New York Rangers Could Go Shopping for a Center
The New York Rangers confirmed they will be without center Filip Chytil for the rest of the season, prompting speculation on who they could acquire to fill the gap down the middle.
With a record of 30-16-3 heading into their all-star break, the New York Rangers sit atop the Metropolitan Division and third overall in the Eastern Conference with 63 points. However, they've won just five of 14 games this month, which is cause for concern for a team predicted to be a Stanley Cup contender when this season began.
The Rangers' depth at center has suffered since Filip Chytil was sidelined over two months ago with a suspected concussion. On Sunday, the club announced the 24-year-old Chytil suffered a setback in his recovery and would miss the remainder of the season.
With the March 8 trade deadline on the horizon, Matthew Mugno of THN's Rangers site said GM Chris Drury must focus on acquiring a third-line center. He noted their use of call-up Jonny Brodzinski in that role, as well as their recent demotion of Nick Bonino to their AHL affiliate in Hartford.
The Rangers Chytil's $4.429-million cap hit on long-term injury reserve. That should provide Drury with sufficient space to shop around for a rental replacement, preferably one with playoff experience.
Mugno's colleague Brendan Azoff suggested the Montreal Canadiens' Sean Monahan, the Anaheim Ducks' Adam Henrique and the Calgary Flames' Elias Lindholm. He indicated that the 33-year-old Henrique carries a cap hit of $5.825 million, meaning the Ducks would have to retain salary for the Rangers to acquire him. Larry Brooks of the New York Post suggested Henrique as well but also mentioned the salary retention, adding that it could raise the asking price.
Monahan, 29, carries a more affordable $1.95-million cap hit. Azoff said that lower salary helps with their cap flexibility in case they want to upgrade their blueline as well. On Saturday, Sportsnet's Elliotte Friedman speculated he could be on the Rangers' radar.
The Canadiens could also set a high asking price, such as a first-round pick. Friedman claimed there's no love lost between the two teams' front offices, reminding us that Canadiens executive VP of hockey operations Jeff Gorton is Drury's predecessor. But Azoff said they should be hesitant to include a first-round pick.
Lindholm, 29, is in the final season of a six-year contract paying him $4.85 million. With 32 points in 49 games, he averages 20 minutes per game, the most among Flames forwards. The asking price for him would likely be the highest of the bunch, and there would be some salary cap maneuvering involved.