After Danis Zaripov was suspended by the KHL but allowed to pursue a job in the NHL, speculation was fairly strong that the Rangers would be in the mix for his services. Early on in the Zaripov sweepstakes, when it became apparent he would be allowed to play in the NHL, Elliotte Friedman noted that New York would be one of the teams in the mix for his services. Some cold water was thrown on this pursuit by Craig Custance on Tuesday in the Athletic, as he noted that the Rangers have backed off after showing early interest. Darren Dreger tweeted Friday that Zaripov may already have two offers and is expected to receive two more What's unknown is if the Rangers truly are out and who those offers are from, though Pittsburgh has been mentioned as having strong interest in Zaripov, thanks to the presence of Evgeni Malkin, and Tampa has been rumored as a possible landing spot.
Who is Danis Zaripov and why should New York have interest:
Zaripov has played his entire career in the KHL. He was suspended by the International Ice Hockey Federation following a doping incident. As Friedman wrote, according to a KHL media release, Zaripov’s samples “contained banned stimulants plus substances prohibited as diuretics and masking agents.… Rene Fasel, the President of the IIHF, said that the NHL and IIHF have a "verbal agreement" to honor decisions made by the other party, but added that certain details may allow Zaripov to play in the NHL. Those "details: would likely need to be which drug he took. It's been reported that the drug is similar sudafed in the US, which is why he filed an appeal and would be allowed to play in the US.
Friedman added that Zaripov had a tremendous 2017 playoffs for Magnitogorsk, scoring 15 goals in 18 games as it reached the championship final. He’s also won three world championship gold medals and played on the 2010 Russian Olympic team. Adam Herman noted that Zaripov has consistently registered 45+ points during his last four KHL seasons, and has been a 20 goal scorer except for last season. As such, Zaripov's pedigree is of a scorer and despite his advanced age, he hasn't slowed much, which makes him worth a look.
The Rangers are at 21 players and need to add a few more. Forwards are available for PTOs but if you can add a player that has a pedigree of a scorer, why wouldn't you? Of course, two keys are the $ and years he wants. Because he is 36, any contract would stay on the books even if he retired or was waived, so that has has be a concern. With about $3 mil in cap room, NY could sign him for about $2, either base or with bonuses, and still have cash remaining for down the road.
What I wrote in my Jaromir Jagr blog applies here as well: "The Rangers need another winger, that's pretty clear. Even if you believe - as I do - that Lias Andersson will fill the third line center role and David Desharnais, the fourth, a spot is still available. This is partially due to the expectation that Jesper Fast will miss the first month of the season and the lack of confidence I have in Matt Puempel retaining a full-time role. If Andersson and Desharnais do earn their respective spots, you will have J. T. Miller, Michael Grabner and probably either Pavel Buchnevich or Jimmy Vesey filling three-fourths of the wing spots. With Fast out, do you really want to rely on Puempel for the fourth wing? In addition, New York is still at 21 players with room and cap space for two more spots, this is where Jagr (now Zaripov) could fit in."
Personnel wise, adding Zaripov lengthens the Rangers' lineup. Up front, as I noted in the prior paragraph, the Rangers could definitely use more scoring and another center and winger. Zaripov could play on the second or third line with the Blueshirts. If the Rangers can find a way to add him, that would make it easier to move J.T. Miller to center, if so desired. Even if you don't move him, adding Zaripov allows the lines to potentially be:
Kreider-Zibanejad-Zuccarello Nash-Hayes-Vesey Zaripov-Andersson-Buchnevich Grabner-Desharnais-Miller
Even if you don't like those combinations, Zaripov would enable shifting without losing any talent up front. Move Miller up to the second line and shift Vesey down to the fourth. Mix and match most of the wingers to try and find combinations that work and fit without adversely impacting the offense. If a need exists, it can be addressed at the trading deadline, but adding Zaripov should provide additional scoring up front.