Rangers Add Alex Wennberg from Kraken, With Odd Trade Condition

Darren Dreger of TSN adds there are interesting details in trade. First, 50 percent salary is retained. Second, a fourth-round pick in 2025 becomes a third-round pick if “Nils Lundkvist gets to 55 points this season.” Considering Lundkvist only has 15 points, it seems like a reach to imagine he can pot 40 points in a single month. Elliotte Friedman does clarify that this includes last year’s total for Lundqvist. So essentially, he’s at 31 points.

Regardless, it’s a move that eases the financial burden of the deal for New York. Seattle will retain 50% of Wennberg’s contract and this trade bolsters the Rangers’ lineup. Wennberg is a legitimate center threat to deepen their forward corps. Mike Kelly of NHL Network writes, “Good playmaker, manages the puck well and able to beat guys one-on-one. High defensive impact in terms of disrupting opponents / getting the puck back. Should fit well as 3C / PK. Always been a fan of him and his game.”

Wennberg was noticeably absent from Kraken practice this week as it was expected a deal was imminent. With him out due to “trade-related issues,”, that he was moved to the Rangers one day later makes sense. And, with Adam Henrique going to the Edmonton Oilers — the Rangers’ other main deadline target — Wennberg might have become Plan B.

Wennberg Makes For a Solid Rental Trade Option at a Fair Price

Currently in the final year of his three-year contract, valued at $4.5 million annually, Wennberg has consistently contributed to the Kraken’s performance. With 25 points in 60 games this season, he should be a reliable option for New York.

A 27-year-old center with a 10-team no-trade clause, he held a degree of control over potential moves. It’s logical to assume he saw the Rangers as a contender. Talk before the deal was that Seattle was open to re-signing him. However, the decision to explore trade seemed like the most logical choice given his status as a pending UFA.