While the Rangers have addressed most of their offseason needs and are quickly running out of cap space, can we really rule out the idea that they're done? Obviously they aren't completely done as Kaapo Kakko, their lone restricted free agent is still in need of a contract (Tim Gettinger and Austin Rueschfoff excluded). With all their new signings and the assumption that Vitaly Kravtsov, one of Jones, Lundkvist, Robertson, Julien Gauthier and Libor Hajek are all on the team to start the season; the Rangers have roughly $2,233,531 in their budget to give to Kakko. Needless to say, Chris Drury and the rest of management are in quiet the financial pickle. Let's just say that Kakko signs a bridge deal similar to Chytil's, a little less because he's a winger. We plug him in at $2,000,000 even and either move Gauthier or start him in the minors, that leaves just barely one million to dedicate to another player.
So with all that in mind.. are the Rangers in fact done shopping? The simple answer is probably but in the event that Kakko signs for $2,000,000 or less and they move Gauthier, there's a good chance they could swing at least one more UFA on a two way or close to league minimum deal. Pretending that's the case and looking at all the names that remain UFA's who are some players the Rangers could look at? Let's take a look:
Tyler Motte, C/LW
The favorite candidate that Rangers fans are well acquainted with is one of Chris Drury's recent trade deadline acquisitions in Tyler Motte. The bottom six, gritty forward fits the Rangers needs perfectly and the only reason he likely isn't already back under contract with them is cap space. That being said, it is a bit interesting that when the Rangers posted thank you's and well-wishes on social media to all of it's former players that just recently became free agents, signing with other teams, they didn't include Tyler Motte on the list. Perhaps they're not completely closing the window on him? You have to think there are plenty of other teams that would be interested in his services and for that reason alone it's quiet intriguing that he's still available.
Derek Stepan C/Wing
Veterans more so than anyone are more willing to take a league minimum deal towards the end of their career when they're looking to take one last run at things. Is there a better fit than a Derek Stepan return to the New York Rangers? While he certainly isn't the same player he was when he was scoring overtime game winners in the last era of Rangers playoff hockey, he could be a value veteran depth presence. While he's primarily a center, he is able to play the wing and can pretty much play any role. He wouldn't be an every day part of the line up but if you can get at least 40 games from him and solid contribution in those games, he'd be a good option, especially if needed in a playoff run.
Rem Pitlick C
Rem Pitlick is a former third round pick with the Nashville Predators who has since gone to spend time with the Predators Organization, the Minnesota Wild and most recently, the Montreal Canadiens. He never really got a chance in Nashville, spending most of his time with their minor league affiliate. However, upon being picked up by Montreal from Minnesota, Pitlick put up a total of 37 points last season, 11 with the Wild and 26 in Montreal. While he may be running out of chances to establish himself as a consistent NHL player, at 25 he still has plenty of gas left in the tank and could be a solid depth pick up for the Rangers if it works with their budget. Doesn't hurt that he goes back with Ryan Lindgren, having played together at the University of Minnesota as well as Shattuck St. Mary's when they were kids.
Sam Gagner C/Wing
Similar to what Derek Stepan could bring back to the Rangers, Sam Gagner would. also be a great veteran depth piece. He's coming off a 31 points season which was arguably his best since putting up 50 points with the Columbus Blue Jackets in 2017. He kind of reminds me of Manny Malhotra in the sense that he was a former top ten pick that became more of a role player than an elite one. Continuing with Drury's current offseason theme, Gagner would bring an ability to win face-offs to the team as well as the potential to provide secondhand scoring.
Alex Galchenyuk C
Alex Galchenyuk is another interesting story of elite, highly regarded top tier draft pick that eventually became more of a role player. Since the Canadiens moved on from him after six seasons, Galchenyuk has bounced around five different NHL teams including two stints with the Coyotes and even spending a stretch of games in the AHL. Not necessarily the best track record for a player who had the status Galchenyuk had in his draft class but can still be a great low risk high reward depth signing. He's coming off his best season since 2019 and prior to that year, averaged 45 points across six seasons. If the Rangers could get him on a league minimum deal, he could be a great piece to the fourth line, able to play any forward position.
Danny DeKeyser LD
With Justin Braun going back to Philly and Patrik Nemeth getting dealt to Arizona, the Rangers have a hole on the left side of their third pair. While Libor Hajek may end up there by default unless otherwise taken by a prospect ready to take the jump in Zac Jones, Matthew Robertson or Nils Lundkvist, the Rangers could benefit form a veteran presence on the back end. They did already bring in Andy Welinski but given the fact that he's more comfortable on the right side and doesn't have a ton of NHL experience, he likely won't get many looks in New York. If Danny DeKeyser is available and willing to take a league minimum deal to play for a contender, he could be a good fit as a 6/7th defender on this young Rangers team.
Sam Steel C
Honestly, I'm a bit surprised that Sam Steel is available, especially considering the fact that the Ducks didn't qualify his rights. While Steel hasn't solidified himself as an NHL player just yet, he was two points shy of tying his career high at 22. That may not sound too appealing coming from a former first round pick, Steel still has plenty of potential. Especially if Filip Chytil's future is in question with the signing of Vincent Trocheck, if the Rangers could sign Steel to a cheap, two year deal, Steel could start out as a fourth line player and work his way up to the third line if the Rangers are in a pinch and need an option. Low risk, high reward type of signing if Steel is open to signing with a team where he has to work to earn his spot.
Calvin de Haan LD
It's highly unlikely the Rangers could negotiatied a deal with Calvin de Haan but if there's any scenario in which he would be willing to sign with a contender on the cheap, he'd be a great fit in New York. His name has come up numerous times in trade rumors with the Rangers last season and could be what the Rangers wanted Patrik Nemeth to be for the Rangers defense group. Without a doubt more of a defensive defenseman option which could be a great fit with Braden Schneider who will look to have more of a standout season.
Chris Feldman
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