2/13/19 Elliotte Friedman said on the NHL Network on Wednesday, “I believe Winnipeg has a lot of interest in Kevin Hayes, the Rangers and Jets have checked on and off a lot this year.” (NHL Network)

Larry Brooks wrote following last night’s game that the Jets are believed to be “among the most interested parties in Hayes. (NY Post)

Brooks adds that the Jets could also be in on Zuccarello. (NY Post)

Bob McKenzie said on NBCSN that there has been a lot of interest in Zuccarello lately and that the price for him is likely to be a second round pick and possibly a prospect.

He said that the price for Hayes is expected to be higher and that it’s possible the Rangers hold onto him and try to sign him if they don’t get the return that they want.

McKenzie adds that the Rangers have had “cursory” talks with Hayes an Zuccarello about contracts and noted that the concept of trading them and then having them return this summer is not something that often happens in the NHL.

2/12/19 | Larry Brooks notes that it may not be too long before the Rangers start keeping Mats Zuccarello and Kevin Hayes out of the lineup to protect them from injury prior to the trade deadline.

 

Brooks adds that there have been no recent talks between the Rangers and Hayes in regards to a contract extension.

Zuccarello’s agent told Brooks that it’s “status quo” right now and Zuccarello said that while he wants to remain with the Rangers the situation is out of his control. (NY Post)

Zuccarello told Brooks that he feels he can contribute to a “winning team for a long time” and doesn’t think he is “anywhere near” the end of his career. (NY Post)

He added that is not aware of any potential plan that would see him traded by the deadline and then return as a free agent. (NY Post)

 

Zuccarello said that if that situation comes up he “would look at it” but that it’s also “far off.” (NY Post)

Darren Dreger said on the radio this morning that there is growing interest in Zuccarello. (Nichols)

Adam Rotter: Both Zuccarello and Hayes have missed time this season so the Rangers to have to be somewhat careful in making sure they remain healthy but I don’t think we will see them sit out until the weekend back to back right the day before the deadline. Maybe the Rangers have them sit out the game against Minnesota on 2/21 but I expect them to play all four games on this road swing. In terms of the rest, none of it is very surprising. I think that the trade and then return in the summer is in play for both, with Zuccarello being more likely, but there is a lot of time between now and July 1 that can change things.