New York Rangers GM Glen Sather has reportedly drawn a hardline when it comes to trade talks on his backup goaltender Cam Talbot, a player who has reportedly become a "hot commodity" in recent days as franchises that have been forced to endure subpar goalie play in recent seasons look for a quick fix via an offseason deal.
Sather has been rumored to have already rejected a trade offer for Talbot which consisted of two second-round picks, so it's clear that the veteran Rangers GM is looking to recoup serious value for his up-and-coming goaltender.
The latest report, from Larry Brooks of the New York Post, alleges that Sather has pegged his ideal trade compensation for Talbot at a first-round pick and is "pushing" for that compensation from all of the interested parties.
"The Rangers are continuing in their quest to acquire a first-rounder in exchange for Cam Talbot, with bidding on the club's backup goaltender expected to last into Friday," The Post has learned.
"Sources report general manager Glen Sather has granted interested parties permission to speak with Talbot's agent, George Bazos, to gauge the netminder's interest in their respective cities. Talbot is one way year away from free agency, operating under a $1.45 million contract that cannot be extended until January under CBA regulations."
Brooks notes that the Buffalo Sabres, Edmonton Oilers, San Jose Sharks, Dallas Stars and Calgary Flames are all in the mix at this point and that at least one informant says Sather has rejected offers which include, "multiple second-rounders and a high second-rounder plus a pretty good prospect."
Considering Sather and the Rangers don't currently possess a first-round pick in the 2015 NHL Draft set to commence Friday evening, it makes sense that they're pushing hard for that in trade - if nothing changes between now and the first-round, New York wouldn't select until No. 59 in the second.
