Kane incoming? Rangers clear cap space

WASHINGTON » On the way out of the arena late in the third period of the New York Rangers’ latest loss, Vitali Kravtsov ran into Washington Capitals forward Aliaksi Protas and told him he was heading to Vancouver.

Patrick Kane could soon be going from Chicago to New York in his place.

The Rangers on Saturday began the machinations necessary if a trade for Patrick Kane were to materialize. They traded Kravtsov to the Canucks and put forward Jake Leschyshyn on waivers, transactions that in combination could clear the cap space to get Kane from Chicago.

Those moves happened while the Rangers were in the midst of getting drubbed 6-3 by the division rival Capitals, with the background distractions creeping into New York’s play.

“I think everybody is aware of what’s going on around us,” captain Jacob Trouba said. “As a player, that’s not something for you to worry about. Your job is to play the game and be ready to play when the puck drops.”

It doesn’t appear Kane will play again for the Blackhawks any time soon, with the 34-yearold leaving the team during its road trip. BLUE JACKETS 6, OILERS 5 » Jack Roslovic scored twice in the third period on his way to a four-point game, and Columbus beat Edmonton despite giving up a four-goal lead. PENGUINS 3, BLUES 2 » Bryan Rust scored the winning goal 1:16 into overtime, lifting Pittsburgh over St. Louis.

Jets acquire Niederreiter from Preds

WINNIPEG, MANITOBA » The Winnipeg Jets acquired forward Nino Niederreiter from the Nashville Predators in exchange for a secondround pick in the 2024 NHL Draft.

The 30-year-old Niederreiter had 18 goals and 10 assists over 56 games for the Predators this season.