Rangers general manager Glen Sather has been in touch with Ducks counterpart Bob Murray regarding the availability of 24-year-old power winger Bobby Ryan, The Post has learned.
It is unclear whether Sather is simply conducting due diligence regarding Ryan, who is being dangled by the skidding Ducks, or whether discussions have evolved beyond the tire-kicking stage.
The Rangers, who toppled the Penguins 4-3 last night, have a number of prime assets to send to the Ducks for Ryan, who will attract considerable interest from big-time franchises throughout the league as Anaheim — which is on streaks of 0-5, 0-6-1 and 1-10-3 in carrying a 6-13-4 record into tonight’s match against Montreal — is seeking to replenish by gaining a package of young, cap-friendly players in exchange for the three-time 30-goal scorer.
It is believed the Rangers consider Ryan Callahan, Derek Stepan, Marc Staal (who has begun skating on his own), Dan Girardi, Ryan McDonagh and Michael Sauer to be untouchables within the organization regarding this particular equation.
“The Rangers have a lot of assets within the organization,” an individual familiar with the situation told The Post. “A lot of assets.”
Ryan, who has recorded 11 points (7-4) following last season’s 71-point performance (34-37), has been a part of the Ducks’ formidable first-line that includes reigning Hart Trophy winner Corey Perry and center Ryan Getzlaf.
The 6-foot-2, 210-pound New Jersey native has three seasons following this one remaining on a contract that carries a $5.1 million cap hit. Ryan, a right-handed shot who can play either wing, is due to become an unrestricted free agent following 2014-15 under the current CBA that expires on Sept. 15, 2012.