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Names of possible interest to Rangers remaining in free agency |
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Through the first four days of free agency, the Rangers have soft-played even more than I expected. Going in, I wasn't expecting a big splash, but all we have seen is a very minor ripple. New York has re-signed Vladislav Namestnikov and added additional depth on defense in Fredrik Claesson. This year's free agent crop wasn't especially strong, but a few names still remain from the TSN Top-75 that could interest the Blueshirts.
From the list (https://www.tsn.ca/tsn-hockey-s-top-ufa-list-1.1122295) which is updated dynamically, here are five names from the Top-25 that could be of interest and fill roles for New York:
Patrick Maroon - 30 years old and had surgery to repair a herniated disc in his back in May. Just completed a three-year, $6 million deal he signed with Anaheim. Scored 27 goals two years ago in Edmonton and 17 last year between the Oilers and Devils. Rumored to have had heavy interest prior to the kickoff of free agency. Likely expecting a multi-year deal but could fill a top-six role and also provide a physical presence to the lineup.
Anthony Duclair - we have discussed him previously. Effort and character questions but he is still just 22 and scored 20 goals in 2015-16. May need to take a one-year, make good deal with a team. Unsure if you can go home again or if Rangers want him, but worth exploring the option to cost vs. risk/reward.
Mark Letestu - fits in better with a playoff team in a fourth line role. But could be a veteran presence for a youngish and flippable asset late to a team in contention. Not a primary focus but a name to keep in mind. Could say same about Scott Hartnell, who would add a physical presence, but Hartnell may be leaning towards retiring and may just be better to play a kid in that role. Antoine Vermette could also be a consideration, but Letestu's advanced metrics slightly exceeds Vermette's, though they aren't that strong.
Luca Sbisa/Dylan DeMelo/Andrej Sustr/Christian Folin - a quartet of RHD, each of whom could fill a need in new York. DeMelo is the youngest of the four at 25 and might have the most upside. Sustr struggles to keep him in the new speed-driven NHL. Sbisa and Folin are the most physical on the list and if targeting one, I would go DeMelo, whose overall advanced metrics far exceed the other three on the list. (Note: Folin just signed with Philadelphia, and Sbisa is left handed).
Nick Shore/Matt Read - Shore is 25, Read is 32. Shore has been the traditional fourth line center his entire career while Read once was a scorer but transitional last year to a fourth line role. Shore is a better possession player while Read adapted well late to his new role. If targeting one, I would try and add Shore, though he likely might need a two-year deal.
Daniel Winnick/Tommy Wingels - each could fill the role of fourth line winger. Wingels is more of a physical presence while both are journeyman players. Like Letestu, they could be flipped for a very minor pick at the draft.
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