According to multiple reports out of New York, the Rangers are shopping a few deals throughout the NHL.First, there are reports that the team is trying to bring back winger Martin Rucinsky, who is currently with the Blues.Second, the Blueshirts are trying to lure either winger Ryan Malone or defenseman Brooks Orpik from the Penguins. Who would the Rangers give up in return? Citing management sources, The New York Post reported that youngster Petr Prucha and Adam Hall were names in the mix. Sources have indicated to the buzzontheburgh the Rangers first choice is to pursue Rucinsky and Ryan Malone is their backup plan. The Rangers also have interest in Orpik but for the Penguins to include Orpik and Malone the Rangers must part with Petr Prucha, Adam Hall and a mid-tier prospect we have learned. The Malone for Prucha deal has been talked about and Ray Shero has to jump at the prospect of landing Prucha. If I’m the Rangers, I’m trying my best to get Orpik involved in that deal.
Rumors out of La regarding Penguins
The LA Kings reportedly have interest in Malone and Brooks Orpik. In return Ray Shero is asking for defenseman Lubor Visnovsky. The talented defenseman has 13 goals and 25 assists in 45 games for the Kings this season. Despite the constant trade rumors regarding Visnovsky team officials are denying they have any interest in trading him. Kings assistant GM Ron Hextall said over the weekend that Visnovsky is a “core player” who the team will “look to sign this summer.” Hextall added: “Well, I would never say never, but it would take a lot.”
Minnesota Wild Forward Pascal Dubruis is on the trading block. According to a report from the Minneapolis Star-Tribune, Wild management faxed a letter to the rest of the teams in the league to notify them that the winger was available.”I know what’s going on,” Dupuis told the newspaper. “Management’s talked to me a little about it. I’m playing on the fourth line. We all want to play and if they don’t think I can play here, I’ll do what I can with the ice time they give me until something happens.
Dupuis, who is set to become a free agent this summer, has 10 points in 37 games.
DEvils to Keep Gomez????
Questions still linger about what the Devils will do with pending free agent Scott Gomez. General Manager Lou Lamoriello gave hints that they will keep the talented center. This is one of the better teams we’ve had,” Lamoriello was quoted as saying in The New York Post. The Post reported that this was a hint that Lamoriello will keep Gomez and make another run at the Stanley Cup.Gomez has repeatedly said that he will not engage in contract talks during the season.If a deal is not reached before the off season, Gomez will likely look for big money when he becomes an unrestricted free agent this summer. Rangers, Atlanta, Ottawa, Calgary, LA have been linked to having strong interest in Gomez. Indications through out the league are Middle tier teams such as Pittsburgh, Nashville and Minnesota will make a run at Gomez for the right price but their longshots.
