When Emily Kaplan reported that Chris Drury was looking for more “meat and potatoes” for the Rangers ahead of the trade deadline, the assumption was that he’d target bottom-six grinders.
However, Frank Seravalli’s latest trade board suggests a different approach, with a strong fit for the Rangers in the newest NHL city. Sitting at number 20 on the board is Lawson Crouse, who embodies everything the Rangers should look for in a trade acquisition.
Crouse’s transition to Salt Lake City has been challenging, as he’s managed just eight goals and four assists for 12 points in 57 games this season.
This is a significant drop from his three straight 20-goal seasons with Arizona before the move. It appears the change in scenery has affected Crouse’s performance, but a fresh start in New York could help him regain his form.
Standing at 6’4″, Crouse is the physical, goal-scoring forward the Rangers need. His skill set makes him a perfect addition to the team, aligning with Drury’s desire for that physical scoring presence. As the Utah Hockey Club struggles outside of the playoff picture, they may be more open to offers for Crouse.
With two years remaining on his contract at $4.3 million, Crouse could be seen as expensive, but his physicality and scoring ability make him worth the price, especially with the postseason in mind. While he only has nine career playoff games, all in the bubble, he’s still only 27 and could develop alongside the Rangers as a valuable postseason asset.
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