How Tarasenko commerce to Rangers impacts Hawks, Kane initially appeared on NBC Sports Chicago
A significant domino fell on Thursday after the New York Rangers acquired six-time 30-goal scorer Vladimir Tarasenko — and depth defenseman Niko Mikkola — from the St. Louis Blues in trade for a conditional first-round decide in 2023, a conditional fourth-round decide in 2024, defenseman prospect Hunter Skinner and bottom-six ahead Sammy Blais. The Blues additionally retained 50 p.c of Tarasenko’s $7.5 million wage.
The first-round decide would be the later of the 2 first-rounders, whether or not that is New York’s or Dallas’. If Dallas finishes with a Top 10 decide, it’ll shift to subsequent 12 months and be the later of these two. The 2024 fourth-round decide additionally turns into a third-rounder if the Rangers make the playoffs this season.
Immediate ideas on the deal from Chicago’s viewpoint:
The Rangers have been out there for a high-profile top-six winger, and Patrick Kane was all the time seen as the proper match due to his historical past with Artemi Panarin. It’s laborious to see that occuring now, from a monetary perspective.
To execute the Tarasenko commerce, the Rangers despatched a contract to St. Louis (Blais), positioned a participant on waivers (Libor Hajek) and wanted the Blues to eat half of Tarasenko’s wage. The Rangers are actually proper up towards the ceiling. Things can change with a major harm, however appears like their heavy-lifting is completed.
By the best way, it was Tarasenko who tried to persuade St. Louis to signal Panarin in 2015. Panarin finally selected Chicago, however I’m certain the Panarin-Tarasenko connection got here into play when the Rangers have been deciding which participant to commerce for.
According to ESPN’s Emily Kaplan, the Rangers focused Tarasenko after feeling just like the asking costs for Kane and Timo Meier have been “too excessive,” and that additionally they had some considerations over Kane’s reported hip harm, which sidelined him for 3 video games earlier this season.
I’ve acquired to be sincere: The Kane nagging harm storyline feels a bit overblown. This is just not a brand new improvement, it is one thing he is been coping with for years. The solely factor that is actually modified is that it is public now. I believe his low manufacturing this season has extra to do with the infrastructure round him and never having a finisher like Alex DeBrincat on his line and on the facility play than it does an harm.
Here’s what Kane needed to say about his harm lately: “It’s not one thing I’m fascinated about or anxious about. When I get on the ice, it’s not such as you’re fascinated about the rest besides enjoying in addition to you’ll be able to. I suppose it’s probably not one thing for me to fret about. Just go about it the very best I can.”
I believe the one authentic cause to assume twice about buying Kane is for those who’re planning to signal him to an extension. In that case, it could be honest for groups to need to know his medical outlook past this season. But Kane as a possible rental? My concern can be fairly low there.
As far because the return, the Blues did not get something earth-shattering again, partially as a result of Tarasenko held all of the playing cards. He had a full no-trade clause and you must marvel what number of groups he gave St. Louis. If it was simply the Rangers, the Blues had fairly little commerce leverage.
Like Tarasenko, Kane has complete management over the place he would need to go. If Kane chooses to go away and offers the Blackhawks a number of groups he can be keen to go to, then there might be a bidding conflict, which might favor Chicago. If it is just one, mood your expectations for what a possible return can be for the Blackhawks. Have to assume the Rangers would have been on Kane’s hypothetical checklist, which eliminates them from the equation.
So, what choices would Kane have if the Rangers are now not within the working? Vegas, for one, involves thoughts, particularly if Mark Stone is out for the remainder of the common season with the potential of a return for the playoffs. Kane skated on a line with Jack Eichel on the BioSteel Camp earlier than coaching camp. Dallas, Los Angeles and New Jersey is also prospects. Again, it is all about the place Kane would need to go.
Story continues
It ought to be famous Kane stated on Monday that his agent Pat Brisson knowledgeable him over the bye week/All-Star break of the potential alternatives on the market. At least a number of groups reached out to specific curiosity or ask about his availability.
Kane referred to as these prospects “intriguing,” however stated “we’re probably not at that time” of deciding which groups he may go to. It’s nonetheless no assure he is moved forward of the March 3 commerce deadline, even when it appears like he might be leaning in that course.
Click right here to subscribe to the Blackhawks Talk Podcast without cost.
Download
Download MyGroups Today!
