New York Rangers
The Rangers are one of the very top teams in the NHL and are right in the middle of their Stanley Cup contending window. As one of the heavy hitters in the league, they will surely go all out to supply themselves with everything needed to be able to hoist Lord Stanley.
Unlike a lot of teams in their status, the Rangers do not need to aim to make any flashy or sexy moves before next Friday. They have lots of high end talent and star power, and will focus more on shoring up their depth and ensuring that they have able bodies up and down their lineup.
One guy the Predators have who is a great fit in that regard is Yakov Trenin. As an original member of the old "herd line" that the team used to roll, Trenin has long embraced his role and been extremely consistent in playing to his strengths.
Trenin is a very physical presence who forechecks hard, plays good defense, and is a plus to any team's penalty kill. Guys who provide that grit are essential if teams want to win sixteen games during the grueling and tiring playoffs.
The Rangers could also use someone like Tommy Novak to solidify their center depth, but it has been reported that the Predators are working hard to get a deal done with him. Although if the price for him is as high as anticipated, Barry Trotz might have to think long and hard about it.
Elliotte Friedman said on @1025TheGame he believes Tommy Novak could fetch a 1st rounder or a highly valued prospect depending on the team.
— Nick Kieser🏒 (@KieserNick) February 29, 2024
Sounds more like a new contract will be signed before the deadline to stay. His camp has told me Trotz will have to circle back.
As for Trenin, he would not command a hefty price, but the return would not be terrible, most likely a mid to slightly late round draft pick. And it would be much better for the Predators to get a bit of a low return as opposed to letting him walk for free this offseason.
He is the perfect rental for a team like the Rangers that already has their bonafide stars, and both them and the Predators should make this deal happen.