Anaheim Ducks: Does Del Zotto trade reopen Girardi?

Jan 19, 2014; New York, NY, USA; New York Rangers defenseman Michael Del Zotto (4) checks Washington Capitals left wing Martin Erat (10) during the third period at Madison Square Garden. The Rangers won 4-1. Mandatory Credit: Adam Hunger-USA TODAY Sports

The New York Rangers made a trade yesterday that may have opened the door for another that would this time include the Anaheim Ducks.

In a trade with the Nashville Predators, the Rangers traded Michael Del Zotto for right-handed shutdown defenseman Kevin Klein.

Sound familiar? If you have followed the rumor mills or here – it will.

This trade could be a precursor to the Rangers officially putting Daniel Girardi on the trade market. In the last year of his contract, Girardi is one of the premier potential ‘rental’ players available come the deadline.

Klein isn’t a top-pair defender like Girardi is, but his cap hit ($2.9 million) and him being signed through the 2017-2018 season might mean the end for Girardi in New York.

With Sbisa close to returning to the game action, the Ducks already will have seven defenseman in the NHL – plus Sami Vatanen who is now in the American Hockey League. Vatanen has been the main piece thrown around in a potential with the Rangers.

Will the Ducks pull the trigger on the trade? Should they? How do you guys feel about the trade? Has it traded since the rumor first came out?

Anthony Murphy is the Editor of Pucks of a Feather. You can follow him on Twitter @AMurphyTFC.