The addition of J.T. Miller changes the New York Rangers’ trade deadline strategy a little bit.
With Mika Zibanejad playing on the wing alongside J.T. Miller and Artemi Panarin, the Rangers are in need of a third-line center.
Peter Laviolette confirmed he has no plans to change the lineup as he’s been happy with how things have worked out in Miller’s two games with the team.
Rangers president and general manager Chris Drury will reportedly prioritize acquiring a third-line center before the Mar. 7 NHL Trade Deadline at the right price.
“I think the Rangers are going to be looking for a third-line center, and there are probably some available ... but what's the cost? ... I don't think they're going to want to do very many rental deals in order to try and get into 8th place," Larry Brooks of The New York Post said.
The Rangers are currently sitting five points out of the second wild card spot in the Eastern Conference, so there is no guarantee the Blueshirts make the playoffs this season.
It would be foolish for Drury to give away valuable assets for a rental, but expect Drury to be aggressive if the Rangers continue to improve and find themselves in the playoff hunt in a few weeks.
