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The New York Rangers trading Jacob Trouba to the Anaheim Ducks did little to improve their sagging fortunes. After beating the Pittsburgh Penguins 4-2 on Friday, they fell to the Seattle Kraken and Chicago Blackhawks.
Following the Penguins game, Peter Baugh of The Athletic observed the Rangers had around $22 million in projected trade deadline cap space. He speculated GM Chris Drury could use it to bolster the roster before the March 7 NHL trade deadline, perhaps by pursuing pending UFAs like Columbus Blue Jackets defenseman Ivan Provorov, Penguins blueliner Marcus Pettersson or Anaheim Ducks right winger Frank Vatrano.
Baugh’s colleague Arthur Staple was less optimistic following the Rangers’ listless effort against the lowly Blackhawks, suggesting they’ve hit rock bottom. He indicated a league source told him coach Peter Laviolette is safe. However, Staple noted things can change quickly if the losses keep piling up.
A lot of boos from the crowd as well, which has become a nightly occurrence at Madison Square Garden for the Rangers. #NYR
— Remy Mastey (@MasteyRemy) December 10, 2024
Speaking of the Trouba trade, Sportsnet’s Elliotte Friedman reported he’d heard the Ducks wanted to send Cam Fowler to the Rangers as part of the deal.
Fowler, 33, is signed through 2025-26 with an average annual value of $6.5 million. He has a four-team trade list, but it’s believed he’s willing to expand the list for the right offer.
Friedman believes Fowler wanted to go to the Rangers. However, the Blueshirts need salary-cap flexibility and couldn’t afford his contract.
Meanwhile, Sportsnet’s Pat Steinberg was recently asked by a reader if Calgary Flames goaltender Dan Vladar had popped up in trade rumors. The 27-year-old is UFA-eligible next summer with an affordable $2.2-million cap hit.
The Flames have Vladar and rookie Dustin Wolf as their goalie tandem with promising Devin Cooley with their AHL affiliate. Steinberg doesn’t rule out Vladar getting traded but believes the Flames aren’t in a rush to move him, suggesting he could fetch a second-round pick.
Flames GM Craig Conroy is unlikely to move Vladar while his club is battling for a wild-card spot in the Western Conference. He will remain patient and see where they sit in the standings by the March 7 deadline. If Conroy becomes a seller, Vladar could generate plenty of attention.
Related: Three New York Rangers Who Could Be Traded Next
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