Rangers Interested in Gagne?

With the Flyers in a dire cap situation, at $2.5 million over the cap, they are looking to move salary. Although the initial rumors were that Jeff Carter was on the move, a rumor which I never bought into, the prevailing rumor is that Simon Gagne will be the one traded. Gagne is in the final year of his contract with a $5.25 million cap hit. Although he has injury concerns, getting a top-six forward in the final year of a contract prior to the best UFA class in recent memory is certainly intriguing.

The Rangers are said to be one of three teams that have inquired about Gagne, and that Gagne has given the team permission to talk to other teams regarding a trade.

For the Rangers to acquire Gagne, and re-sign Marc Staal, they would certainly need to either trade Michal Rozsival, or waive Wade Redden. Both of these scenarios seem very possible. However, it is very doubtful that the Flyers would deal Gagne within the division. The cost of acquiring Gagne also needs to be considered. The Flyers are going to want a good, young, cheap roster player, and a prospect. Remember, the Flyers can’t take on any additional salary. Is it worth it for the Rangers to give up a young roster player and a prospect for a one year rental of Gagne, especially when considering that this will in all likelihood be a non-playoff year from the Rangers?