With Chris Drury visiting the west coast, it seems as though there might be something brewing between the New York Rangers and Anaheim Ducks.
With the NHL season just beginning, teams are starting to create their rosters and complete them. Most teams are still looking to improve their teams and fill important needs.Naturally, the New York Rangers are one of those teams, and there are rumors swirling that indicate that the Rangers are looking to make a move.
According to Arthur Staple of Newsday,assistant GM Chris Drury and scout Gordie Clark were spotted at the Anaheim Ducks-New York Islanders game last week. No one had a clue why they were there, and whether they were eyeing talent on the Isles or the Ducks. This could be just a one-time thing or a sign something big is going to happen.
Just one night removed from the Drury-Clark sighting, Ducks personnel (unknown) were in attendance for the Rangers-Sharks game. Sometimes, where there is smoke there is fire.
Tuesday night, the Ducks faced the New Jersey Devils. According to Andrew Gross of The Record, Drury and Clark were spotted again, this time sitting with Kevin Maxwell (Director Of Player Scouting).
The Ducks need to clear a large amount of their cap if they would like to re-sign Hampus Lindholm. With the roster that the Ducks have now, the only possible options seem to be Cam Fowler and Sami Vatanen.
On the other side, the Rangers are very forward-heavy and have tons of depth at that position. One big need for the Rangers is defense. It’s possible that they shop a young defenseman, but it’s also possible they send a forward in return for a top four defenseman.
Prior to the start of this season, the Rangers were shopping 24-year-old defenseman Dylan McIlrath, who could draw interest from the Ducks. The Ducks are currently winless, so perhaps a lineup shakeup would wake them up.
Rangers fans: stay on the lookout for a deal with the Ducks, the rumors are heating up.