It's quite clear that one of the biggest needs for the New York Rangers going into next season is a second line center. With both Ryan Strome and Andrew Copp heading to free agency, the Rangers have a huge hole in their top six in a pretty important position. Not only is the center ice position one the Rangers have historically struggled with, but it's also very likely that whoever fills this role will be line mates with one of the Rangers top players in Artemi Panarin. Finding someone who the Breadman will have chemistry with is certainly an added bonus but at this point, the most important quality is who would be the best overall fit to this Rangers team. Let's first take a look at an internal solution and then explore both free agent and trade candidates who can fill this role.
Internal Solutions:
Filip Chytil
Filip Chytil was one of the day one, original pieces to the rebuild that will be going into his fifth full season in New York, making him one of the longest tenured players on the Rangers. Crazy to think about when you consider the fact that he hasn't even turned 23 yet. While Chytil has yet to truly have that breakout NHL season, he has certainly showed some pretty good signs of being on the brink of one during this past Rangers playoff run. Chytil was seventh on the team in points throughout the playoffs, third in goals, scoring in some pretty crucial moments throughout the teams run. If he can pick up where he left of going into next season, there isn't any reason that Filip Chytil can't be this teams second line center and finally take that next step fans have been waiting for him to take.
Free Agent Solutions:
Claude Giroux
Given the fact that Claude has spent the majority of his career on a team that rivals the Rangers, it's hard to really picture him in a Blueshirt. However, his criteria meets the Rangers needs so incredibly well, you can't not mention him when taking a look at the free agent market at the center ice position. Spending most of his career in Philly isn't the only thing hurting his chances of signing in New York as with a player of his caliber comes a hefty price tag. Giroux has been a number one center for the majority of his career and while his best days are likely behind him, you have to think there are teams that would certainly still be willing to pay him the big bucks. Giroux is not only one of the more skilled options in free agency, but one of the better all around players. He can win face-offs which is something the Rangers desperately need, he brings a veteran presence, can play on the power play, penalty kill, whatever you need from him. With the Rangers cap situation, it would be tough to pull off but if the price is right and he's willing to betray an entire fan base in Philadelphia, Giroux could get his best chance at a cup right here on Broadway.
Vincent Trocheck
This is another player who I just don't see in New York but you have to mention when looking at the top available free agents. Trocheck would be a great addition to the Rangers but at the end of the day, isn't that much of a step up from Ryan Strome or Andrew Copp. If anything, he may very well be a right handed version of Andrew Copp. He brings versatility as well as a solid two way presence however, you have to think he's going to be looking for the type of contract Strome and Copp are looking for themselves and that's one the Rangers aren't going to be interested in handing out. Not to mention, the Rangers didn't necessarily make friends during their playoff run so Trocheck likely wouldn't have much interest in joining the team that came back and knocked him out of the playoffs.
Paul Stastny
Paul Stastny almost makes too much sense and may very well have the best chance of joining the Blueshirts in a couple weeks out of this free agent bunch. Stastny is as seasoned a vet can get and if the Rangers are interested in giving Chytil an extended chance at proving he's ready to take on second line responsibilities, then Stastny is the perfect safety net on the third line. From what I've read, he's a well liked guy in locker rooms, he's a natural center, he can win faceoffs, score goals and likely wouldn't cost the Rangers a whole lot of cap space which is going to be a major factor. Stastny may be 36 years old, but he just put up the most points he has since 2016 and with his career clock winding down, you have to think he's hungry for a cup. It's safe to assume he's only looking to sign a one or two year deal and assuming he's willing to take a bit of a discount to play somewhere that he has a chance of winning, New York could be the perfect fit.
