The New York Rangers are in the thick of summer, and the fanbase is eager to address the ongoing issues with the forward core. With summer being a time for fun and speculation, why not entertain purely theoretical trade ideas? One intriguing, albeit unlikely, candidate is Minnesota Wild forward Kirill Kaprizov.
You might think it’s crazy to consider the Wild trading Kaprizov, and you’d be right to be skeptical. Kaprizov is a star, but his contract expires after next season. The Wild will either need to offer him a massive payday or consider trading him to avoid losing him for nothing.
Kaprizov might be tempted by the allure of New York, similar to how Artemi Panarin left Columbus for the Rangers. Minnesota is beautiful, but some players are drawn to the bright lights of Broadway. Kaprizov could be one of them.
The Wild are in a transitional phase and are unlikely to contend for more than a wild card spot next season. Kaprizov might seek a new opportunity where he has a better chance of winning. The Rangers are desperate for a scoring forward to complete their top six, making Kaprizov a potential perfect fit.
However, the Rangers don’t have the $9 million in cap space needed to acquire Kaprizov without offloading Jacob Trouba’s contract. With Trouba’s trade protection in play, the Rangers would need to find another way to make room for Kaprizov’s salary. It’s a long shot, but anything is possible in hockey.
Imagining a forward lineup of Chris Kreider, Mika Zibanejad, and Alexis Lafreniere, followed by Artemi Panarin, Vincent Trocheck, and Kirill Kaprizov, is tantalizing. It would cost the Rangers a significant amount, likely involving top prospects and draft picks. While it may not be worth the price, it’s a fun idea for Rangers fans to dream about.