The Rangers just can’t get a break in 2024. The glimmer of hope That Filip Chytil would return was erased almost as quickly as it was found. Naturally, the Rangers 2024 trade deadline plans were tied to Chytil’s health, with Chris Drury seemingly kicking the 3C can down the road until there was a definitive plan.
When Chytil returned to practice, we had that brief euphoric closure that the Rangers would likely target just a scoring RW, probably a 4C, and perhaps some defensive depth. Now with Chytil out, the Rangers 2024 trade deadline plans will, without a doubt, include a 3C for the playoff run. But what about the other moves?
We can speculate until the cows come home about a 3C, with Adam Henrique, Elias Lindholm, and Sean Monahan seemingly taking up most of the column inches nowadays. More often than not, the Rangers have someone under the radar they are targeting, so there may be a name that pops up as we get closer to deadline day.
A scoring RW was a need until the need for a 3C trumped it. So now a big question is whether the Rangers can afford to get a 3C and a scoring winger at the deadline, with both fitting under the cap ceiling. My pipe dream of Jordan Eberle is likely shot now that the Rangers 2024 trade deadline plans changed with Chytil’s setback. Vladimir Tarasenko is always mentioned as well.
For some reason, Frank Vatrano is a name that always comes up. I get it, he was good as a Ranger, he shoots a ton, he scores goals, and his 21 goals would be third on the Rangers right now. But with another year at $3.65 million remaining, it doesn’t seem like there is a fit, especially since many expect Brennan Othmann to fill that 3RW hole next year.
And for what it’s worth, it’s highly unlikely the Rangers trade either of K’Andre Miller or Kaapo Kakko, despite what very vocal critics think. If something is done with one or both, it would likely be at the draft.
Rangers 2024 trade deadline plans – depth shouldn’t be ignored
One aspect perhaps being overlooked is the need for a 4C. Nick Bonino tried, but it didn’t work out. Barclay Goodrow is best served as a winger. There simply isn’t enough depth to manage injuries right now. Nick Bjugstad is constantly brought up, but with Arizona in the playoff hunt, that isn’t likely.
Tommy Novak in Nashville would be an interesting target, as he has the results, the style of play, and his league minimum contract expires this season. He checks a lot of boxes for sure. But perhaps Jonny Brodzinski is the best answer for backup 4C, once the Rangers land their 3C. The depth down the middle would be Mika-Trocheck-3C-Goodrow-Brodzinski-Bonino.
Not great once you get to the bottom, but there are far worse options, especially when you factor in the success the Vesey-Goodrow-Pitlick line had.
There may also be a need for a 7D, as Zac Jones has certainly struggled in that role. To Jones’ credit, the more he plays, the better he looks. But a 7D who is a bit more sound defensively and is used to playing sparingly might be a good option, especially since the Rangers don’t have many good options beyond Jones.
But when will any of this happen?
The good news is that we know the Rangers 2024 trade deadline plans, so we can sift through some of the rumors and bull we see through social media. We also know the Rangers are currently banking cap space with Bonino’s demotion, which will help them add some wiggle room beyond Chytil’s LTIR overage.
The bad news is there are so many teams still in it, that it’s tough to figure out who is truly available. By my count, only Buffalo, Montreal, Ottawa, Columbus, Chicago, Anaheim, Calgary, and San Jose are truly out of it and guaranteed to be sellers.
We have other potential teams like Minnesota, Arizona, Seattle, Nashville, Detroit, and Washington, but they are theoretically still in it. That may change after the All Star break, of course.
There isn’t much to choose from right now. So as much as we want something done as soon as possible, “possible” may not be for another few weeks. The Rangers 2024 trade deadline plans may wind up getting altered again if more teams simply don’t fall out of the race.
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