According to Larry Brooks at the New York Post, the Rangers are trying to pry either veteran Adam Foote or top-four defenseman Rostislav Klesla from the Columbus Blue Jackets in exchange for Petr Prucha... "...The 36-year-old Foote, a physical presence the Rangers so obviously lack on the blue line, is on the final year of a three-year contract at $4.6M per that contains a no-trade clause he would have to waive in order to come to New York.
If willing, the two-time Cup-winner with Colorado will become one of the prime rentals on the market as the Feb. 26 deadline approaches. Hence, the Rangers' attempt for a pre-emptive strike.
Klesla, the multi-dimensional fourth-overall selection in the 2000 Entry Draft who will turn 26 in March, is under contract through the 2009-10 season at $1.6M per.
The Blue Jackets, who have scored four goals in their last four games, are believed primarily interested in Petr Prucha. The Rangers, who have approximately $2.25M of full season cap space which to work, would likely look to send either Mara ($3M) or Malik ($2.5M) to Columbus in an expanded deal that could include either left wing Jason Chimera or right wing David Vyborny. Obtaining Klesla would almost certainly require much more going the other way.
The 28-year-old, 6-foot-2, 215-pound Chimera, drafted by Sather's Oilers in 1997, has gone 17 straight games without scoring, so he'd obviously fit right in on Broadway. Earning $875,000, he's eligible for unrestricted free agency this summer.
Vyborny, who will turn 33 next month and is also an impending unrestricted free agent, was drafted by Sather's Oilers in 1993. The 5-10 Czech native, who has scored two goals in 28 matches, played the final two games before the Christmas break after spending three weeks on IR with a groin injury. He's earning $2.2M..."
...looks like Brooks is a little late on the rumor that the Rangers and Blue Jackets were interested in a trade. Although Brooks has a lot more details, my blog mentioned a possible deal last Saturday. See here.
...now to the actual trade, I'd make this deal for Klesla and Chimera. Don't care if its with Mara or Malik. We don't need Adam Foote as we have enough veterans on this team and the last thing we need is a 5-10 forward in Vyborny. I think we have enough of those on this team with Drury, Gomez, Callahan and Dawes.
...obviously, Prucha is a fan favorite, but he hasn't scored a lick since his rookie year and its only a matter of time until this guy gets a serious concussion from the beatings he takes during the games.
1 comment:
Not a fan of this trade at all. Doesnt seem like the Rangers are getting much in return. Which isnt a surprise since we arent given much either. That being said this team needs a physical presence in front of the net Klesla isnt it and Foote is ok but at the end of his career. Rangers should keep shopping
Post a Comment