Nearly a yr in the past, New York Rangers basic supervisor Chris Drury was making an attempt to buy sad winger Vitali Kravtsov after he refused task to their AHL affiliate. He is now looking for a taker for Nils Lundkvist.
The New York Post‘s Larry Brooks last week reported the Rangers have been making an attempt to commerce the 22-year-old defenseman, who may skip reporting to coaching camp if he isn’t moved. He is dropped down their blueline depth chart and desires to be moved to a membership the place he’ll have a greater alternative to earn top-four minutes and power-play time.
Kravtsov spent final season on mortgage to KHL membership Chelyabinsk Traktor awaiting a commerce that by no means got here. He signed a one-year contract in June with the Rangers and might be in coaching camp attempting as soon as once more to earn an everyday roster spot.
Brooks signifies Lundkvist would not have any points with Rangers administration. His agent, Claude Lemieux, is working with Drury to attempt to discover a new NHL residence for his shopper. It is believed Drury desires a promising younger heart in return.
Golf equipment in want of right-side blueline depth, such because the Arizona Coyotes, Detroit Pink Wings, Montreal Canadiens and Vancouver Canucks, may categorical an curiosity in Lundkvist. Montreal Hockey Now’s Marco D’Amico suggested the Canadiens may half with a prospect akin to Riley Kidney or Jan Mysak given their latest additions of facilities Sean Monahan and Kirby Dach.
Drury’s dealing with of Kravtsov’s scenario suggests he’ll take the identical affected person method with Lundkvist. He may retain the younger defenseman if nobody meets his asking value. That dangers Lundkvist refusing to report back to camp nevertheless it will not harm the Rangers’ blueline depth for the approaching season.