New York Rangers continue to scout the Avalanche hard

A frequent sight at Avalanche games of late: at least one scout from the New York Rangers.

The last several games involving the Avs have had scouts from the Blueshirts in the press box, including today’s game with the Detroit Red Wings. Are the Rangers really that concerned about that March 11 game at the Pepsi Center against the Avs?

Yeah, no, I don’t think so. I think the much higher likelihood is that the Rangers want to get a good, firsthand look at Avs players and prospects prior to the Feb. 24 NHL trade deadline. The Rangers still have faint hopes for a playoff spot, but they’d better get real hot real fast if they want to consider themselves a buyer at the deadline. Otherwise, there is likely to be a selloff, and forward Chris Kreider continues to be the most rumored player to possibly be on the block.

I’ve written previously what I think of Kreider as a player. I’ve also written previously that I don’t love rental trades where you give up either a first-round pick and/or young, talented prospects. But this might be a year where I would sign off on dealing their first-round pick for a guy like a Kreider. He’s a very good player, with good playoff experience too.

Keep in mind: the Avs don’t own their second-round pick this year. That went to Washington in the Andre Burakovsky deal.

I know the name of the scout the Rangers have had here lately, but I don’t like to out them publicly. Safe to say, though, that there is a possibility of a deal involving the Rangers within the next 34 days. Then again, nothing might happen.