The NY Rangers may consider a Cam Talbot trade this offseason after, as New York needs draft picks after making trades and teams like the Edmonton Oilers, Dallas Stars, San Jose Sharks and Buffalo Sabres could be options heading into draft weekend and this comes as the team could shop Rick Nash in a trade, while Derek Stepan is in line for a contract in free agency.
The Rangers are coming into the offseason after winning the President's Trophy, but they did not make it to the Stanley Cup finals and that could mean some changes. The team has Henrik Lundqvist as their starting goalie and while Talbot had a great run while Lundqvist was injured, the Rangers know they have a short window to win. According to TSN's Darren Dreger and Larry Brooks of the New York Post, Talbot is one of the top trade commodities on the market this summer and there are "numerous" teams interested in the goalie.
The Rangers have made trades for Martin St. Louis and Keith Yandle over the past two seasons and that has depleted the team of top draft picks and prospects. The Rangers are hoping to get some draft picks back and that is why they are looking to trade Talbot. TSN reports that the Rangers are looking to hit a "home run" with any deal for Talbot, as they are desperate to get some young talent. The team has numerous concerns this offseason with Carl Hagelin, JT Miller and Derek Stepan dealing with contract issues and the team also could consider trading Rick Nash.
Steve Zipay of Newsday reports that there is no immediate talk of trading Nash, but the team could consider a move after the way the team performed in the playoffs. Nash had his best regular season performance for the Rangers since coming to New York, but he could not score consistently in the playoffs yet again. Talbot has the most trade value for the Rangers and he has just $1.45 million left on his contract. One thing that might make a deal tougher is that teams cannot work out an extension with Talbot until 2016 due to NHL rules and that could force the Rangers to take less than they want to deal Talbot.
The draft is coming up and that could get the trade market moving, as Zipay reports that the Calgary Flames, Sharks, Dallas stars and Sabres all could be fits for a deal. Brooks reports that Rangers are "allowing clubs to speak with Talbot's agent" about different cities, but at this time they cannot talk money. The Rangers are hoping for at least a second round pick and both the Sabres and Flames have multiple second rounders.
The Rangers also have Derek Stepan as a main concern, as he is set to be a restricted free agent and has been one of the most consistent players for the Rangers the past few years. The team has already signed Derick Brassard to a five year deal and now Stepan could be in line for a contract like that after scoring 16 goals and recording 55 points this season. Stepan was also the most consistent player for the Rangers in the playoffs this season.