This from t he Dispatch blog:
The Rangers are last in scoring, but they have proven scorers in their lineup. Chemistry issues appear to be a problem offensively.
One of the Rangers mired in a deep slump is forward Petr Prucha. Prucha scored a combined 52 goals in his first two seasons, but has just two in 35 games this season. His name surfaced in trade rumors last season.
Prucha isn’t a banger, but he will go to the net and take a hit to make a play. He is making $1.6 million this season and next before becoming a restricted free agent.
What the Rangers might see on the Jackets roster is uncertain. Maybe a defensive forward, grinder or stay-at-home defenseman. (Weren't the Rangers supposed to sign Michael Peca before the Jackets closed the deal?)
The Rangers have been giving up more goals recently, just ask Marian Gaborik. The Rangers, however, can’t take on a big salary (Sergei Fedorov, Adam Foote) as they are out of cap space.
The connections between the teams are there, though. Ken Hitchcock and Rangers coach Tom Renney are good friends. General manager Scott Howson got his first job in the pros with Edmonton through Glen Sather, who's now GM of the Rangers. There is a trust factor in place.
Whatever moves, if any, the Blue Jackets make figure to be minor. Nash and Z aren’t going anywhere and Foote (who has a no-trade clause) and Fedorov probably will be held out until the trade deadline. Everything in between isn't going to fetch an impact player.
But these Rangers scouts aren’t here to prep for the teams’ next meeting – unless they’re doing advance work for the 2008-09 season.
LinkThe Jackets need some more scoring but it's uncertain what the Rangers would want in return. Of course this is just a rumor or a hunch by the blogger.
