The New York Rangers are in a prime position to contend for the Stanley Cup, and one proposed trade could strengthen their defense.
PuckPedia has introduced a new tool called PuckGM, allowing users to create their own trade scenarios. One user suggested a deal where the Rangers would acquire Shea Theodore from the Vegas Golden Knights as part of a major trade package.
In this proposed trade:
Rangers receive:
– Shea Theodore
– Grigori Denisenko
Golden Knights receive:
– Reilly Smith
– Braden Schneider
– 2025 first-round pick
This trade is intriguing because it reflects the Rangers’ commitment to winning the Stanley Cup now, while the Golden Knights would get younger and gain a valuable first-round pick.
Theodore, entering the final year of his seven-year, $36.4 million contract, has been with Vegas since joining the team and was instrumental in their 2022 Stanley Cup win. Last season, he played 47 games, scoring 5 goals and adding 37 assists for a total of 42 points.
Denisenko, a first-round pick in 2018 by the Florida Panthers, has struggled to establish himself as a full-time NHL player, with 32 games played, 0 goals, and 7 assists. However, he could provide depth to the Rangers’ lineup.
Schneider, a 22-year-old defenseman drafted in the first round of the 2020 NHL draft, would be a potential replacement for Theodore in Vegas, serving as a solid second-pairing defenseman.
Smith, who was acquired by New York this offseason to boost their offense, would be sent back to Vegas, where he contributed to their 2022 Cup win.
Rangers GM Chris Drury hinted at significant changes after the team lost to the Florida Panthers in the Eastern Conference Finals. Drury mentioned, “We’re looking at a lot of different things… nothing’s off the table. We’re trying to be better and reach the ultimate goal.”
The Rangers’ offseason saw a quieter approach with the trade for Smith and the signing of Sam Carrick.
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