Nazem Kadri
Now this one may be a bit of a long shot but oh my goodness, if the Rangers can somehow make it work, fans, management and players alike should be all in. Kadri has gotten a bit of a bad rep over his career and you're certainly taking a gamble with a guy that has the storied history with player safety that he does but hey, he did just win a Stanley Cup. For that reason alone, I don't see him signing in New York as I'm sure he's going to look to cash in on the fact that he just won the cup, but as I said, if there's a way, make it happen. Naz would be the perfect second line center for the Rangers. He has a bit of an edge, skill, experience, can put the puck in the back of the net, is coming off a career year, why shouldn't the Rangers be interested? As I mentioned, he does have quite a history with suspensions and there are murmurs of off the ice issues but you have to wonder how much of that is really valid. It's not like he's moved around a ton throughout his career therefore he can't be that much of an issue in the locker room. The only reason I feel this could work with the Rangers is I don't see him signing long term anywhere given where he's at in his career but stranger things have happened. If he's looking for a one year deal the Rangers should just offer him whatever money they have left over from signing Kakko and whoever else they plan to keep around and go all in with him.
Evgeni Malkin
The last free agent candidate I'll mention is Evgeni Malkin and to be honest, I'm reluctant to even mention him as I don't see him going anywhere that isn't Pittsburgh.. But again, stranger things have happened. Malkin would be a very interesting addition to this Rangers team and going back to the whole Artemi Panarin factor, they do have that Russian connection so maybe it isn't totally unreasonable to consider him. While Malkin has made it clear he "has enough money," given where the Penguins are and where their future is headed, maybe it's time to move on? Until it happens, I'm not buying any of it. I strongly believe that as long as Crosby, Malkin and Letang are in the National Hockey League, they'll be in Pittsburgh and the Penguins will still look to do anything and everything they can to put a playoff team on the ice. However, if I'm wrong and Malkin is available in free agency.. number 71 is available in New York and that's all I'll say about that.
Trade Targets
Aside from the five players I mentioned, there aren't a ton of big names that should appeal to the Rangers in free agency. Therefore, their best chance at addressing the second line center hole could be via trade as the team has plenty of assets they could look to move to ensure this team stays a playoff contender moving forward. With that in mind, let's look at ten names the Rangers could look to acquire via trade:
Roope Hintz
Honestly, I'm not going to go into much detail about Rope Hintz as I doubt he's available and the Stars would be flat out stupid to move him but hey, if he's available, Rangers fans would gladly welcome him and Nils Lundkvist would look great in Black, Green and White.
What it could cost: Chytil, Lundkvist, a high draft pick and potentially a B level prospect.
Chandler Stephenson
I've been name dropping Chandler Stephenson ever since the Rangers first showed signs of being a playoff team last year and still believe he would be a good fit in New York. Barring any major moves, the Rangers could be looking at a 2A 2B kind of situation when it comes to their second line/third line center and given where Filip Chytil is right now, that may not be the worst course of action. Stephenson is versatile, he can play the wing as well as center and could certainly be one of the better low key solutions for the Rangers. He's coming off a career year, putting up 64 points in 79 games with Vegas last season and won a cup with the Capitals back in 2018. Two very strong points to consider when evaluating different options. Vegas is also in quite a difficult cap situation which could benefit the Rangers in potential negotiations with the leagues second newest organization.
What it could cost: a B level prospect, a second and a third round round draft pick.
J.T. Compher
Another name that has recently been added to Lord Stanley's Cup, JT Compher would be a great addition to the Rangers team. While he may not be a true, natural center, Compher would bring cup experience and an all around game to this Rangers team that would make him a pretty great fit with this current group. As Compher approaches the final year of his current deal, he could act as a rental, buying the Rangers more time to develop Chytil while still competing as a playoff contender. I don't see Colorado shopping Compher at all, he's one of the longest tenured Avalanche players and is a great player to have so the offer would have to pretty enticing. However, if the Rangers are serious about contending, it could very well be worth it if the price isn't completely out of reach.
What it could cost: Probably a first round draft pick and a prospect.
Joel Eriksson Ek
This one's kind of a stretch as the Wild just signed Eriksson Ek to an eight year extension so they likely aren't looking to move him.. However, he doesn't have any trade restrictions and the Wild aren't in the best cap situation moving forward. Perhaps there is something worth exploring for the Rangers? With an AAV just shy over $5,000,000, it would take some cap crunching down the road but the Rangers could potentially lock down a second line center for the long haul by acquiring him. This would likely hinder Filip Chytil's future on broadway but then again, Eriksson Ek not having any movement clauses doesn't necessarily mean a long term commitment. However, the Wild don't have a ton of center depth so if they were to give up Eriksson EK, they would need some centers in return.
