The New York Rangers are once again set to be a serious playoff contender after falling short in the Eastern Conference Final against the Tampa Bay Lightning last season. The Rangers have a mixture of young players and veterans on their team, as they currently sit third in the Metropolitan Division. While they are finding ways to win, it’s clear this team will be looking to make some additions as the March 3rd trade deadline is now less than a month away. The Rangers have been linked to several players, with Patrice Kane being the big name. While the Rangers seem ready to go big, they could also use minor additions to help out their bottom six, especially the fourth line.
Rumors have been swirling for weeks now, but very few deals have been made outside Bo Horvat getting traded to the New York Islanders. With the deadline fastly approaching, expect the floodgates to open shortly on the trade market.
But according to Larry Brooks of the New York Post, the Rangers are allegedly interested in acquiring veteran Lucic.
”I wonder whether Milan Lucic, if available and on an expiring contract, has enough left to be a menacing fourth-line agitator?”
This move makes sense since the Rangers traded tough guy Ryan Reaves earlier this season to the Minnesota Wild and are now missing some physicality. Having a physical player will be necessary for a playoff run, especially with all the young-skill guys the Rangers have on their roster.
While certainly past his prime and not the offensive weapon he used to be, Milan Lucic still adds value, especially in an enforcer role. Even at 34 years old, Lucic is still one of the toughest and badest guys in the NHL, as he’s one guy you do not want to fight.
On the season, he has registered four goals and nine assists in 47 games with the Calgary Flames. Lucic is in the final year of his contract, which comes with a modified no-trade clause along with a no-move clause. It’s safe to say at this point in his career, and with the uncertainty of Calgary’s playoff chances, Looch would be willing to move on if it meant having the opportunity to win another Stanley Cup.
