Rangers’ Failed Trade With Division Rival Exposed

The New York Rangers nearly landed Philadelphia Flyers forward Scott Laughton last season, and they might be circling back for another try as this year’s trade deadline approaches.

It’s been a busy few weeks for Rangers GM Chris Drury. He’s already moved Ryan Lindgren and Jimmy Vesey, while Reilly Smith’s future with the team remains uncertain.

Don’t expect any earth-shattering deals involving the team’s biggest stars, though. Mika Zibanejad has been on fire lately, putting up 13 points in nine February games. And Chris Kreider? He just landed on injured reserve Saturday, which pretty much kills any trade buzz around him.

The Rangers are definitely in the market for additions, but they’re being picky. They want players who’ll stick around beyond this season – and those aren’t easy to find right now.

That’s where Laughton comes in. He’s got a team-friendly $3 million cap hit and another year on his contract, which has plenty of teams interested.

There’s just one problem: The Flyers want a first-round pick for him.

That’s a deal-breaker for the Rangers, who already shipped out their first-rounder in the J.T. Miller trade. They’re not looking to give up another one, according to Arthur Staple of The Athletic.

Drury’s also searching for a third-line center who could be part of the team’s longer-term plans. He’s got a second-round pick from the Lindgren deal that he might try to use as trade bait.

K’Andre Miller’s name has popped up in some trade rumors, but that seems unlikely now. With Jacob Trouba and Lindgren gone, plus Adam Fox dealing with an injury, Miller’s role is only getting bigger. The Rangers probably want to see what they’ve got in him before making any decisions about his next contract.

The clock’s ticking. Drury’s got just a couple days left to work his magic before the deadline hits.