New York Rangers: Trades They MUST Make

Despite being atop the Atlantic Division, the New York Rangers lack true scoring threat, responsible defense, and an overall grit to the game. Instead of going into an in depth analysis, these are some trades I would love to see the Rangers make.

Not saying these are a "true" possibility, but I hope to be in the realm of reality when making potential proposals.

TO NYR: Jason Spezza
TO OTT: Scott Gomez, Third round pick

Now when one looks at this deal, you may wonder why either team would want to do this. You would imagine Spezza would generate a greater return, but he and Gomez are similar players.

I just think each player is on the wrong team. Spezza could potentially work wonders with Zherdev and Naslund. It is no secret that Spezza has worn out his welcome in Ottawa and that they have struggled tremendously this season.

Adding Gomez could change the scenery, and he could be the "right" player for the Senators. The salaries are almost identical and this could very well work for the best in the eyes of each team.

TO NYR: Garnet Excelby
TO ATL: Paul Mara, Sixth round pick

The Rangers lack true grit on the defensive side. By adding a player like Excelby, if available, they could potentially fill that void without breaking the bank.

Atlanta would not give him up for nothing, and by adding Paul Mara, they add a decent stay at home D-man who has a shot from the point.

Most Ranger fans would love to drop Kalinin, but no one else wants him, trust me. Mara has been decent this year, but you must give to get. I also know that Atlanta was very interested in him this off-season.

TO OTT: Michael Rozsival, Petr Prucha, Prospect/pick
TO NYR: Antoine Vermette, Anton Volechenkov, Third round pick

It is no shock that Vermette has struggled tremendously this season and can be deemed a possible bust. It is also no shock that Ottawa could use a puck moving defenseman. It is also no shock the Rangers salivate at the opportunity of moving Rozsival's four-year $20 million contract.

The Rangers could be the change of scenery and spark that Vermette needs to get going, and the Rangers could use a second line wing. Volechnkov is not great defensively, but does throw the body, something the Rangers could use, and he would replace Rozsival.

TO NYR: Jay Bouwmeester
TO FLO: Kalinin, (Fritsche, Dawes), Sanguenetti, First?/Second? round pick

The Rangers would love to add Bouwmeester to bolster their defense. The Panthers may be willing to take Kalinin as he comes off the cap at year's end. They would also acquire Sanguenetti, an OFD prospect, and a first round pick.

Florida may be willing to take RFA at year's end, Nigel Dawes who shows potential, or Dan Fritsche, who has not been given a fair shot in New York. The Rangers may have to be creative even to fit Bouwmeester's 4.8 million dollar salary under the cap.

If the Rangers' lineup looked someting like this, I would not be complaining.

Offense

Naslund-Spezza-Zherdev

Vermette-Drury-Callahan

Voros-Dubinsky-Korpikoski

Sjostrom-Betts-Orr

Defense

Redden-Girardi

Bouwmeester-Volechenkov

Staal-Excelby

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