Ducks GM in attendance, is a trade with Rangers in the works?
The New York Rangers are about to take on the Columbus Blue Jackets at Madison Square Garden on Wednesday night, and there’s a interesting person in attendance.
With the NHL Trade Deadline over a week away, and the Rangers having only two more games before Mar. 8th, Anaheim Ducks GM Pat Verbeek is in attendance per multiple reports.
Lately, teams have been sending out their scouts to check in or potential trade targets. However, with Verbeek in attendance, a knowledgeable source told Forever Blueshirts that takes it to another level.
Verbeek is obviously looking at a potential roster player, and it is very likely Adam Edstrom whom he would like to get a closer look at. Another possibility is exciting enforcer Matt Rempe. Both are young prospects that can be included in a trade.
While some may assume Kaapo Kakko, after Blake Wheeler’s injury it’s highly unlikely.
Are the Rangers and Ducks working on a deal?
Frank Vatrano is a name that keeps coming up when talking about trade targets for the Rangers.
“I keep hearing his name, but they are going to have to do something to entice Pat Verbeek (Ducks GM) to move him,” a source told Forever Blueshirts. “He’s not in the position where he’s walking out the door for nothing, so he won’t be looking to sell at any cost.”
To date, the 29-year-old has 26 goals and 45 points in 58 games. Vatrano is also an All-Star with one more year left on his deal at an affordable $3.65 million. According to another source, Verbeek knows Vatrano is his biggest trade chip. So any team looking to get him will certainly need to give up something decent for his services.
Earlier this week, we were told it may not require the Rangers to give up their first-round pick. A package that starts with their 2024 second-round pick along with either prospect Brett Berard or Matthew Robertson may be enough. Could Adam Edstrom be that piece or need to be included as well?
The Rangers have also been linked to Ducks center Adam Henrique, which is another name to keep in mind.
