Late last night, the Carolina Hurricanes and the Pittsburgh Penguins completed the Jake Guentzel trade. As expected, Ranger fans were upset since there was an impression they had the better offer. But all is not lost, as the Rangers 1RW options remaining are still plentiful, if time is running low.
The Guentzel return was Michael Bunting, a scoring winger with a 63 point season under his belt and 2 years left on his contract at $4.5 million, plus several prospects and a potential 1st round pick. I’m not a noted Carolina Hurricanes prospect guy, but it is important to remember that even if the Canes didn’t give up their top prospects, they had such a deep prospect pool that they still gave up good prospects.
The Rangers simply didn’t have the quantity to match it, and we only have rumors that Chris Drury included both a 1st round pick and Brennan Othmann in his offer. Without confirmation, we don’t know if there ever truly was a match.
As for the Rangers 1RW options remaining, it seems that Frank Vatrano is still their top target, even if the price tag hasn’t come down yet. Pavel Buchnevich is a pipe dream. Jordan Eberle, whom I’ve been willing to the Rangers for 3 months, could be an option. Warren Foegele might become available if Edmonton is going for Eberle, and he could be a sleeper acquisition.
Anthony Duclair was traded to Tampa last night as well.
There are still options. And it’s ironic that many who were clamoring for Vatrano are now upset the Rangers may need to “settle” for Vatrano. Funny how rumors change perception and reality, isn’t it?
The Rangers 1RW options are still out there, but time is running low.
Share:
More About:Irresponsible Rumormongering