This week, some teams are making moves ahead of the trade deadline. Yesterday, a notable trade took place between the Florida Panthers and the Chicago Blackhawks, with Seth Jones heading to Florida.
Meanwhile, Ryan Lindgren and Jimmy Vesey were traded to the Colorado Avalanche in exchange for Calvin De Haan, Juuso Parssinen, a 2nd-round pick, and a 4th-round pick. This move suggests that the New York Rangers are preparing to be sellers by the March 7th deadline.
Further signaling this shift, Reilly Smith will sit out tonight’s game in anticipation of a trade. According to Pierre LeBrun, Smith could be dealt by Friday.
This move confirms that the Rangers are likely focusing on selling, even though they are just one point behind the Canadiens with a game in hand.
In other news, the Canadiens have been receiving multiple inquiries about Jake Evans, while the Panthers, following in the footsteps of the Lightning and Golden Knights, have placed Matthew Tkachuk on LTIR.
It’s surprising that the Rangers are shifting toward selling, especially considering how tight the Eastern Conference playoff race is. It’s even more puzzling given their recent acquisition of J.T. Miller, who has been performing well since joining the team.
It raises the question: why would the Rangers trade for Miller if they now plan to sell? I wonder how Miller feels about this, especially since he waived his full no-movement clause to come to New York.
The Rangers’ decision to become sellers could also have a big impact on the Montreal Canadiens’ playoff hopes, as the Rangers are a divisional rival. If New York pulls out of the race, it gives the Canadiens one less team to compete against.
With just five days left before the deadline, it will be interesting to see how everything unfolds.
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