Should the Anaheim Ducks trade for another New York Ranger?

The Anaheim Ducks defeated the New York Rangers on Monday night, for their fourth win in a row. After a miserable stretch of play that nearly sunk their season (and still might), the victory further buoyed the playoff hopes for the Ducks, as they have a 46.3% chance of making the postseason.

While neither Jacob Trouba, Chris Kreider, nor Ryan Strome really had an impact on the box score in the game (Trouba was the only ex-ranger to get a point), they have mostly brought the veteran support that Ducks GM Pat Verbeek had envisioned. Frank Vatrano has been the biggest disappointment of the group, as he had horrible offensive stats to start the season before landing on the injured reserve list.

With the trade winds buzzing and division foes making moves in the scramble before the Olympic break, Verbeek could be looking at skaters from New York's roster as viable candidates. Who could or should be a trade target?

Artemi Panarin: maybe

After the announcement of the "re-tool" in New York, Panarin is easily the biggest trade target for any team with playoff aspirations. With 56 points (19 goals, 37 assists) in 49 games and an unrestricted free agent at the end of the season, Panarin could fit on the wing with either Leo Carlsson or Mason McTavish and make an immediate impact as a legit superstar, one that the Ducks have not had in years. Panarin would also help bolster the anemic Ducks powerplay, which is well in the bottom half of the league at 16.6%. Coupled with the fact that Ducks head coach Joel Quenneville was Panarin's coach in Chicago, and a trade would make some sense.

However, the Ducks are not just one superstar player away from contention. And outside of an acquisition cost of draft picks, the Ducks might not be keen on letting one of their own young forwards go in a return, such as Cutter Gauthier or Beckett Sennecke. If the cost was right, a trade could happen, but Panarin would probably opt for a trade with a team closer to winning a Stanley Cup this season.

Vincent Trocheck: no thanks

Another popular name on trade boards, Trocheck has been a reliable center for the Rangers, despite the team cratering around him. With 31 points (11 goals, 20 assists) in 36 games and being named to Team USA for the upcoming Winter Olympics, Trocheck would be a great depth addition.

The Ducks, however, are not in dire need of another center. Trocheck would not play above either Carlsson or McTavish, and Mikael Granlund is more than capable of filling in as a depth center, a role in which he is currently playing, during Carlsson's absence.

Alexis Lafreniere: pass

With only 28 points (10 goals, 18 assists) in 50 games, the potential trade stock has bottomed out on Lafreniere. While playing in a new environment like Anaheim could get Lafreniere back on track, his recent production leaves a lot to be desired. Lafreniere's 28 points would put him at sixth on the Ducks scoring chart, but behind potential trade candidates like Sennecke (38 points) or Gauthier (42 points).

The Ducks would be trading for the potential on what Lafreniere could bring. With the Ducks young skaters making progress this season though, trading for potential instead of a sure thing, would be a detriment to the roster.

Adam Fox: yes

While he has not played in a game since January 5th, due to an injury, Fox is still the number one defenseman for the Rangers. With 28 points (4 goals, 24 assists) in 30 games this season, the former Norris Trophy winner, would provide an immediate upgrade to the Ducks blue line. The idea of the right-handed and offensive-minded Fox patrolling the blue line with the left-handed and two-way savvy Jackson LaCombe, seems like a great match.

The problem would be the cost of the trade. Olen Zellweger or Pavel Mintyukov? Sure. Prospect Stian Solberg? Why not. McTavish? No. Carlsson? Absolutely not.

Not to undercut how good Fox is, but he is no Quinn Hughes. The Ducks could have given up McTavish and one of Zellweger or Mintyukov, for a Hughes trade deal, and that cost would have been justified. But Fox is five years removed from that Norris Trophy win and is not perennially considered one of the two best defenders in the NHL.

While the Ducks should trade for Fox, the cost would probably be too unreasonable for GM Verbeek.