NHL Rumors: Rangers looking for forward help; Canucks open to trades, and the return of the Nordiques?

The New York Rangers have been in the NHL Rumor Mill a lot for a team that is 10-4-3.

It all started when Vitali Kravtsov refused to report to the AHL and self-exiled to Russia. He demanded a trade and the team is actively taking offers for the 21 year-old prospect.

He was supposed to be a part of their solution on RW this season after trading Pavel Buchnevich, but the situation got worse after Sammy Blais tore his ACL.

NHL Rumors: Rangers looking for a “middle six” forward

On TSN’s Insider Trading, Darren Dreger noted what the Blueshirts are looking for on the market.

“Chris Drury, the general manager for the New York Rangers, is looking for a middle-six forward, which isn’t a term we use often in hockey,” Dreger explained. “That can be a third-line player or someone who can punch into the top six.”

That is certainly interesting terminology that likely comes direct from the Rangers.

It sounds like Drury is getting the word out that he isn’t panicking by qualifying the need as a “middle six” forward. In truth, he is likely looking for a second line right wing. Keep an eye on Reilly Smith in Vegas as a potential fit.

Canucks open for trades

Vancouver Canucks GM Jim Benning held a press conference to discuss the team’s awful start.

He openly admitted that he’s been trying to work the trade market for deals that can help shake the Canucks out of their slumber. “We’re looking at everything,” he said.

For argument’s sake let’s just qualify that everything likely does not include trading Elias Pettersson, Quinn Hughes, or Thatcher Demko.

J.T. Miller is a name that continues to come up in talks, and last season Brock Boeser was a featured name in trade rumors.

Those would be the two big names to keep an eye on going forward.