Will Pavel Buchnevich’s development impact the Rangers deadline approach?

(Photo: Andreas Hillergren/AFP/Getty Images)

There are a whole load of questions (and moving parts) when it comes to how the Rangers approach the trade deadline in February. One player who could have an indirect impact is top prospect Pavel Buchnevich.

The Rangers top forward prospect has developed incredibly well over the past two seasons in the KHL. Buchnevich quickly became Severstal’s best forward, breaking scoring records for a teenager along the way – besting Vladimir Tarasenko’s previous scoring mark. He earned himself a move to the powerhouse SKA club where he has more than held his own on a stacked hockey club. Even with less ice time than at Severstal, Buchnevich is making an impact.

Elliot Friedman recently speculated that the KHL will do everything in their power to keep Buchnevich in Russia, as he is clearly one of the league’s rising stars. With that said, no one knows Buchnevich’s NHL intentions right now. If Buchnevich comes over to New York sooner rather than later (or if the Rangers at least know his intentions for certain) it may impact who the Rangers are willing to part with at the deadline as well as who they go after.

Buchnevich projects as a high skilled, top six winger and the Rangers could certainly do with an infusion of (key word: cost controlled) high end talent. With the club needing to make changes at the deadline to truly contend this year, Buchnevich’s short to mid term future could really impact the club’s handling of players such as Chris Kreider or Kevin Hayes. Both players need a new deal this year and Kreider in particular could be expensive. Would the team move on from Kreider if they know Buchnevich is definitely en route?

Would the Rangers move Hayes in a package for Andrew Ladd? Would the team move on from Kreider if it meant getting Blake Wheeler? They would certainly be more inclined to do so if Buchnevich was on deck. Despite many fans assuming otherwise, the Rangers do have some flexibility in moving a younger roster player.

Oscar Lindberg could certainly handle the third line center spot full time. Given Hayes’ inability to nail down a consistent position (we still don’t truly know whether his future lies at wing or center) his departure could be minimised. JT Miller’s development and the arrival of a player such as Ladd, quickly followed by Buchnevich would certainly accommodate for Kreider’s departure.

The Rangers need to make changes this month if they’re going to make a dent in the playoffs. They need to change up their defense and they need some additional offensive punch. The cupboard isn’t full right now but Brady Skjei and particularly Buchnevich could allow the Rangers to be a little more aggressive at the deadline than most people assume. It should be an interesting deadline for Rangers fans.