Rangers linked to Ville Heinola; Were in on Alexander Nikishin

As we continue to digest the strong draft by the New York Rangers, we had two new rumors pop up. First, the Rangers appear to be hovering around UFA defenseman Ville Heinola. Second, the Rangers “were in” on Carolina RFA defenseman Alexander Nikishin. With the Rangers linked to Ville Heinola and in on Nikishin, it seems there are still some defense changes coming to a team that can’t seem to get the puck out of their own zone when Adam Fox isn’t on the ice.

First on Heinola, he’s an AHL defenseman. So temper expectations. He’s a former first round pick by Winnipeg that was initially Winnipeg’s, sent to the Rangers in the Kevin Hayes trade, then sent back to Winnipeg in the Jacob Trouba trade. Just funny how the Rangers linked to Ville Heinola can bring back some fun memories.

As for Nikishin, my gut says don’t trade for defensemen from Carolina. It’s clear they have an edge in that department. But I don’t think Nikishin should be viewed in the same vein as Scott Morrow. Nikishin is solid and established. Morrow was not. That said, don’t trade with Carolina anymore. Eric Tulsky is miles better than Chris Drury.