Michael Del Zotto

New York Rangers General Manager Glen Sather has walked away from acquiring center Ryan O’Reilly from the Colorado Avalanche, according to a report from The Fourth Period.

Elliotte Friedman reported on the CBC that the Avalanche wanted Rangers defenseman Michael Del Zotto as part of a package in exchange for O’Reilly, but as talks continued, the Rangers backed off.

This isn’t the first time that the Rangers have backed away from a trade involving Del Zotto: most will remember Del Zotto frequently was mentioned as a must-have in any trade package proposed by the Columbus Blue Jackets in exchange for Rick Nash last year.

After former Blue Jackets General Manager Scott Howson eventually lowered his demands, Nash was dealt in exchange for Brandon Dubinsky, Artem Anisimov, and Tim Erixon.

Del Zotto signed a two-year contract extension with the Rangers last month worth $5.1 million total. He has two goals and five assists over 14 games so far this season.

The Rangers currently have strong defensive depth, but losing Del Zotto in a trade would put a huge hole in the top-four defensemen.

Del Zotto had a season-high of 24:17 time on ice against the Washington Capitals yesterday.

If Del Zotto is a deal-breaker in any trade negotiation, who might Sather be willing to part with instead? Does Chris Kreider’s disappointing start make him trade bait?