While the summer doldrums took upon Ranger country earlier than many had hoped, we thought we would start a fun weekly feature to help the time pass by.
We begin this week with a bold question: Should the Rangers trade Henrik Lundqvist?
Obviously, a huge question that at face value employs a typical "No!" reaction. However, the question was recently presented to me with a few points.
Here are some key thoughts:
- The Rangers aren't contenders now, nor will they likely be next year or possibly two years down the line.
- Lundqvist is in his prime now.
- Lundqvist would yield several high assets in return.
The thinking is this. Considering the Rangers are a couple years away (at least) from truly contending, Lundqvist's dominant play is essentially being wasted on a sub-par team.
Let's say a trade was presented whereas the Rangers would trade Lundqvist and an expiring contract to the Washington Capitals for Mike Green, Thomas Fleischmann, Simeon Varlamov, and a pick.
The Rangers would get a good goalie, a stud defenseman to complement Del Zotto and Staal and a solid top-six forward.
Would this move make the Rangers closer to contention than if they didn't make the trade?
There's the debate. Let's hear some rationale for both corners.
Also, for our subscribers, be sure to check out BlueshirtBulletinPlus.com for player reviews and analysis from the past season and also check out our Prospect Central as Jess Rubenstein and newcomer Kevin Baumer get you set for the draft and rookie camps.
Stay tuned...
