The New York Rangers are currently in a prime position to contend for the Stanley Cup, and one suggested trade would strengthen their defense. According to PuckPedia’s new PuckGM tool, which allows users to design their own trades, a proposed trade has the Rangers obtaining Shea Theodore in a major deal with the Vegas Golden Knights.
Rangers get:
Shea Theodore
Grigori Denisenko
Golden Knights get:
Reilly Smith
Braden Schneider
2025 first-round pick
The proposed trade is intriguing as it represents the Rangers’ push for a Stanley Cup victory while allowing Vegas to focus on youth and adding a first-round pick, which aligns with their current needs.
Shea Theodore is entering the last year of his seven-year, $36.4 million contract with Vegas, having been a crucial part of their 2022 Stanley Cup-winning team. Last season, he played 47 games, tallying 5 goals and 37 assists for a total of 42 points.
On the other hand, Grigori Denisenko, who was a first-round pick in 2018 by the Florida Panthers, has faced challenges establishing himself as a regular NHL player. In 32 NHL games, he has yet to score a goal and has recorded 7 assists. However, he could potentially provide added depth to the lower lines.
Schneider, who is 22 years old and was a first-round pick in the 2020 NHL Draft, would step into Theodore’s role. As a defenseman, Schneider would replace Theodore, who is a reliable second-pairing NHL blueliner.
Smith, who was brought in by New York this offseason to boost their offensive capabilities, would be sent back to Vegas in the proposed trade. Smith previously contributed to the Golden Knights’ 2022 Stanley Cup win.
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