Staple:
There was a report recently that the Rangers’ 2024 first is off the table this deadline because Rangers owner Jim Dolan is hosting the NHL Draft at The Sphere, Madison Square Garden’s new structure in Las Vegas.
We’re told that’s not the case, so Drury is seemingly free to investigate deals that involve this June’s first-round pick.
For a player who fills a need beyond just this season, there are a few factors at play. The Flyers would likely covet a young forward coming back for Laughton; this doesn’t seem like a spot to dangle
Kaapo Kakko, who could haunt the Rangers for a lot longer than Laughton would haunt the Flyers if included in this deal. The Flyers already have the Panthers’ first-rounder coming their way in June. Perhaps the better deal for both sides is a lottery-protected 2025 first, with the Rangers preserving their 2024 first and the Flyers getting a shot at a better pick than one likely in the mid-to-late 20s this year.
Adding Laughton’s $3-million cap hit the next two seasons might also hasten a decision on
Barclay Goodrow this summer. Goodrow has three years left at a $3.6-million cap hit and a summer buyout leaves a $3.5-million crater on the team’s cap for 2026-27, but actually saves $247,000 on next season’s cap. Laughton is a true center who could anchor the Rangers’ checking line for a couple of years, a role Goodrow has struggled with this season.
That Drury is serious about adding a bit more bite and edge to his forward group while not sacrificing skill. Players like Laughton, even though he turns 30 in three months, don’t come available often, especially with a decent contract attached. It makes sense that the Rangers would see Laughton as a short- and long-term solution. It could force a move on Goodrow, who costs too much against the cap for his role, plus it gives the Rangers a bottom-six safety net if
Filip Chytil isn’t on target to return next season.
Of the available centers, Laughton is an intriguing one for the Rangers. Stay tuned.
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