Insider Trading: Rangers' Future Uncertain as Panarin Decision Looms Before Olympic Break
TSN's Hockey Insiders delve into the New York Rangers' predicament, exploring their potential direction changes, the latest on the Vancouver Canucks and Kiefer Sherwood, and the Calgary Flames' considerations for a Blake Coleman trade and Brayden Point's Olympic prospects.
JAMES DUTHIE: Chris Johnston and Darren Dreger, your Insiders today. I believe the New York Rangers officially became sellers at TradeCentre around the time the Ottawa Senators scored their fourth goal in the first period last night. While they haven't publicly declared it, their performance suggests a shift in strategy.
DREGER: Management aims to finalize decisions regarding Artemi Panarin and other potential trades before the Olympic break. However, Chris Drury and the Rangers face significant challenges. Injuries have impacted their performance, and their defense has been a recurring issue.
JOHNSTON: The discussions with Vancouver regarding Kiefer Sherwood highlight the Rangers' pivot towards selling. They offered a young player with potential and a second-round pick, but it wasn't enough to secure a deal. This suggests that Sherwood may be an easier trade for the Canucks.
DUTHIE: The Calgary Flames have been a topic of discussion, with Rasmus Andersson and Nazem Kadri as potential trade targets. Blake Coleman's name has been mentioned, but it's not a sure thing. Teams are calling about Coleman due to his Stanley Cup experience, but his playing style and character are crucial for the Flames.
JOHNSTON: Brayden Point's Olympic prospects remain uncertain. Jon Cooper's week-to-week assessment provides some optimism, but decisions will likely be made at the last minute. Point's determination to heal his knee injury and his history of fast recovery are factors in the decision-making process.
DUTHIE: The Insider Trading team concludes that many beach vacations are on hold, awaiting the final word on the Rangers' future, the Canucks' trades, and Point's Olympic participation.
