The New York Rangers are currently in their Stanley Cup window, and a proposed trade could see them strengthen their defensive unit. The website PuckPedia has introduced a new tool called PuckGM, which allows users to create their own trades. One user suggested a blockbuster deal where the Rangers would acquire Shea Theodore as part of a package from the Vegas Golden Knights.
In this proposed trade, the Rangers would receive:
– Shea Theodore
– Grigori Denisenko
While the Golden Knights would get:
– Reilly Smith
– Braden Schneider
– A 2025 first-round pick
This intriguing trade would see the Rangers going all-in to pursue a Stanley Cup, while Vegas would get younger players and a valuable first-round pick, which aligns with their needs.
Shea Theodore is entering the final year of his seven-year, $36.4 million contract and has been a key player for the Golden Knights over the past seven years, including their 2022 Stanley Cup win. Last season, Theodore recorded 5 goals and 37 assists for 42 points in 47 games.
Grigori Denisenko, a first-round pick by the Florida Panthers in 2018, has struggled to secure a full-time spot in the NHL. In 32 games, he has notched 7 assists but could provide depth in the Rangers’ lineup.
Braden Schneider, a 22-year-old defenseman drafted in the first round of the 2020 NHL Draft, would be Theodore’s replacement on the Golden Knights. Schneider is a solid second-pairing defenseman.
Reilly Smith, who the Rangers acquired this offseason to boost their offense, would return to Vegas, where he was part of the 2022 Stanley Cup-winning team.
Rangers GM Hinted at Major Shakeup This Offseason
The Rangers were defeated by the Florida Panthers in the Eastern Conference Finals, losing the series in six games.
While New York remains a serious Stanley Cup contender, their latest setback prompted Rangers general manager Chris Drury to suggest the possibility of significant changes during the offseason.
“We’re exploring a lot of options,” Drury stated on June 7. “There are various paths to reach our goals. In my view, nothing is off the table. Our focus is on improving and achieving our ultimate objective. We’re in the midst of that process now, working to determine what’s next and how we can get better.”
During the offseason, the Rangers made some moves, trading for Smith and signing Sam Carrick, although it was relatively quiet overall for the team.
Golden Knights Lose Star Players
The Vegas Golden Knights faced a challenging offseason as they saw key players like Jonathan Marchessault, Chandler Stephenson, and Alec Martinez depart during free agency. They also lost William Carrier, Michael Amadio, and Anthony Mantha.
Reflecting on the losses, Vegas’ general manager Kelly McCrimmon acknowledged the difficulties of the first day of free agency, stating on July 1 that it was a tough day for fans. McCrimmon emphasized that while fans feel a connection to the players, he has even deeper relationships with them. He stressed the importance of respecting the players’ rights as unrestricted free agents, noting that the team made efforts to retain them rather than trading them.
Last season, the Golden Knights were eliminated in the first round of the Stanley Cup playoffs by the Dallas Stars.
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