I do think this most likely has to do with Dubas visiting Gross and then just going to a game while he's there. In saying that, if it did have something to do with a trade, NYR have a few pretty interesting pieces.
- Kreider would add that powerforward element we mostly lack, and is good/versatile enough to play on any of the top 3 lines. Downsides are he's only signed for two more seasons, is 27, and isn't as good as Nylander. So they'd have to add some pretty decent pieces to this (e.g. K'Andre Miller, TB's 1st, their own 2nd which should be a high 2nd, Lias Andersson, Nils Lundqvist, etc are pieces I'd be looking at).
- Skjei is a 6'3 defenceman that skates well and can log big minutes, he's a legit #2-3 guy and would really solidify the top 4. He's also signed long-term at 5.25M. Really the only issue with him is that he's a LHD and not a RHD. If he was the main piece in a trade for Nylander, that's a lot closer in value than Kreider is.
Wouldn't at all be interested in pending UFAs like Zuccarello, McQuaid, Hayes, etc forming part of the trade return. When you're trading a 22 year old high profile RFA, you need to get pieces that are guaranteed to help for multiple years IMO. Shattenkirk even if he was at the level he used to be at is a terrible fit, so wouldn't want him. We need guys that can log big minutes at even-strength, not PP specialists that need their minutes babied at even-strength.