NYR trade thoughts

I stockpiled a few names from around the NHL that haven't really been talked about much that I feel could be available for the Rangers to explore in a possible trade in light of the Radulov rumors that have floated around the Rangers recently.

Brendan Morrow (DAL)- Morrow is coming off a injury riddled 2011-12 campaign. He missed 25 games last season with upper back and neck injuries and as a result only scored 11 times for a total of 26 points. Morrow's name was beginning to be talked about in the trade winds around the Rangers in early February when he was injured again and was subsequently out for the next 5 weeks. Morrow is only one season removed from a 30 goal season with the Stars. Obviously we can't forget about the Brad Richards connection here as well. The main reason I mention Morrow first is that he is coming into the final year of his contract that also comes with a cap hit of 4.1 million. Perhaps cornering the market on Morrow now, the Rangers can acquire him much cheaper than what they would have to cough up at the trade deadline next February. If Morrow at 33, can re-discover chemistry with Brad Richards could make for a very productive 2012 season for both players.

Ryan Getzlaf (ANA)- Ahh, not the name you were expecting from the Anaheim Ducks were you? Getzlaf, another guy coming off a down year, injury free however, in which he posted his lowest offensive point total since his rookie year. Getzlaf will be a highly sought after commodity if Anaheim has another down season next year. One kind of gets the feeling that Anaheim might be ready to do away with one of their top 3 forwards especially with the 2011 Hart Trophy winner Corey Perry up for a raise with Getzlaf at the end of next season. While Bobby Ryan appears to be the obvious choice on the surface to trade, Getzlaf could be moved for a top 6 center, as well as some picks and prospects to rebuild and retool with Jason Blake and Teemu Selanne nearing the end of their respective careers. Getzlaf unlike Morrow, does not have any known no-trade or no-move clauses in his contract.

Evander Kane (WPG)- Kane just completed his 3 year entry level contract with the Jets and is entering restricted free agency this offseason. He also is just coming off his first 30 goal season in his very young career. Although I find it difficult that the Jets would be willing to part with their young forward through a trade, that won't prevent teams from trying to offer sheet Kane and price out the Jets altogether. Ranger fans would love having this kid on the team, he can outright fly, he can score, and is not afraid to drop the gloves. In fact, you may recall when Kane KO'ed Matt Cooke two seasons ago. Anyway, "offer-sheeting" Kane is definitely worth a look if you are Glen Sather, to bring him and his knack for finding the back of the net to NY.