Looking at Rangers' Biggest Trade Chips a Month Before Trade Deadline

The NHL trade deadline of March 2 is rapidly approaching, and the New York Rangers will try to improve their lineup just like every other team. However, in order to get something of value, they need to give something up in return.

The Rangers have a number of players who are up for new contracts and not enough money to keep everyone. Therefore, there's a chance they could package a player or two at this year's deadline in exchange for a player who can help them win this year.

The Rangers have come close to winning in the last few years, and last year's success may motivate management to make a calculated risk.

With that in mind, here are some of the Rangers' biggest trade chips ahead of the deadline.

Dylan McIlrath

Jared Silber/Getty Images

The Rangers' first-round pick from 2010 hasn't panned out as people would have hoped, so there's a chance New York could package Dylan McIlrath in some way. Just because he hasn't panned out in New York doesn't mean he has no value, because Zdeno Chara was traded before he developed into the defender he is now.

This is not to compare the two defenders, but rather to point out that McIlrath isn't worthless. The blue line doesn't appear to have any room for McIlrath, especially with Brady Skjei on the horizon, and it could be time for him to move on while he still has some value.

Carl Hagelin

Debora Robinson/Getty Images

Carl Hagelin is a valuable player to the Rangers, but they will trade him if they feel they will be unable to sign him in July. He has a reasonable cap hit of $2.25 million, but going forward he is going to be paid in the $3 to $3.5 million range.

He is a quality two-way third-liner with speed and an underrated offensive side. He could be a nice fit on a team that is looking to rebuild by adding some young players with NHL experience.

The Rangers would obviously love to keep him, but if there is any doubt in the mind of Glen Sather that he can't retain Hagelin, the team will flip him for something of value now or before the NHL draft. 

J.T. Miller

Jared Silber/Getty Images

J.T. Miller is the Rangers' top NHL-ready prospect, even though he's past the games limit for what constitutes being a prospect. In other words, he is in an awkward in-between state, although he clearly has what it takes to be an NHL starter.

He is still going through the "process," and frequently he is the odd man out when head coach Alain Vigneault is looking for a healthy scratch.

Miller can play center or wing, and because of his upside and contract, a number of teams would be interested in acquiring him. He's a restricted free agent at the end of the season but shouldn't command a significant raise, so that shouldn't scare teams away.

He has enough value if packaged with a draft pick to get a solid asset back, and it wouldn't be surprising if New York traded him before the deadline. 

Mats Zuccarello

Jamie Sabau/Getty Images

This might make some people angry, but there is a chance that the greatest player to come from Norway may not be a lifelong Ranger.

Mats Zuccarello is a fan favorite and has been a great addition since joining the team back in 2010, but don't be surprised if New York ships him out of town. He is due for a raise as an unrestricted free agent, and he could command a figure the Rangers can't or won't match.

He has always been accommodating and helpful to the Blueshirts' cap situation, but as a 50-point winger he stands to make a nice amount of money in free agency.

He isn't having the greatest season with 23 points in 44 games, and that may be a cause of concern for team brass. If there is a chance the team can make an upgrade and eliminate one player who will have to be re-signed, it is a move general manager Glen Sather will seriously consider.

The money would still be tight, but it is easier to work in a situation with hard money that is guaranteed than potential soft money that could be higher or lower than your projections.

The Rangers also have some depth on the wings, and with prospects Anthony Duclair and Pavel Buchnevich banging on the door for next season, someone will have to go to make room. In an ideal world, Zuccarello would remain a Ranger, but one or two current wingers are unlikely to return next season.

Stats via NHL Numbers.