Chris Drury’s Bold Moves and Potential Trade Scenarios
New York Rangers General Manager Chris Drury has been anything but shy this season when it comes to making bold moves. Since December, he has already orchestrated several significant trades, including sending Jacob Trouba to the Anaheim Ducks, trading Kaapo Kakko to the Seattle Kraken for Will Borgen, and a multi-player deal with the Vancouver Canucks for J.T. Miller. Each of these transactions has reshaped the Rangers’ roster and set the stage for what could be a pivotal trade deadline on March 7.
The Case for Trading Alexis Lafreniere
Larry Brooks of the New York Post has suggested that Drury might consider another bold move by trading forward Alexis Lafreniere to the Anaheim Ducks in exchange for Trevor Zegras. Before Rangers fans start to panic, it’s important to note that Brooks isn’t saying this is a done deal but rather that it could be a beneficial move for both players. Both Lafreniere and Zegras are 23 years old and have not quite lived up to the expectations set for them in their respective organizations. Lafreniere, a promising young forward, recently signed a seven-year, $52.15 million contract extension but has struggled to build on the success of his 2023-24 campaign. Conversely, Zegras has faced injuries and the challenges of playing for a struggling Ducks team. Brooks believes a change of scenery could be exactly what both players need to reach their full potential, especially for Zegras, who is a native of Bedford, New York. Whether Drury shares this view remains to be seen, but it’s certainly a trade that could generate a lot of discussion and speculation leading up to the deadline.
The Seattle Kraken’s Jared McCann: A Valuable Commodity?
Meanwhile, the Seattle Kraken have become a team to watch in the trade market, particularly with the possibility of making Jared McCann available. Jacob Stoller of Sportsnet reported that the 28-year-old forward could be on the move, and he believes McCann would be a good fit for the Winnipeg Jets. McCann is a versatile player who can play center or left wing and is also effective on the penalty kill. He is the Kraken’s franchise scoring leader and has been a key contributor this season with 42 points in 57 games. His contract, which runs through 2026-27 with an average annual value of $5 million, makes him an attractive option for teams looking to bolster their middle-six depth. However, as Elliotte Friedman noted on 32 Thoughts: The Podcast, it will take a significant offer to pry McCann away from the Kraken, as teams are calling them rather than the other way around.
Potential Suitors for Jared McCann
Several teams have been mentioned as potential suitors for McCann. Ben Kuzma of The Province suggested that a reunion with the Vancouver Canucks, where McCann began his NHL career, could be a possibility. The Hockey News’ Sammi Silber believes McCann could address the Washington Capitals’ need for a middle-six forward to improve their secondary scoring and power play. Both the Canucks and Capitals could benefit from McCann’s skill set and experience, making him a highly sought-after player as the trade deadline approaches.
More Likely Kraken Trade Candidates
While McCann is generating a lot of buzz, Kate Shefte of The Seattle Times has identified other Kraken players who are more likely to be traded. Pending unrestricted free agents (UFAs) Brandon Tanev and Yanni Gourde are at the top of this list. Tanev, known for his strong defensive play and penalty-killing abilities, and Gourde, a skilled forward with a strong work ethic, could be attractive options for teams looking to add depth. Players with one year remaining on their contracts, such as Oliver Bjorkstrand, Jaden Schwartz, and Jamie Oleksiak, are also mentioned as potential trade candidates. These players could provide immediate value for teams in the short term, while also offering a potential long-term fit depending on the terms of their next contracts.
Staying Informed and Engaged
As the trade deadline approaches, it’s crucial for fans and hockey enthusiasts to stay informed about the latest developments. The Hockey News provides regular updates and analysis, and following them on Google News and subscribing to their newsletter can ensure you never miss a beat. Sharing your thoughts and engaging in discussions on THN.com or their forum can also add to the excitement and build a sense of community among hockey fans. The next few weeks promise to be filled with exciting trades and intriguing moves, and staying engaged will only enhance the experience.
