Rangers, Blues Jockey for Gretzky

The New York Rangers bowed out of the Wayne Gretzky chase--at least for the moment--but the St. Louis Blues have apparently reentered the competition for the NHL’s all-time leading scorer.

Ranger General Manager Neil Smith on Thursday denied reports that the Rangers will acquire Gretzky for any of several packages of players and a draft pick. However, Smith did not rule out a deal eventually being made.

“Nothing is happening. No trade is imminent,” Smith said before the Rangers played the Montreal Canadiens at Madison Square Garden. “I don’t foresee a trade [for Gretzky] for the New York Rangers. . . . This was my first opportunity to say to you that the Rangers have no trade pending.”

He added, “In this business, never say never. But nothing is going on with us and the Kings. As always, we are looking to improve the team, but as of now, we are a well-constructed club and I would feel comfortable going the rest of the way with this team.”

Sources in St. Louis said the Blues, whose declaration of interest in Gretzky a month ago ignited a firestorm of speculation--and brought warnings about tampering from the NHL--are again pursuing Gretzky. Their latest offer supposedly would send center Roman Vopat, forward Craig Johnson and a prospect to the Kings for Gretzky and defenseman Marty McSorley.

That’s less substantial than their earlier offer, which included defenseman Chris Pronger and forward Patrice Tardif, and it does not address the Kings’ affinity for Pronger and forward Shayne Corson. However, the Blues may be playing on King executives’ desire to bring a quick end to the circus-like atmosphere that has ruled since Gretzky stated his desire for them to improve the team by acquiring a prolific scorer and an offensive-minded defenseman.

In addition, St. Louis’ offer would bring the Kings several young players. By contrast, the Rangers’ most frequently mentioned offer would have brought them Luc Robitaille, who will be 30 on Saturday and is in the first year of a six-year, $19.2-million contract, and center Ray Ferraro, who is 31.

Robitaille might appeal to the Kings as a fan favorite, but acquiring him and Ferraro would not do much to begin a much-needed rebuilding process. And while at least one version of the deal had the Rangers also giving up a first-round pick in this year’s draft, that would not be exceptionally valuable because the Rangers have the NHL’s second-best record and so would have the 25th selection in a draft that is not considered deep.

“There’s a lot of speculation that Wayne’s going to the Rangers, but that doesn’t mean we’re out of it,” St. Louis General Manager/Coach Mike Keenan told the St. Louis Post-Dispatch. “If they ever, indeed, trade him, we certainly have interest.”

Neither King General Manager Sam McMaster nor President Rogie Vachon would comment Thursday.