The New York Rangers still do not have a head coach, but NHL free agency is just 3 weeks away! Chris Drury finds himself in a tough spot. With only $11.7 million in cap space the Rangers President/GM will most likely need to make additional roster moves to open up space. Could a Barclay Goodrow trade be in the works? The Rangers currently have 5 unrestricted free agents and 3 restricted free agents. Patrick Kane, Vladimir Tarasenko, Tyler Motte, and Niko Mikkola, who were all acquired at the trade deadline are UFA’s. Also, back-up goalie Jaroslav Halak is also a UFA. K’Andre Miller, Alexis Lafreniere, and Zac Jones are all RFA’s that need to be re-signed. What are the Rangers options? How does Chris Drury manage the cap crunch?
Restricted Free Agents
Priority number 1 for the summer is re-signing K’Andre Miller. There have been zero leaks about what kind of contract he is looking for. With the salary cap situation, I would think the Rangers are looking at a bridge deal. Somewhere in the $4 million range for the next two season. The next agenda item is Alexis Lafreniere. Do the Rangers also bridge him? Do the trade him? He is the biggest question mark. If the Rangers do bridge him, I would expect to see a deal similar to Kaapo Kakko’s deal last summer. A two-year deal in the $2 million range.
The last RFA is Zac Jones, who won a spot on the Rangers 3rd pairing out of camp but was sent back to Hartford in December. He had a great year in the AHL and could see a deal similar to Libor Hajek’s last summer, a 1-year deal worth $800K. Signing these 3 now leaves the Rangers with about $4.5 million for free agents.
Backup Goalie
As long as Igor Shesterkin stays healthy you can pencil him in for at least 55-60 games. Who plays the other 20-25 games is a question. Jaroslav Halak struggled at the beginning of the season but really turned it around and I thought did a fine job backing up Igor. From what I have heard he is interested in returning to New York, as he chases 300 career wins. The Rangers just cannot spend over million dollars on the backup position. Who else is an option if Halak does not re-sign?
Jonathan Quick
The 2X (maybe 3X by the start of free agency) Stanley Cup winner will be looking for a new team. Quick played for the Junior New York Rangers in his youth. Could his career come full circle?
David Rittich
Big save Dave had a solid bounce back season for the Winnipeg Jets. Rittich had a nice run with the Calgary Flames as their starter, but that was 4 years ago. He has been in a backup role since then.
Anthony Stolarz
Stolarz had a very good 2021-22 season for the Ducks but battled injuries this year. He also just underwent knee surgery but is expected to be ready by training camp. He would be a low risk, high reward signing that would not break the bank.
Unrestricted Free Agents
If you are doing the math as we go here, after signing the RFA’s and a backup goalie Chris Drury is now left with about $3.5 million for UFA’s. The Rangers need to address the right wing and a 4th line grinder. By hypothetically re-signing Zac Jones and extending Ben Harpur during the season there is no need to sign another defenseman. If Drury traded Barclay Goodrow, $3.6 million could open up and he would have some further options. That hasn’t happened yet so what are some cheaper options in the market for him.
Patrick Kane
This could be the perfect plan. Kane has his surgery and re-signs. The Rangers throw him on LTIR and by the time he is back at the end of next season it’s like a new acquisition. Kane would have to take a team friendly deal most likely loaded with incentives. Not sure what the market will be for him, but on paper this sounds great.
Jesper Fast
A reunion that Rangers fans would love. Can the Rangers right their wrong in letting him go three years ago? Fast played great with Panarin and since he has left the Rangers are still searching for his replacement. Might as well just bring him back!
Tyler Motte
Motte has said countless times how much he loves to play in New York. Could the Rangers re-sign him this offseason, after watching him leave for Ottawa only to trade for him again. You know what you are going to get from Motte, 110% effort and just a really solid 4th line player.
Corey Perry
The 38-year-old is still playing with the same fire he always has. His numbers dipped this season from his first year in Tampa, but he was great in the playoffs. 196 Stanley Cup playoffs games played and just a grinder, would be great add to the Rangers roster.
Garnet Hathaway
Hathaway has turned into a really solid bottom 6 forward that can play heavy and chip in offensively. He could be a nice addition to the Rangers, especially if the decide to more a player with a similar skill set in Goodrow.
Ryan Donato
I have been a big fan of Donato since watching him at the U20 WJC in 2016. He played up and down the Kraken’s lineup this season and has had two very solid seasons in Seattle. Could be a low risk, high reward addition.
Nick Bjugstad
Bjugstad had a great bounce back year, scoring 17 goals last season. The big 6’6 forward re-established himself with Arizona after struggling for about 5 seasons prior. Not sure what his market value is right now he could be a nice addition to the Rangers 4th line, if they can sign him on the cheaper side.
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