NHL Trade Rumors: 5 Moves the New York Rangers Should Make Before Trade Deadline

With the NHL trade deadline approaching, the New York Rangers are sitting pretty atop the Eastern Conference standings.

However, they are ranked 26th in the NHL on the power play, 22nd in shots per game and 26th in penalty minutes per game.

If New York wants to make serious noise in the month of May, it should make at least one serious move to improve at least one of these areas, within the next 24 days.

Here are five rumors as to what that move could be.

Ryan Smyth

Ryan Smyth of the Edmonton Oilers is reportedly willing to waive his no trade clause for a chance to join the Rangers.

Smyth has captained six of Canada's world championship teams.

The left-winger is considered a "power forward," who likes to play big in front of the net. This could help the Rangers considerably on the power play.

He is nearly 36 years old, which means it would be a very short-term investment for New York.

Brenden Morrow

The New York Rangers apparently have interest in newly advertised Brenden Morrow of the Dallas Stars.

Another left-winger, Morrow captains the Dallas squad. He scored two goals for Canada in the gold medal game of the 2010 Olympics, in a win against the USA.

Morrow scored a career-best 33 goals last season. So far this season, he only has eight, but half of them have come on the power play.

If the Rangers are willing to give up a good pick and possibly Artem Anisimov, he could be theirs.

Out: Sean Avery

Sean Avery has really become dead weight for the Rangers, so they may be willing to make a minor-league deal to do away with him.

Glen Sather says that a minor-league deal could be in the works.

Out: Wojtek Wolski

As everyone knows, it's going to be extremely hard to move Wojtek Wolski, with the $3.8 million dollar contract he's sitting on.

However, the Rangers really need to do this. And really want to. Tortorella seems like he can't wait to get him out of there.

Remember when New York somehow dealt Scott Gomez's contract to Montreal?

Ryan Suter

The Predators' Ryan Suter could be an option for the Rangers before the break. He has a solid 23 assists on the year.

However, the move would cost the Rangers a youngster like Tim Erixon and a good draft pick.

Comment on these moves you'd like to see New York make and any others you feel would be a good fit.