The Maven reveals his names of Rangers who Chris Drury might decide to unload should he decide to make a trade tonight. (See if you agree.)
With the 2024 NHL Trade Deadline drawing closer and closer, it's time for The Maven to do a public service.
And what could be more public -- not to mention a service -- than to reveal my names of New York Rangers who Chris Drury might decide to unload should he decide to make a trade tonight. (See if you agree.)
1. ZAC JONES: I really like this guy, and that's why I've been hesitant to toss his name in the mix. But this is no time for sentimentality. The only Blueshirt from Richmond, Virginia, is a blueliner with considerable promise, and that's why he just might cause a rival general manager's mouth to drool with delight.
This much is certain: Jones has never been what you would call a "liability" but rather a solid citizen to have around. Of course, management has not deemed him worthy of a regular Ranger lineup spot; which tells you how solid the defense is right now more than a rap on The Jones Boy.
Too bad Drury won't deal with his old buddy, Tom Fitzgerald, 'cause the Devils sure could use Richmond-Zac on their blue line.
2. BLAKE WHEELER: The Garden got this ex-Jet dirt cheap when he signed a one-year $800,000 deal. Drury figured he got a bargain, and -- in a sense - he did. But that doesn't mean that the GM should let Blake hang around if he can wheel him as part of a package -- who knows? even include Jones -- because there's still some savvy and sock left in this veteran.
If I'm running a contending club -- Vegas, perhaps, or even the Oilers -- I'd go for Wheeler same as the Avalanche recently did for Zach Parise.
3. BARCLAY GOODROW: Are we talking about a de luxe version of Nick Bonino or not? Yes, we are!
Right now, the Toronto native's resume is impressive, but his overpaid salary is depressing when one considers what he's contributed to the lineup. Or, as they say in my native Kings County:
"Not a whole helluva lot"
Which is not to denigrate a fellow who has Cup experience, can play all forward positions as well as kill penalties and take face-offs. In other words -- forgetting his paycheck -- there's a lot of good in Goodrow. (Or, why in heck do you think I put him on my list?)