Rangers targeting Jovanovski?

Bruce Garrioch of the Ottawa Sun reports that the New York Rangers are actively pursuing Phoenix Coyotes defenseman Ed Jovanovski.

After signing unrestricted free agent forwards Chris Drury and Scott Gomez in the off-season, the Rangers have drastically improved their offense. However, the club is said to be very interested in upgrading their defense core with the addition of a top-four defenseman.

Sources indicate that Rangers GM Glen Sather is working hard to convince his counterpart in Phoenix, Coyotes GM Don Maloney, to deal Jovanovski.

However, since the 31-year-old Jovanovski has a no-movement clause in his contract, Maloney will need the blueliner’s approval before making sending him to another team.

If Jovanovski decides he wants to be dealt, the Rangers will have to clear some salary cap room to accommodate his average salary of $6.5 million (which he will earn for the next four years). The Rangers have just over $2 million left to spend on players this season.

One way to clear some cap would be to move some salary, either through trade or via waivers.

“The Rangers have no problem putting money in the minors,” a league executive noted.