let down once again. Might Raanta be the solution in western Canada?

Regardless of where Raanta ends up next season, New York, Vegas, Winnipeg or Calgary, his one year, $1 million dollar cap hit will make him a valuable asset. In 29 games with the Rangers in 2016-17 Raanta put forth a stellar 2.27 GAA and .922 Sv%, not bad for a cool $1 million.

Source: Larry Brooks