Tarasenko Traded to the Rangers, Possibly Defining Patrick Kanes' Options and Value

Vladi got his wish. Finally. Vladi didn't know then, but he knows now where he is headed. Per Frank Seravalli of the Daily Faceoff (www.dailyfaceoff.com, or visit Frank @frank_seravalli):

The New York Rangers have acquired Vladimir Tarasenko and Niko Mikkola in exchange for the later of their two 1st round picks (own, Dallas) in the 2023 NHL Draft, a 4th round pick in 2024, and players Sammy Blais and Hunter Skinner. St. Louis will retain 50% of Tarasenkos' salary.

When you really go through the exchange, you have to say this is a win for the Rangers. The 1st round pick is truly the only real asset out of the 4 that St. Louis received. When you look at the Stars and Rangers you see 2 teams that could both make a run to the conference finals if not the cup final. I believe that pick will end up at best around pick 25 and most likely be in the 28-31 range.

Does this move impact Chicago? You betcha' ! Not only does this likely remove all Rangers and Patrick Kane chatter, but it also likely sets the market for Kane. These are two right wings that add playmaking and scoring touches in top 6 roles. They are both UFAs after this season and well above 30 (31 and 34). They also are normally point per game players that have struggled filling up the score sheet this season on bad teams.

While we still don't know if Patrick Kane will waive his no movement clause, what we do know is that the market is set and that the New York Rangers will not trade for Patrick Kane.