The Rangers could be looking to find more impact contributors on the trade market this year, much like they did before last year's run to the Eastern Conference Final, and according to reports, Timo Meier and Patrick Kane could be on the team's wish list.
According to Frank Seravalli, NHL insider for the Daily Faceoff, Meier has "risen to the very top of the list as a potential trade target" for the Blueshirts, representing a potentially massive boost for New York in terms of scoring output.
Meier is currently in the midst of a career year with the Rangers, as the 26-year-old has 25 goals and 20 assists in 45 games, averaging exactly a point per game this season. The forward has played all seven of his NHL seasons with the Sharks, and carries a current cap hit of $6 million, and his qualifying offer after this season would be over $10 million, making Meier, a restricted free agent, tough to retain beyond this season.
Meanwhile, NHL insider Pierre LeBrun of The Athletic reports that Patrick Kane is seen as a "perfect fit" for the Rangers, who employ Kane's old friend Artemi Panarin, but Seravalli notes that Kane may be looking to sign a long-term deal with whatever team he is traded to, and does not want to be a rental, which could complicate trade negotiations with New York.
Kane has eight goals and 20 assists for the Blackhawks this season, a team going nowhere this year that will likely be sellers.
The trade deadline in the NHL is on March 3.
Follow Ryan Chichester on Twitter: @ryanchichester1
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