Thoughts on the Ducks as a trade partner for the NY Rangers

As we get closer to the NHL Draft, we begin silly season. It’s extra silly season this year, as COVID has impacted the financial landscape across the league. Regardless, the NY Rangers are looking to address their 2C and LD holes, The Anaheim Ducks are at a crossroads, as they are pretty bad but also have some cap issues. There’s a chance the Rangers and the Ducks make decent trade partners.

The Targets

In August, we wrote about Hampus Lindholm, and how he fills a big need on LD. Lindholm isn’t your flashy guy with big point totals, but he drives offense and is solid on defense. He may not be your permanent 1LD, but he’s better than most options right now.

Combining Rakell and Lindholm into 1 chart here.

Lindholm is the obvious target, but the Ducks also have a potential 2C available, and that is Rickard Rakell. Rakell can play all three forward positions and does a decent job at center. The concern is on the defensive side of things, but he’s more or less a 50 point player. The difference between Rakell and Ryan Strome –who he will be compared to– is that Rakell has done it consistently, while Strome has only done it once.

Does It Make Sense?

On the surface, landing both Lindholm and Rakell makes sense for the Rangers. Both fills holes, and both are actually pretty cheap. Lindholm (26 years old) carries two years at $5.2 million, and Rakell (27) two years at $3.8 million. Landing the pair would likely not impact their RFA plans.

The question is whether or not the Rangers are willing to trade assets for two guys hitting UFA after two seasons. If they are not in the plans for beyond their current contracts, then is giving up assets for them worth it? Are both worth giving multiple years at sizeable raises heading into their thirties? This might go against the grain for the Rangers, who have been acquiring players with lots of term left in more recent deals.

It goes beyond contract cost as well. The Rangers would need to give up roster assets. It’s tough to determine what a deal like this would cost, but it’s safe to assume something of real value would go to Anaheim. The Rangers and Ducks could sync up here on a trade, and there is certainly a deal to be made here. That is, of course, assuming this is their best path forward.

Chart from Evolving-Hockey.