Many members here are unable to grasp the concept of the Rangers rebuilding. The Rangers need to avoid long term contract commitments for players in their late 20's. The team isn't ready to win yet. The team is a good 3 years away from being a top team again. Their young players will determine everything for them. Acquiring a big name player isn't going to change that time period.
This team was a last place team last season. They have a very good chance of finishing last again this coming season. That's OK. It's a very tough division. It will probably see 5 teams make the playoffs again.
The Athletic power rankings have them as a last place Metro team
NHL Power Rankings: Winning the Cup isn't enough to earn No.
https://nypost.com/2018/06/22/rangers-employing-rebuild-plan-they-havent-tried-in-40-years/
The Rangers won't be the Buffalo Sabres getting whipped every night but they won't be a playoff team.
On draft eve, Gorton tells rebuild skeptics to 'look at the...
I would trade Hayes. No on Mika. Zuccarello. It depends on the return. Are all of the wingers getting traded? Pacioretty? Skinner? Simmonds? Kessel? Florida was interested in a winger and they acquired Hoffman. JVR and Kovalchuk are free agents. They will go to teams looking for wingers. Those teams will fill their needs in free agency. Neal and Nash are both free agents. Neal would have a sought after rental if Vegas was a seller. So many teams wanted Nash at the deadline. There are enough Nash fans running NHL teams. The Rangers best play might be waiting to move Zuccarello at the deadline. The Rangers have time there. Hayes is a group II free agent. Time to move him is now.