This hasn't been the Rangers craziest off season but it's certainly been an effective one. The Rangers had a goal in mind to get grittier, tougher to play against, and add guys that know what it takes to win. All three of these objectives were meet and we can already start to piece together what this team is going to look like in the upcoming season. With that in mind, let's meet the new faces and analyze what they bring to the table for the New York Rangers.
Patrik Nemeth
Probably the “biggest” free agent signing by the Rangers this off season is Patrik Nemeth, a well seasoned, stay at home defenseman who can deliver a physical presence and most importantly, get the puck out of his own zone. At 29, Patrik brings plenty of experience to this young Rangers team. He may not put a ton of points up, but he will bring a steady presence to the Blueshirts blue-line and most notably, makes for a perfect pairing with anticipated rookie and fellow swede, Nils Lundkvist. He’s averaged about 10 points a season over the last five years and has had pretty good plus minus numbers. He’s played with Dallas, Colorado and Detroit, he’s not a flashy guy but he’s definitely going to be an effective guy in the Rangers lineup.
Greg McKegg
The news headline everyone expected this off season, the return of Greg McKegg! Greg is only one season out from being a member of the Rangers where he had five goals and four assists in 53 games. He’s bounced around a lot throughout his career, playing for seven different teams in his 8 year career. He plays with some grit, can be a fourth line center or even wing option, but definitely won’t be a regular in the lineup. He fits the Rangers narrative of “getting tougher to play against” although with all the impressive talent the Rangers have in their pool, he’s going to have to have to impress during camp. He has the fact that Gerard Gallant doesn’t like playing young guys on the fourth line in his favor, however the Rangers elected to protect Kevin Rooney in the expansion draft, making it hard to imagine that fourth line center job is really up for grabs. I think if Greg makes the team, he will certainly spend more games in the press box than on the ice but I wouldn’t be surprised if he gets put on waivers and ends up in Hartford during the season.
Jarred Tinordi
In addition to Nemeth, the Rangers bring in Jarred Tinordi to add to their blue-line options. Another tougher to play against box gets checked off with the 6”6 hard hitting defenseman. He’s a guy that will drop the gloves, brings a physical presence to his game. With Brendan Smith moving on and signing in Carolina, I think Jarred will pretty much be locked in as the team's number seven defenseman, filling in when the Rangers play rivals or games where physicality and experience matter a little more. The Rangers have plenty of young talent, especially on their blue-line but it’s important to have depth options with NHL experience, and that’s exactly what Tinordi brings.
Dryden Hunt
One of the more interesting free agent signings is Dryden Hunt, the 25 year old winger who has spent time previously with Florida and most recently Arizona. Dryden hasn’t yet established himself as an NHL player but still has plenty of room to grow. He’s not outstandingly big, but he plays the game four inches taller and as if he has an extra 30 lbs to his size. He’s played less than one hundred games in the league and only has 23 points. If he finds his footing in New York and has a good camp, he has the chance to make the team. However, if he gets sent to Hartford he gets the chance to season his skills some more and in time, can get his call up and make his mark.
Sammy Blais
Of all the new faces coming to Broadway this season, Sammy Blais has the potential to be the most slept on. Acquired in the Buchnevich trade, fans may have unfairly high expectations due to what we gave up in getting him. Nevertheless, the Rangers got a guy who has a Stanley Cup on his resume which is always a big addition to any team looking to win. He prefers the right side but may need to be a little flexible if he wants to be in the lineup every night. He can play anywhere in the line up if injures come around and can provide second hand scoring which is what the Rangers definitely need. Averaging 14 points in the last two seasons, he has the potential to break out a little more with the Rangers depending on how they decide to use him. Best case scenario is the Rangers get that secondary scoring they desperately need from him.
Ryan Reaves
The infamous “answer to our Tom Wilson problem,” the Rangers finally got their guy in Ryan Reaves. No, Chris Drury isn’t over correcting for the team's lack of toughness, this is a guy the Rangers have been trying to get for years and were finally able to obtain. Ryan will not only bring a physical, enforcer presence to this team, but he will bring an energy that not many guys can bring to a team. He’ll play the right side on the fourth line and may even only play 50-65 games throughout the season but in big games, especially in rival match ups, he can be a make or break guy in our lineup that gives us an edge against other teams.
Barclay Goodrow
The first and probably biggest acquisition the Rangers made before the off season even started was trading draft pick to Tampa in exchange for the rights to Barclay Goodrow. Similarly to Sammy Blais, Barclay brings cup experience to the Rangers, winning back to back years with the Tampa Bay Lightning the last two years. Barclay’s been a huge topic of discussion for Rangers fans this summer as he signed to a huge six year extension with the team. His numbers throughout his career certainly don’t scream worth multi million dollars across six years but the Rangers clearly see something in him and want him around for the long haul. He has the potential to be a bit of a utility guy, mostly playing left wing. However, I wouldn’t be surprised if the Rangers try him on the right side with Panarin and Strome or put him out there to take important face-offs.
Chris Feldman
Comments