Should the Rangers stand pat at the deadline?

AP Photo/Kathy Willens

With the trade deadline approaching, it has been fairly obvious that the Rangers are in the market for a defenseman. That defenseman is likely to be on the right side, as the Rangers are pretty terrible there. That part we know. What we don’t know, though, is what the Rangers plan on doing to address this hole.

There are numerous options, most of which we’ve covered here. The Rangers can make a splash for a Kevin Shattenkirk. They can go for a rental like Cody Franson or Michael Stone. They can make a block buster deal for a young defenseman rumored to be dangled, like Jacob Trouba. But one area that hasn’t been discussed much is standing pat, and doing nothing. There’s a solid argument for this case too.

When it comes to standing pat, the decision is usually less about fixing holes and more about the price to fix the holes. Shatty is likely going to cost a pretty penny at the deadline, and there’s no guarantee St. Louis, who is in it to win it, is even looking to move him. He’s the only pending UFA that is considered a top-pairing defenseman that could be available too. That price is going to be pretty high.

For a Trouba or Dougie Hamilton or any of the Anaheim defensemen, the issue is not only price –which will be significant– but about timing. No team involved is going to rush into a deal for a young stud defenseman, as it likely requires a significant roster asset to make that kind of deal. For the Rangers, think something along the lines of Derek Stepan or J.T. Miller. Players you are ok parting with for a stud defenseman, but will hurt to lose in a trade. After all, you have to give to get in this league.

With what appears to be significant resistance from GM Jeff Gorton to trade from the NHL roster, then the next logical choice would be a cheaper rental. Franson is the player most talked about, but he’s likely going to command at least a second round pick. The Rangers have a pair of those, but if the price gets higher, it’s unlikely the Rangers bite. It appears the days of trading first round picks are over, at least for now.

That leaves us with standing pat. Given the market and the potential prices to fix the blue line, it may be the most logical choice for Gorton this deadline. The forwards are great, the goaltender is elite, but the defense is more than a quick fix or a block buster deal away from being able to contend with the likes of Washington or Pittsburgh. The defense needs at least a pair of moves, if not more, before it can match and defend the skill and depth of the elite teams in the East.

With that in mind, does it make sense for the Rangers to burn assets on a year where they likely won’t be able to achieve the ultimate prize? Is it worth it to potentially win a round or two, then go out to one of the three-headed monster that is Pittsburgh, Washington, or Columbus? Is it even worth it, given their likely first round opponent is Carey Price?

There are a lot of questions regarding the Rangers and their situation this year. They are certainly a skilled team, but they are deeply flawed both in coaching and on the blue line. If they aren’t one move away from a Stanley Cup, does it make sense to burn assets? Or is it more logical to address the defense in the offseason? There’s no wrong answer to these questions, but there are potentially wrong moves that can be made. It’s not a fun situation for Gorton.