Talented defender in sight of CH?

The New York Rangers are reportedly actively trying to trade defensive man Nils Lundqvist, who is said to be frustrated with his lack of time to play for the team.

The New York Post learned Thursday that the 22-year-old Swede would not report to training camp in order to pressure Blueshirts employees.

Lundkvist has been one of the most promising defenders on the team since he was selected with Round 28 of the 2018 Draft. Last season was his first in North America and he split him between the National League and MLS.

With Rangers, he has four points in 25 games, but other young defenders like Zach Jones and especially Braden Sneijder have taken his time with the big club.

Also, according to “Post,” general manager Chris Drury will work with Lundkvist’s agent, Claude Lemieux, to find a formation that he agrees to give him a chance to break into the top four on the Blue Line.

With a certain offensive talent, Lundkvist had some chances in the second wave of the power game, but appeared to be struggling on the small North American circuits. It may take a season or two to adapt it.

The Swede’s status is not unlike that of other former European selections for Rangers, including Lias Andersson and Vitali Kravtsov. Journalist Larry Brooks believes, however, that these situations are different, because the other two players mentioned were having real disagreements with senior management.

Brooks believes Kravtsov is still in Rangers’ entourage after a year on loan in the Continental Hockey League and could be in training camp this month.