Could Shattenkirk form part of a new blueline core? Photo credit: Jerome Miron-USA TODAY Sports

Could Shattenkirk form part of a new blueline core? Photo credit: Jerome Miron-USA TODAY Sports

Here’s food for thought: why can’t the Rangers have Jacob Trouba AND Kevin Shattenkirk? I think it is a legitimate option that the Rangers should explore. I am not normally an advocate of blowing your remaining assets to trade for any one player, particularly one (Trouba) who isn’t the finished article and particularly as the franchise is still in replenish the  mode. However there is one circumstance where I’m willing to change my thinking and that is for a young, hard to find player that the team can build around. That player could be Jacob Trouba.

To cut to the chase, the Rangers should try their hardest to get both Trouba and Shattenkirk. There are so many benefits to this. Forget about the likelihood or practicalities of making this happen for a second, and just think about the benefits. A top four containing Ryan McDonagh, Trouba and Shattenkirk would immediately make the Rangers owners of a truly elite, modern blueline. Possession numbers would be better, special teams would be better, better breakouts almost a given and you can argue, having a stronger blueline should extend not just the Rangers’ window of contention but by default, Henrik Lundqvist’s career.

The Rangers have wisely stocked up on forwards this summer. They needed to. The rewards can already be seen as the Rangers have looked more explosive, faster and deeper than they have for a long time. Would the Rangers part with a talented young forward and, say, Brady Skjei to get Trouba? They should. Can they also make the cap maths work for pending UFA Shattenkirk in the summer? With some difficult decisions made (cutting certain veterans…), and a cap rise, it could be done. If he gets there.

I would rather the Rangers not trade Brady Skjei – he’s one for the future. I would rather not trade JT Miller either. However if you told me, as a result of trading for both, that the Rangers would/could have a blueline core of McDonagh, Shattenkirk and Trouba to build around, I would argue that they would be in a better position to contend for the long term than they are in now.

The Rangers are deep enough up front to realise that they can part with some forward talent. They surely also recognise that the very best teams in the league are mobile and deep on the blueline. If the Rangers can really swing for the fences and get both Trouba and Shattenkirk it’s almost a must-do if it can be realised. How aggressive Jeff Gorton is in his pursuit of Jacob Trouba (and Shattenkirk) will tell us how much he’s been influenced by Glen Sather over the past few years. Is a move for both stud blueliners likely? Perhaps not, but the chance is there if the Rangers want to be bold (a la Glen) and it obviously makes for a fun and promising prospect doesn’t it?

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