They need Hajek and Rykov to take major steps forward this year. If they can then we can move out Skjei’s money. Maybe you can package him with Buch to upgrade at Center. Then use other pieces to upgrade for a #1 LD. Rykov and Hajek can be very solid Top 4 D’s but they do not show any signs of Top 2 potential. But you free up the Buch and Skjei money, you fill other holes, and you have money to re-sign Strome and Kreider. You may have some extra money to sign a vet forward for depth and/or a LD to insulate the left side. They have options.
I think it's easier to move Skjei for a winger straight up. Positional need for positional need. Centers are tougher to move out. You don't see much in the way of those deals unless it's a rental or a guy wants out.
The last big center trade who wasn't a rental was O'Reilly. He wanted out of Buffalo, and they got fleeced on that trade. For STL, one of those trade chips wanted out, one did not want out, and they wanted to move on from another. The 1st round pick was the premium. The three others... well they won't be in BUF for long imo.
You had the Duchene trade to OTT as a non-rental.... that was a hell of a price to pay.
Johansen cost Jones.
Zibanejad was a steal, but there were other things involved like actual salary, and OTT not being happy with Zib's off-ice training.
As it stands today, the Rangers have a center whose top 10 in scoring among centers. And they have another center whose top 10 in points per game as a center. And I'm not talking about the same guy....
I think the Rangers need two top 6 forwards, and a gritty utility guy on the 4th line like a Colton Scissons.
They might be alright down the middle.