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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.
After the Penguins game, Peter Baugh of The Athletic noted that the Rangers had approximately $22 million in projected trade deadline cap space. He speculated that GM Chris Drury could use it to strengthen the roster ahead of the March 7 NHL trade deadline, perhaps by pursuing pending UFAs such as Columbus Blue Jackets defenseman Ivan Provorov, Penguins blueliner Marcus Pettersson or Anaheim Ducks right winger Frank Vatrano to strive for.
Baugh’s colleague Arthur Staple was less optimistic after the Rangers’ listless effort against the lowly Blackhawks, suggesting they have hit rock bottom. He indicated a league source told him coach Peter Laviolette is safe. However, Staple noted that things could change quickly if losses continue to pile up.
Lots of boos from the crowd too, which has become a nightly occurrence for the Rangers at Madison Square Garden. #NYR
— Remy Mastey (@MasteyRemy) December 10, 2024
Speaking of the Trouba trade, Sportsnet’s Elliotte Friedman reported that he heard the Ducks wanted to send Cam Fowler to the Rangers as part of the deal.
Fowler, 33, is signed through 2025-26 at an average annual value of $6.5 million. He has a four-team trade list, but it is believed he is 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 could not afford his contract.
Meanwhile, Sportsnet’s Pat Steinberg was recently asked by a reader if Calgary Flames goaltender Dan Vladar had surfaced in trade rumors. The 27-year-old will be eligible for UFA next summer with an affordable cap hit of $2.2 million.
The Flames have Vladar and rookie Dustin Wolf as their goaltending tandem with the promising Devin Cooley at their AHL affiliate. Steinberg wouldn’t rule out trading Vladar but believes the Flames are in no rush to move him, suggesting he could get a second-round pick.
Flames GM Craig Conroy is unlikely to move Vladar as his club competes for a wild-card spot in the Western Conference. He will remain patient and see where they stand in the standings by the March 7 deadline. If Conroy becomes a seller, Vladar could generate a lot of attention.
Related: Three New York Rangers who could be traded next
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