Rangers scouting Nashville; Gustav Nyquist on their radar?

Per Kyle Hall, citing Nashville media (grain of salt required), the Rangers have been heavily scouting the Nashville Predators. Hall, again through Nashville media colleagues, is noting the Rangers have particular interest in Gustav Nyquist, Tommy Novak, and defenseman Jeremy Lauzon.

Interest in Nashville shouldn’t be surprising, and Novak is a name we’ve mentioned here numerous times. What may be mildly surprising is the interest in Nyquist, whose name has not been circulated before (I’m taking some credit for bringing him up yesterday in my predictions), and Lauzon, who would provide defensive depth.

Both Nyquist and Novak fill immediate needs at 1RW and 3C, respectively. Jimmy Vesey is not the long term answer at 1RW, and Jonny Brodzinski is best served –for roster construction and balance– as the starting 4C and backup 3C if needed. The concern is obvious, as neither are stellar defensively, but both drive offense.

It does seem the Rangers are looking to address two needs with one trade, and the rumored interest in both Nyquist and Novak checks that box. In theory, we’d be looking at Kreider-Zibanejad-Nyquist and Cuylle-Novak-Kakko, bringing far more balance to both lines. That makes the fourth line Vesey-Brodzinski-Barclay Goodrow, which may not be what some want, but it’s solid for the playoffs.

At the risk of beating a dead horse, acquiring both a 1RW and a 3C has nothing to do with Vesey and Brodzinski. It’s about roster balance, depth, and roles. Matt Rempe and Adam Edstrom will likely be regulars next season, but not for the playoffs.

Lauzon is an interesting target, as he’s the exact opposite of Zac Jones. It does appear that the Rangers want someene who is more defensively reliable than Jones as their 7D, even if it comes at the expense of offense. That’s fine. It does appear Jones isn’t going to be a long term Ranger. Assuming he’d be part of a dual player approach, it’s fine. Not ideal, but fine.

Nashville is still in the playoff hunt, mind you, so there is no rush on a trade for the Predators. All three players mentioned pass the sniff test, so there may be smoke here.