1. DEAL OR NOT? With the trade deadline fast approaching, Rangers boss Chris Drury must at least consider the possibility of another trade. If he thinks he needs another defenseman, both the Blackhawks and defenseman Seth Jones are ready to part company.
2. JONES FOR WHO? Jones has many assets, especially since he’s one of the league’s top minutes-crunchers and is in his career prime. But Chi would want more than Zac Jones and Adam Fox’s injury renders him damaged goods to the Chicago high command. It would take some clever wheeling and dealing on Drury’s part to nab Jones. (Draft pick plus.)
3. Reflecting on the passing of Pal Al Trautwig of MSG Networks fame, the one asset that he had over so many competitors was “style.” In whatever his role, Al gave the viewer a sense that he, Trautwig, was a special presence. Another big plus was Al’s humor and relaxed demeanor.
4. Trautwig did an interview with me for MSG Networks on my retirement. True to his production genius, he selected a seat location close to the arena’s last row and then fired away. When it was over I recall thinking that he picked out better questions for me than I would have in his role. And that’s saying a lot.
5. Usually at this time of year, the Maple Leafs are somewhere in the middle of the Atlantic Division. I did a double-take after checking the standings and – lo and behold – they’re in first place and on a three-game win streak.
6. The Leafs are acknowledged to be the highest-valued team in the NHL with the Rangers right behind; each worth more than a billion smackeroos. What’s hard to believe is that with all their wealth, the Leafs haven’t won the Stanley Cup for 57 years and now we’re up to 30 years for the Rangers
7. Although there’s no word yet – no need for it – the betting is that Kenny Albert will move up from the radio side to become Sam Rosen’s replacement as Rangers play-by-play guy on MSG Networks’ Blueshirt telecasts.
8. Back in October The Hockey News Yearbook posed this question: How will Rangers team chemistry adjust to whatever happens with Jacob Trouba? Now we know the answer; NOT WELL!
9. Hard To Believe Department: Last season Chris Kreider helped drive the Rangers to the Presidents’ Trophy with a team-leading 18 power play goals. These days he’s lucky to get into the lineup.
10. Something We’ll Never Know For Sure Department: How much the exit of Rangers Goalie Guru Benny Allaire has negatively affected Igor Shesterkin’s goaltending.
