from Larry Brooks of the New York Post,

There has been a shift in the dynamic as the Rangers approach the Feb. 25 trade deadline.

The Post has learned that general manager Jeff Gorton is now engaged in an ongoing dialogue with the agents for pending free agents Mats Zuccarello and Kevin Hayes as the Blueshirts weigh extending the contracts of two of their best players against the return they might get for either or both on the market.

Cap considerations for 2019-20 and beyond are also a major part of the equation. There is, we are told, considerable distance between the parties, but that is to be expected as the negotiating process with each player is in a relatively early stage.

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