Avalanche watch closely as Rangers move in on divisional rival superstar in latest trade proposal
Photo credit: AP Photo / Ellen Schmidt
The Colorado Avalanche are keeping a very close watch as the New York Rangers reportedly set their sights on Minnesota Wild superstar Kirill Kaprizov, a potential blockbuster move that could reshape the balance of power within the division.
Speculation over Kaprizov's future in Minnesota has fuelled trade buzz around the league, with multiple reports suggesting a blockbuster scenario that would send the superstar to the New York Rangers.
All signs point to Kirill Kaprizov getting dealt to the Rangers.
Antonio Losada from Athlon Sports writes that Kaprizov is set to play out the final season of his five-year, $45 million deal with the Minnesota Wild after reportedly turning down an eight-year, $128 million extension earlier this month.
Although the 28-year-old winger has brushed off trade speculation during training camp, Bleacher Report's Hannah Stuart detailed how the New York Rangers could make an aggressive push to acquire the franchise star.
"Stuart's proposed deal would see the Rangers acquire Kaprizov in exchange for Alexis Lafreniere, a 2026 first-round pick and multiple lower-round selections." Losada
Such a deal would hand the Rangers a premier offensive weapon to lead their top line, while the Wild would gain a 23-year-old former first overall pick along with valuable draft assets to kick-start a potential rebuild.
Here's what Stuart wrote in her latest report...
"It's a new regime in New York this season, with Mike Sullivan arriving from Pittsburgh to be the head coach and J.T. Miller being named captain - both strong signals of where the team is likely headed. The Rangers like marquee names and flash, and I've wondered for a while if Lafreniere might want or need a fresh start somewhere. Being part of a Kaprizov trade just might do the trick." -Stuart
Stuart admitted that Lafreniere's scoring numbers don't stack up to Kaprizov's, but emphasized that his youth and upside, paired with additional draft picks, could help even out the trade.
"This trade would definitely require a few lower picks as well as some money moved around. Since the Rangers don't quite have the cap space to take on Kaprizov's current contract, but if they want it badly enough, they'll make it happen." -Stuart
The Rangers enter the preseason with just $777,000 in cap space.
Source:
Athlon Sports
Mock Trade Scenario Lays Out How Kirill Kaprizov Could Join the New York Rangers
Athlon Sports
Mock Trade Scenario Lays Out How Kirill Kaprizov Could Join the New York Rangers
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SEPTEMBRE 23 | 13 ANSWERS Avalanche watch closely as Rangers move in on divisional rival superstar in latest trade proposal Do you think Kaprizov gets dealt before the Winter Olympics? | ||
| yes | 8 | 61.5 % |
| no | 5 | 38.5 % |
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