The New York Rangers and GM Glen Sather were trying to put together a deal for Columbus Blue Jackets RW Rick Nash, but the trading deadline passed on Monday without a deal. Sather was trying to move a combination of Ryan McDonagh, Michael Del Zotto, Derek Stephan, Carl Hegelin, Brandon Dubinsky or Boston College winger Chris Kreider, but couldn't get the deal done.
Columbus GM Scott Howson rejected the Rangers' final offer of Dubinsky, Tim Erixon, J.T. Miller, Christian Thomas and a first-round selection in this June's Entry Draft.
A few days ago, the New York Post reported that Kreider was one of several players that was deemed to be untouchable by Sather, a group of players that included McDonagh, Michael Del Zotton and 2011 first-rounder J.T. Miller. Blueshirt Banter's Joe Fortunato was pleased that Sather decided to hold onto Kreider.
"I understand people's concern about putting too much stock into a player who hasn't even joined the AHL ranks yet. At this point, Kreider's NHL career is nonexistent. Some people think it's foolish to kill a potential blockbuster deal in order to keep a player who has logged as many NHL minutes as I have, but it makes sense. More than a few scouts (including many who have no affiliation with the Rangers) have marked Kreider as an absolute can't-miss prospect who will be a great not good player. The fact that he's on the no-touch list is a solid move in my book."
While the Rangers didn't end up dealing Kreider in the end, that didn't stop talks about the timing of the annual Rangers courtship to get Kreider to make the jump to the NHL after this season.
On whether Scott provides the necessary depth at forward and defense: "We're fine with it, and we have kids in the minors as well. And we have some other people that are gonna probably turn pro at the end of the school year."
On whether he means the college year: "Right. I'm not talking about pre-school. (laughter) We can't have that young of a team."
Sather was no doubt hinting at the 2009 first-round draft pick signing with the club after his junior year at Boston College is complete. To which, I say ... too soon, NYR. Too soon.