The Rangers enter free agency fresh off a brief play-in round appearance, looking forward to future growth. New York's prospect pipeline was augmented substantially following the infusion of Alexis Lafreniere in round 1 Tuesday. After making a big splash last year with the signing of Artemi Panarin, The need to sign Ryan Strome and Tony DeAngelo. at least as of right now, along with retaining significant cap room to cover potential performance bonuses coupled with $13 million in dead cap space likely means New York won't be overly aggressive this year.
New York enters the off-season with a few needs: 1) a second line center, especially if team has decided Ryan Strome is not the answer, or maybe a third-line center who can play up if need be 2) a true, first-pairing left-handed defensemen or depth until the kids are ready 3) grit, focused most likely on bolstering the bottom-six
A few primers for today:
With the NHL Free Agency window set to open at noon today, here are just a few things to keep in mind with regards to off-season cap counting and cap space, individual player contract restrictions, and offer sheets.https://t.co/nXfmDT1fO4 pic.twitter.com/UtjzSgIl6s
— CapFriendly (@CapFriendly) October 9, 2020
Assessing the NHL free agency field as market gets underway https://t.co/C2W1P1A2Ti pic.twitter.com/QVRQVshON4
— New York Post Sports (@nypostsports) October 8, 2020
PHR's 2020 Top 50 NHL Unrestricted Free Agents https://t.co/zDmPywrELT pic.twitter.com/j07AZav3rh
— Pro Hockey Rumors (@prohockeyrumors) October 8, 2020
The Top 30 unrestricted free agents of 2020:
— The Hockey News (@TheHockeyNews) October 8, 2020
One last look at @THNMattLarkin's list before free agency begins tomorrow.https://t.co/k2WMYgGcC7
I will keep these brief, since more curious what you think New York should do, though i have a pretty good idea based on comments in the other blog. Will list the needs one by one and then some potential targets. I do expect New York to try and be aggressive in the trade market, if not today, then in the next few days and/or over the remainder of the offseason.
1) A second line center, especially if team has decided Ryan Strome is not the answer, or maybe a third-line center who can play up if need be
Alexander Wennberg didn't pan out in Columbus. He does have experience playing with Artemi Panarin, though his best year as a Blue Jacket was the year before Panarin arrived. Wennberg could be a 3c, as I don't view him as a 2c, in addition, there is some speculation his best position might be wing. But at 26, he is certainly worth a look.
Erik Haula, like Wennberg, had one big season. Before Wennberg was bought out, Haula was the biggest pivotman on the market. Haula may end up getting overpaid. Like Wennberg, I view him as a 3C, which could be a need as well.
Kyle Turris was bought out by Nashville. He was productive in Ottawa but saw his ice time and production decline with the Preds. I view him as more of a bottom-six center.
Nick Cousins should be listed in the bottom-six section, but including him here. If targeting a bottom-six center, he would be the one I pursue. Can contribute a bit offensively and decent defensively. Could run in the $2 mil or so range.
2) a true, first-pairing left-handed defensemen or depth until the kids are ready
The first-pairing blueliner may be one that comes via trade, unless ADA or Adam Fox switches to their off-side. Torey Krug would be a great add, but his salary and term coupled with the Rangers' mild cap crunch makes that unlikely. That crunch is why depth d-men may be the target.
T.J. Brodie could be a decent stop gap for a few years, but he is likely to receive substantive interest in the market. The same with Sami Vatanen, who missed much of last year with an injury. Then we get to the depth options.
Jon Merrill would be a nice add, as he could play up and down the lineup in a pinch. Zach Bogosian won a cup in Tampa Bay. He would need liberal rest, but would provide veteran presence and physical play on the back line. What about that kevin Shattenkrik guy? (kidding, kidding). Erik Gustafsson should also draw heavy interest, even though he is coming off a down year. Dimitry Kulikov also could be a third-pair option.
3) Grit, focused most likely on bolstering the bottom-six
This is where lots of players are available, New York has to be smart and target the right player. But one of the correct options might have already been there and leaving. You know my view on Jesper Fast. Philly, Colorado, Nashville and others all will have interest. if he goes for three years and in the $2.5-$2.75 range and the team did not bring him back, it's a fail.
We know the bottom-six needs an identity. In addition, we saw what the addition of low-cost veterans did for Tampa and Dallas in the presence of Andrej Sekera, Corey Perry, Pat Marron, Zach Bogosian and Kevin Shattenkirk. Identifying and signing those kind of players are a critical need.
Brendan Lemiuex, if he is able to stay healthy and remain on the ice, could be one-third of an energy line. He will be back but his role is yet unclear. I wouldn't mind Matt Martin ina. similar role. He won't create offense, but is solid on the forecheck and responsible enough defensively. A 1-2 year deal at $1.5 mil or so would be ideal, though he could go back to the Island.
Nick Cousins was mentioned above. If he isn't an option, Derek Grant might be, since he fills a similar role. Old favorite Brian Boyle is available while Carl Soderberg can fill a third-line center role. Other possibles for the bottom six could be Andreas Athanasiou, brings speed and flamed out in Edmonton, Pat Maroon, cup pedigree and an agitating style of play, and Dominik Kahun, who might be a fit for the third or fourth line.
What say you?
Oh, and fare thee well, just not too well in Washington, Henrik Lundqvist.
As a reminder, I am out of pocket beginning about 6pm tonight until Sunday night about 7:30 or so.