NHL Rumors: Rangers Once Again Interested In Coyotes' Winger

The New York Rangers appear to be in contact with the Arizona Coyotes as they are looking at adding a winger for the top-nine this season. The Rangers have a few better options, but also need to keep some cap space available for a defenceman. This means they may not swing as big in terms of a forward at the trade deadline.

Why the Coyotes are of interest is because of Nick Ritchie's availability. Arthur Staple said that the Rangers have inquired about the Coyotes' winger before, at last season's deadline specifically. This is an area of need for the Rangers as they have used players like Jimmy Vesey, Barclay Goodrow, and Vitaly Kravtsov in their top-six.

The Rangers have gone back to the kid line, so that means Alexis Lafreniere and Kaapo Kakko are unavailable to be used in the top-six. Ritchie is currently playing in the Coyotes' top-nine and has nine goals and 21 points in 47 games. The 27-year-old is on pace to set career highs in goals and points and is the physical presence that the Rangers could use in the postseason. He has recorded over 100 hits in seven of his eight seasons in the NHL.

Ritchie has a cap hit of $2.5 million and is a UFA at the end of the season. The Coyotes would have to retain some of his cap so the Rangers can also add a good quality defenceman. Keep an eye on Ritchie to the Rangers if they don't swing big on a forward.