Trade Rumor: Ducks & Rangers Linked to Pre-Deadline Blockbuster

The Anaheim Ducks are selling and the New York Rangers are buying, so there's some potential the two teams could work out a blockbuster deal ahead of the March 8 deadline. Both Ducks GM Pat Verbeek and Rangers GM Chris Drury have been busy of late discussing trade offers and one deal listed as a potential between the two clubs, came from Daily Faceoff's Frank Seravalli and it was a doozy.

Seravalli had some fun playing trade market matchmaker and listed the Ducks sending Adam Henrique and Frank Vatrano to the Rangers in exchange for Kaapo Kakko and a second-round pick. Kakko is a former second-overall pick who has voiced his displeasure to the coaching staff regarding his ice-time and it appears that the trade script is now writing on the wall. 

Seravalli had this to say on the makings of this huge trade:

Ducks GM Pat Verbeek is reportedly looking for a second-round pick, a third-round pick and one additional third-round pick in exchange for Henrique and to retain half of his deal. The Rangers have a clear need for a third line center, one who could also play up the lineup late in games with his high Hockey IQ. But they don’t have another third-round pick until 2026. In lieu of two additional third-rounders, would Kakko fit the bill? He has struggled to produce consistently in nearly 300 NHL games, but he perfectly fits the Ducks’ age scheme and is worth the flier as the 2019 No. 2 overall pick. Henrique instantly makes the Rangers better. He is a candidate to re-sign. And the Rangers don’t have to give up their first-round pick ahead of the deadline for the third straight spring. Make no mistake, though, James Dolan wouldn’t stand in the way of the Rangers going for it – even with the Draft at the MSG-owned Sphere in Las Vegas.

Henrique is drawing interest from several contending teams after Sean Monahan and Elias Lindholm have already been dealt this season. He's basically the best veteran center left on the market. Vatrano, meanwhile has voiced his desire to stay a Duck and see through their current rebuild. 

Lots of moving pieces here but this trade makes a ton of sense for both clubs.

PHoto credit:  Matt Kartozian-USA TODAY Sports