(Washington) The New York Rangers have begun the necessary maneuvers if ever a transaction that would allow them to obtain the services of forward Patrick Kane were to materialize.
The Rangers traded forward Vitali Kravtsov to the Vancouver Canucks and waived the name of fellow forward Jake Leschyshyn on Saturday.
These moves could lighten the Rangers’ payroll and allow them to complete a trade to add Kane to their roster.
PHOTO MARY ALTAFFER, ASSOCIATED PRESS ARCHIVES
Jake Leschyshyn
In addition, the Chicago Blackhawks will not play Kane tonight against the Sharks in San Jose.
In return for Kravtsov, Rangers got minor-league player William Lockwood and a 2026 seventh-round pick.
Rangers’ salary cap wiggle room will increase further on Sunday when Leschyshyn is selected by another team or goes through waivers unclaimed and is then traded to the minor leaguers. .
An injury to Rangers defenseman Ryan Lindgren in Saturday’s game against the Capitals in Washington could also increase the New York side’s wiggle room.
Lindgren’s left shoulder hit the rail hard after a hit, and he didn’t come back in the game.
If Lindgren’s absence is longer than 10 games and 24 days, his name could be placed on the long-term injured list.