The Rangers are engaged in contract extension talks with pending unrestricted free agent Ryan Strome, reports Larry Brooks of The New York Post.

Per the report, preliminary numbers have been exchanged between the Rangers and Strome's representatives, with Brooks noting that the Rangers will not look to deal Strome (in turn hurting the team's playoff chances) by the Mar. 21 trade deadline if an extension isn't reached.

The report also notes that if an extension with Strome doesn't happen during the season, contract talks would resume following the playoffs.

Strome, 28, is having a strong season, with nine goals, 23 assists, and a +/- of 1 in 39 games.

He has been centering the Rangers' second line, often flanked by Artemi Panarin and Barclay Goodrow.

Head coach Gerard Gallant briefly broke that line up during Monday's win over the Los Angeles Kings, putting Panarin on the top line with Chris Kreider and Mika Zibanejad. But Panarin was pleased when he was quickly reunited on the second line with Strome.

Strome is in his fourth season with the Rangers, and could be on pace to match or eclipse his career-high in goals (18) and assists (41).

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