Gaborik on the trade block?

[Sandman]

Didn't see a thread for this. What could they do? I like Nash, I think he's more durable, but overall it's a lateral move its like you're exactly where you were before the Nash move.

http://www.cbssports.com/nhl/blog/ey...orik-available
We are now less than four weeks away from the NHL's April 3 trade deadline, so the speculation is starting to fall faster than the snow in the East.

Of the plethora of rumors, the most interesting under-the-radar name floating around is none other than Marian Gaborik in New York. That's right, the Rangers winger is being mentioned as a possible -- I stress the word possible -- trade target.

Why would the Rangers, who have been struggling to score, look to trade a top goal scorer such as Gaborik? The Ottawa Sun's Bruce Garrioch reported over the weekend that the Rangers have discussed shopping him out there to see what they could get.

To second that, here's the gist of the thinking from Elliotte Friedman of the CBC.

The Rangers do the Rick Nash trade 100 times out of 100, but that deal and other losses (Brandon Prust, Ruslan Fedotenko) robbed them of depth. The reason Gaborik might (and that's the key word: might) be available is the return could replace that depth. But the only way New York does anything with him is if the move really improves the team.

In other words, don't get your hopes too high that your team might be able to get Gaborik (if that possibility would excite you, that is). While he seems a little more available than "we'll listen to offers for any player" it doesn't sound like the Rangers are actively looking to trade him. He could be used to reel in a bounty that the Rangers need, probably nothing more.

So why Gaborik and not, say, Brad Richards? After all, Richards is the one who has had his name mentioned in the "amnesty" conversation. It probably comes down to movability. Of the Rangers' three high-priced forwards, Gaborik is the one with the most appealing contract by far. Richards carries a cap hit of $6.67 million per season through 2020, and Rick Nash has a $7.8 million cap hit until 2018-19. Gaborik has one season after this on his deal that carries a $7.5 million hit.

It's no secret that the Rangers have struggled this season. They came into the year as a Stanley Cup favorite in the eyes of many (me included) but are fighting just to keep a playoff spot. At the moment, they reside eighth in the East while playing seven more games on home ice than on the road. That's the biggest reason why the Rangers would consider any shakeups.

Looking back at that Nash trade in hindsight, it is kind of interesting to think of how everybody was saying it was an absolute steal for the Rangers. While perhaps they didn't give up a ton of individual difference-makers to get him, they're feeling the difference that has been made by the lack of depth on the roster.

The most interesting part about watching the Rangers at the trade deadline is how desperate they might get if they don't get into a more secure spot.

ugh didn't like being reminded of Richards' contract either

[Sandman]

there should be a ? at the end of the title can somebody fix it?

[SLY WILLIAMS]

there should be a ? at the end of the title can somebody fix it?

I will fix it.

Trading Gabs is not the way to go in my opinion. We have only scored around 3 goals in a week. We need to find a way to get him going not trade him unless it is for another 35-40 goal scorer.

[bsi]

I will fix it.

Trading Gabs is not the way to go in my opinion. We have only scored around 3 goals in a week. We need to find a way to get him going not trade him unless it is for another 35-40 goal scorer.

I think if they'd just leave him, Richards and Nash together they'd get something going, but with the amount of scouts in the stands tonight there might be more to this than just shopping. I'm only interested in dealing Gaborik + whatever, if we get a Bobby Ryan, Corey Perry, Patrick Marleau type player where we get some scoring back as well as some size. I'm not interested in dealing him to get Phil Kessel or Stephen Weiss or something else that doesn't make sense. I just think his value is so deflated right now we'd never get value for a potential 40 goal scorer.

[NYR_NYJ]

I guess Perry is off the block

[SLY WILLIAMS]

Gabs can score without being on the first line but I think Gabs should play the RW when possible. He does not have to play with Nash.

[bsi]

Gabs can score without being on the first line but I think Gabs should play the RW when possible. He does not have to play with Nash.

I agree but when they are together they get chances and Gaborik needs to string a couple games together with goals for a confidence boost.

[Sandman]

Torts should just scratch him for a game it woke him up last time.

[metswon69]

Gabs can score without being on the first line but I think Gabs should play the RW when possible. He does not have to play with Nash.

I honestly wouldn't mind them playing together just to see Gabs get more opportunities to shoot the puck.

I think Hags can handle himself, we saw it tonight on the goal for Stepan.

[nyanks79]

Gaborik has a NTC. Dont see him being moved regardless.

[nyr2002nyr]

Gaborik has a NTC. Dont see him being moved regardless.

Its a limited NTC. And i say move him

[aanddann]

so I know hes generally inaccurate, but Eklund is reporting that the Rangers and Jets are talking major deal. Eklund says were high on Evander Kane and possibly Byfuglien. I dont see anyone getting Kane out of Winnipeg, hes an up and coming star and hes one of their most valuable assets so I kind of think thats ridiculous. But Byfuglien I think would be perfect here. He's big, he's nasty, has a great shot and is playoff proven.

now Eklund says we could be looking to trade a superstar who "may be amenable to a fresh start". Read through the lines and obviously he means Gabby. I was just wondering what your guys thoughts on a Gaborik for Byfuglien trade. I think it would have to be Buff+, but I think given our team it might not be a bad deal. I have a hard time believing we can win a cup when Eminger, Gilroy, Hamrlik, Bickel and Stralman round out the bottom of our D. But Staal, McD, Girardi, DZ and Buff would make us very strong and very balanced on the blue line.

I personally think Gabbys offense can be substituted. None of our prospects can pot 40 goals right now, but a lot of our bottom six forwards are underperforming (I think they said the guys we have in right now have combined for a total of seven goals all year?) so maybe we can plug a Kreider in and make up at least some of the offense up front while adding more offense from the D as well. Better shots from the point can help generate better rebound and garbage goal chances for the likes of Cally, Miller and Hagelin.

Thoughts? I dont think this is so ridiculous.

[Sandman]

Wow I would love Evander Kane but like you said, why would they do that.

[NYR_NYJ]

I think Torts would kill what Buff is good at and that is roaming around.

[Mr.Wiskers]

Would Love both Kane and Buff. But what would it take, we don't have a 1st Rd pick this year. Of course Gabby (would have to sign a contract extension) would be in the deal but who else--would The rights to Zukes, Christian Thomas and Bourque be enough---I'm thinking they'd want more and I don't want to give up Miller,Kreider,Hagelin,Fasth, Lindberg,Stepan or any of our d-men ( our top 4 d-men plus McIlrath).