NHL Rumors: Rangers & Blackhawks Emerging as Trade Partners

The Chicago Blackhawks and New York Rangers are two teams heading in opposite directions. The Rangers are building a Stanley Cup contender, led by elite goaltending from Igor Shesterkin, meanwhile things have gone off the rails in the Windy City. The Blackhawks are expected to have a fire sale before the trade deadline and it appears the Rangers are ready to pounce.

Seravalli cont'd:

In terms of looking at some depth type players, I think there has been some interest from the New York Rangers in someone like a Ryan Carpenter from the Chicago Blackhawks.

— NHL Watcher (@NHL_Watcher) January 24, 2022

Hockey insider Frank Seravalli recently named both Ryan Carpenter and Calvin de Haan of the Blackhawks as potential trade targets for the Rangers. Carpenter plays a heavy game and loves to throw his weight around the ice. He's not afraid to muck it up in the dirty areas and is a play that's brought in to play a role and not light up the scoresheet. So far in 37 games he's recorded five assists but a whopping 84 hits. He has some experience at center this season and would be a versatile option for New York. Certainly someone who can help play a shut down role in the playoffs.

As for de Haan, he like Carpenter is a pending free agent and would bring the Rangers some depth on their blue line. The 30-year-old defenseman is making $4.55 million against the salary cap this season and he's tallied four points in 37 games in 2021-22. Both of these Blackhawk players would help the Rangers defensive game, and as we all know, defense wins championships.

Rangers' fans, how we feeling about adding a couple of Blackhawks not named Patrick Kane?

Photo credit: Wendell Cruz-USA TODAY Sports