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Trade rumor: Rangers after Yakupov?

Matt Stajan, Mike Brown .

Edmonton Oilers Nail Yakupov (64) celebrates a goal against the Calgary Flames during third period NHL hockey action in Edmonton, Alberta, on Monday April 1, 2013. (AP Photo/The Canadian Press, Jason Franson).

AP

The New York Rangers have had a lot of trouble scoring goals this season. They also don’t have Marian Gaborik anymore. And Rick Nash’s concussion issues have to be a concern going forward. So in theory, their pursuit of Edmonton youngster Nail Yakupov, the first overall pick in the 2012 NHL draft, makes sense.

Not that they’re definitely doing that; we’re simply referring to a story by Larry Brooks in the New York Post:

The Oilers dispatched a scouting expedition featuring their president of hockey operations Kevin Lowe, general manager Craig MacTavish and special adviser Mark Messier to the Garden on Monday for the Rangers’ 2-1 defeat to the Ducks.

Edmonton, which has opened 3-10-2 under first-year coach Dallas Eakins, is believed to be accepting offers for veteran winger Ales Hemsky while also exploring the market for second-year winger Nail Yakupov, the first overall selection in the 2012 Entry Draft.

MacTavish is reportedly working hard to add a defenseman, and certainly the Rangers have a few of those. Would Sather be willing to part with, say, 23-year-old Michael Del Zotto? Just asking the question. Don’t know the answer.