The New York Rangers are at a crossroads
Vincent Z. Mercogliano and Peter Baugh: The New York Rangers are built to win now with their forward core over 32 years old – Artemi Panarin, J.T. Miller, Mika Zibanejad and Vincent Trocheck – but they are at a crossroads. They might be able to sneak into the playoffs, and maybe sneak out a round one win, but not much beyond that.
The Rangers need to get younger, faster, and more skilled. Artemi Panarin is a pending UFA, and if he’s not going to be extended, they need to ask him to waive his no movement before the trade deadline. There are other veterans that have some value that should be considered as well. Any player they don’t see in their future plans should be considered.
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The Edmonton Oilers hope Andrew Mangiapane still has some value
Mark Spector of Sportsnet: The Edmonton Oilers haven’t been successful with their July 1st free agent signings. Andrew Mangiapane hasn’t worked out this year, following up last years Jeff Skinner and Viktor Arvidsson disappointment.Andrew Mangiapane and his $3.6 million salary cap hit for one more year is being shopped. He does have a full no-trade clause until June 16th when if switches to a partial five-team no-trace clause.
The Oilers had hopes of Mangiapane, and Trent Frederic, possibly in their top-six but they are bottom six players. If Mangiapane couldn’t fit with Connor McDavid or Leon Draisaitl, he should then fit with the third line. That hasn’t worked.
The Oilers can hope some team sees value like the Canadiens did with Phillip Danault (second-round pick) and the Blue Jackets with Mason Marchment (two draft picks) but it seems unlikely.
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Moving Mangiapane for a depth defenseman or an underachieving forward that is paid too much is more likely. The Oilers can for acquiring salaries to be less than Mangiapane’s.
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