Rumor: Rangers and Devils talking interesting trade!

The New Jersey Devils and the New York Rangers have battled it out for years. Division rivals within close proximity sets up for intense battles, however, one team appears to have something the other team wants. The Devils have interest in Rangers veteran net-minder, Henrik Lundqvist and the two have discussed the parameters of a deal according to sources close to New Jersey's operations.

This deal will come down to nothing but money. Lundqvist is owed $8.5 million on the final year of his deal. The Rangers will have roughly $14 million in cap space but they will need to sign at least 5 players.

Another huge hit for the lottery lucky Rangers is the buyout of Kevin Shattenkirk. He's due over $6 million from the Rangers next season, which then goes down to less than $2 million for the final two years of the buyout. With Dan Girardi, Ryan Spooner and the mentioned Shattenkirk already on the buyout payroll, you have to believe the Rangers would rather sweeten the pot and trade 'The King' then add him to their long list of people they paid to go away.

For the Devils, they apparently would like Lundqvist to come in and mentor Mackenzie Blackwood and you have to think even though the Swedish net-minder has a NMC, he would be willing play for the Devils because of how close it is to his current home. The Rangers would need to sweeten the pot and also retain some of Lundqvist's salary. They do have Carolina's 1st-round pick which will be deep in the 1st-round, perhaps this is a part of the package. They also own two 3rd-round picks, so keep an eye on those.

My take: This deal makes no sense for the Devils unless you're getting a 1st-rounder for taking Lundqvist off the Rangers hands for one season. You already have one expensive goalie that doesn't play on the books, why would you bring in another.?

Interesting times in the Big Apple, keep an eye on the Rangers as they have a ton of trade options now!