October 6, 2020
I am not here to discuss any nonsense about trading the first overall pick. I am not here to discuss any nonsense about selecting anyone other than Alexis Lafreniere. I am here to throw a few possible shockers that could happen tonight at the NHL Draft.
The Rangers trade up to 8th overall to select Anton Lundell
The Rangers will be taking winger Alexis Lafreniere with the first overall pick at the draft. However, New York is very thin down the middle and needs a center.
The Sabres need to start winning to keep Jack Eichel happy and in Buffalo. It’s time for them to start trading for today and not tomorrow. That’s why Jeff Gorton could wheel the 22nd pick in the draft along with Pavel Buchnevich or the rights to Tony DeAngelo for the 8th overall pick.
New York would then use that to select Finnish center, Anton Lundell and pair him with Kaapo Kakko for a decade. The reaction by many fans would be anguish, but Lundell is the real deal. He may be the best playmaking center in this draft.
New York Rangers trade for Patrik Laine
The Winnipeg Jets are dangling right wing Patrik Laine for a center and a defenseman. So how about packaging the rights of Tony DeAngelo and Ryan Strome to Winnipeg for Patrik Laine?
Yes, this would be a wild one and have an absolute domino effect on the lineup. Obviously the Rangers would have to then move Pavel Buchnevich in a trade for a center to replace Strome.
Rangers trade the 22nd overall pick for Steven Stamkos at 50% cap retention
The Rangers have always loved Steven Stamkos. The Lightning need to shed salary cap space at all costs. There is no center Jeff Gorton can draft at 22 that will help the team right away. Stamkos would center Panarin and Kakko for the next four years.
The 30 year-old center has four years left on a deal that pays $8.5 million. If Tampa is willing to retain 50%, NY gets an All-Star pivot for $4.25 on the cap. Less than they would have to pay Strome. Stammer will be only 33 when his contract is up.
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