Rumor: Rangers May Trade Young Winger

There appears to be a new big name in the trade market. Frank Seravalli notes that the Rangers may trade winger Pavel Buchnevich this off-season. The 26-year-old winger is a restricted free agent and arbitration-eligible. If the latter comes into fruition, he will have the opportunity to be an unrestricted free agent next summer. Thus, the Rangers may want to avoid losing him for nothing and trade him now. 

It would be a very tough pill for fans of the Rangers to swallow, though. Buchnevich is coming off a career season where he scored 20 goals and recorded 48 points in 54 games. He showed real strides in his offensive game and is a clear top-six forward at the NHL level. Yet, if the Rangers feel that re-signing will cost them too much money, they very well could elect to move him.

There would be plenty of teams interested if the Rangers officially make him available. To avoid this from occurring, the Rangers must lock him up long-term. However, if he's only willing to accept a one-year deal, a trade must be in order. 

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