NHL TRADE TALK: McIlrath in a Jets uniform? Larry Brooks thinks it may happen

Special report by @GucciardoJoey

Dylan McIlrath (Getty Images)

The NHL trade deadline on February 29 is nearing, and the New York Rangers are causing rumor activity among trades.

At least Larry Brooks of the New York Post makes it seem that way.

Brooks thinks that the Jets would be willing to take some combination of J.T. Miller, Pavel Buchnevich (who currently plays in the KHL in Russia), a first-round pick and Dylan McIlrath off of the the Rangers hands in return for "high-end rental property". 

Brooks thinks that Rangers GM Jeff Gorton has no choice but to recover some assets and trade pending UFA defenseman Keith Yandle. He also thinks that the Rangers can’t afford to lose Yandle for nothing, who in case you haven't noticed has been the topic of many trade rumors and talks since it was noticed that he would be a free agent when this season ends.

This trade would seem possible, but after the recent injury to Rangers defenseman Ryan McDonagh on Sunday, and with no timetable on his return, the Rangers should not even think about trading McIlrath, who has been playing fairly well this season.

Not only should the Rangers not trade McIlrath due to the fact that the Rangers need all of the defensive power they can get at this point in the season, but they should not trade Miller because he is playing very well and is progressing at an amazing rate, nor should they trade Pavel Buchnevich because he may turn into a great future prospect when he is ready to play in the NHL.