Backlund isn't somebody the Hurricanes would deal for

Rangers don't even consider that.

Canes would consider Backlund, but that is an overpayment. Canes 24 2nd and Drury for Backlund is my counter offer.

I’d agree that the trade doesn’t completely work for the Rangers since they have a solid D core, but Toffoli would be a good add for them.

Just curious what is the price for Lafreniere?

Not so fast. At a reasonable cost, I think they would. I like Backlund. I don't think our chances of getting him are high, but he, Toffoli, and especially Lindholm are guys I think interest the Canes. Lindholm would be the top target if they could pull it off.

I have concerns about him falling off a cliff in terms of ability. I mean he isn't going to slot into the top 6 and I'd don't know if the hurricanes give up that kind of assets for a bottom-six guy.

I think you're underestimating him a bit, but he is the least priority of the three. Toffoli next. Lindholm would be top.

There is no price, he is signing a bridge deal. The Rangers have zero reasons to trade him unless the offer is overwhelming in the Rangers favor and includes a top 6 RW. I don't see a team offering that so he stays in NYC.

So “there is no price” indicates that not even an overpay would get him… I get it, he was 1st overall and you want that type of return, but if the Rangers aren’t going to put him in positions to succeed, why not move him for pieces to actually help you win in the playoffs. And I’m not even referring to the Flames trade, just in general.

Per Laviolette's press conference Both laf and kakko will be put into positions to succeed this year.
Hence "no price"

Youd have to massive overpay, which would be a top 4 pick in this draft, AND a top 6 player on a cheap deal already.
The rangers are trying to win now, while the kids are cheap and Laf (for all his flaws) is a top 6 player, so you can't ask the rangers to stall their run, while they've got another year of Kakko at 2m, shesterkin at under 7m and chytil at 4m.

How would a top 4 pick help you win now?

It wouldn't. But the rangers will need young (read :cheap) talent to infuse their roster with a high end potential. Laf is going to be bridged, maybe even signed long term to a relatively cheap deal, anyone we move for laf will either be expensive (and can produce more than he does) or cheap (and produces less), so the rangers will need that high ceiling cheap player.
As much as laf and kakko haven't reached their potential per their draft profile, you can't entirely discount that as their ceiling still.

I don’t think you’re assigning enough value to playoff type players and the impact they have. Completely understand that if Kakko and Laf hit their potential, it would be a huge boost. However, if they continue on the trajectory they are on, there would be a significant drop in value.

Because he was misused by Gallant and there is a new coaching staff that will hopefully be better. And he is only 21. That's why there is no price unless the offer is overwhelmingly in favor of the Rangers to a point they couldn't say no.

Canes not interested. Don’t see backlund being an improvement over Staal and certainly not over KK.

NYR have a good top 3, they need 1 more to fill out their top 4

I put this together before Stall re-signed today. Backlund would be a perfect #3C for Canes, IF Staal hadn't re-signed.