OTHER than Glen Sather, no GM has his eyes more trained on this Ranger spin cycle than Larry Pleau of St. Louis. For if the Rangers fall out of the playoff race, sources report that the Blues will definitely mount up for another run at Mike Richter.

Indeed, one snitch has advised Slap Shots that back-up netminder Fred Brathwaite told him this week that he expects to be part of the trade. If the Blueshirts are in a position to deal with Pleau, they’ll likely want Keith Tkachuk featured in the package as a future summer delivery.

Barrett Jackman, the defenseman the Rangers scoped out before Richter was injured last year, may still be part of the equation.