From my understanding what the Rangers are looking for is a defenseman to take over Girardi's role as RHD to McDonagh, that Girardi has regressed a little. I take from this article that a bit of forward depth would not be a bad thing:
http://nypost.com/2017/02/16/nhl-pest-who-would-make-sense-as-a-rangers-trade-rental/
Albeit I've also read that the writer has had some controversial opinions. Unfortunately I don't watch the Rangers more than two or so times a year.
A recent talk with Benning on TSN 1040 (
https://soundcloud.com/tsn-radio-va...games-before-deadline-to-decide-where-were-at) had the following to say (obtained from a great poster on reddit/canucks):
• Still have 5 games to see where they're at before the deadline.
• Says team will explore the possibility of seeing if team's with a surplus of wingers are willing to exchange with the Canucks for defensemen.
• Haven't talked to any players about potential trades.
• Will maybe have discussions with players during the bye week.
I'd also like to point out that Vancouver has to expose one of Hansen, Granlund or Baertschi to the expansion draft along with the only other solid candidate being Sbisa.
I understand that Tanev has been talked about to death and I'm sorry for shoving him down your throats again. But what do you think about the value of this with minor sides/cap dumps added if need be:
Tanev + Hansen for Buchnevich or JT Miller + Klein + 1st
Tanev would be the clear target for 2/3 defenseman. He obviously doesn't produce points much, is a little injury prone from blocking the phenomenal amount of shots he does. But he is by all rights a beast of a player and someone Canucks fans love (Not only to offer up in trades!). Some would argue he's a number 1, some a number 3, whatever. I'd like to just point out that he has elevated the game of every person he plays with so far and is a really humble guy on a very decent contract and has had a history with AV, even if it was brief and in a 3rd pairing role before he broke out.
Hansen is likewise a valued player. He helped Horvat find his footing a season or two ago and now plays all over the line up, sometimes on our first line with the Sedins, sometimes with Horvat, sometimes with Sutter. He can fit anywhere in your lineup and produce. He's quick and gritty but I'd say not too physical. Going by the article he would really help to insulate some of your younger guys and wouldn't mind playing anywhere from a 1st to a 4th line role. If you look through the main Hansen discussion thread you'll see some other Canucks fans arguments as to why he is a great 2nd liner. But that's not the point. He can help you on almost any line, he has a very nice contract for this year and the next (2.5million cap) and most importantly he is available because he could be our one most trade-able asset.
I added Klein because I kind of think we need a RHD while Gudbranson is out, otherwise we could have up to 3 rookies on the right side if Biega gets injured, which is worrisome. Maybe someone else can fit in better. Personally I feel like Canucks fans might want more for this package but it could be a start to a discussion. I realise that Miller and Buch are both on your non available list but well, don't think we can get much done for someone else.
The return for the Canucks is of course one of Buch or JT Miller with their top 6 upside and a first. The player we get would slot in where Hansen would have played.