What it could cost: Filip Chytil, Ryder Korczak and a pick.
Alexander Wennberg
If finding someone with the Artemi Panarin seal of approval is important, Seattle might have what the Rangers are looking for. Panarin played with Alexander Wennberg back in Columbus and has two years remaining on his current contract. That contract does contain a modified no trade clause, but you have to think the Rangers wouldn't be one of Wennberg's ten "no-go" teams. Similar to the Paul Stastny and Chandler Stephenson type of options, Wennberg could share second and third line responsibilities while Filip Chytil continues to go through the growing pains of the National Hockey League. The cost should very well be within the Rangers spending budget and can be a low risk high reward kind of solution. The Kraken have also showed interest in Ryan Strome in the past so perhaps the Rangers can throw in the rights to Strome in a potential move if Ron Francis is still into that.
What it could cost: Julien Gauthier and a second round pick.
Joshua Norris
Norris is a guy I've had on my Rangers wish list ever since the Senators were allegedly interested in Ryan Strome. Joshua Norris is a restricted free agent so the Rangers could potentially acquire him for a more than fair price but with that of course comes contract negotiations. Norris is coming off a career year as his entry level contract comes to an end, meaning he could be looking at more than just a bridge deal. If the Rangers are interested in taking a gamble, they could make a move to acquire him and look to sign him long term to a deal comparable to Joel Eriksson Ek but again, this would likely hinder the future of Filip Chytil on top of already being a gamble on a player who is still developing. In a perfect world, the Rangers sign Norris to a one or two year deal and decide between him and Chytil for the long haul but in doing so, the Rangers would be relying on two centers who don't have a ton of experience.
What it could cost: The rights to Ryan Strome, prospects, a high pick.
Christian Dvorak
I've always had interest in Christian Dvorak for the Rangers but honestly, I'm pretty sure it's only because I think of Radek Dvorak every time I hear his name. (No relation that I'm aware of) However, he could be a solid solution for the Rangers second line. Dvorak is 26, under a reasonable contract for the next three years and can play the wing as well as center. The Rangers could have an advantage (or disadvantage) when negotiating with the Canadiens as Jeff Gorton, who was previously at the helm of the Rangers organization is now in charge of Montreal's hockey ops. The advantage could be that the Rangers have pieces that have almost exclusively been picks made by Jeff Gorton, so you have to think Montreal would see the worth in negotiating with New York. There would be some risk in pursuing Dvorak as he has yet to put up more than a 40 point season but if this price is right, could be a decent pick up and worse case scenario, can play the wing if they can secure another second/third line center option.
What it could cost: Matthew Robertson, another prospect or a couple picks.
Mark Scheifele
Now for one of the more popular trade candidates, there has been a lot of conversation regarding Mark Scheifele being a good fit for the New York Rangers and on paper, it does make sense. Scheifele has been the number one center in Winnipeg for the majority of his career and bringing him in as a 1B type of option to the Rangers 1A in Mika Zibanejad could truly make the Rangers a Cup favorite. However, it isn't that simple. There has been a LOT of questionable doubt regarding the elite center's character and given the recent decline of Winnipeg, you have to wonder how much of it falls on their leadership group. Players within the organization have indicated that the team's leadership group isn't If the Rangers are indeed interested in Scheifele, they need to do their due diligence and ensure that he isn't going to have a negative impact on team chemistry and morale. He wouldn't be a leader on this team so if he can accept his role and fall in line of the Rangers extensive group of leaders, then perhaps it could be wise to explore this option. I am getting a lot of Jack Eichel vibes with these rumors and Elliotte Freeman seems to think Schiefele is going to stay put so he could be a bit of a pipe dream solution and considering it's a bit of a risky one, I'd suggest the Rangers stay clear of it.
What it could cost: Filip Chytil, Kaapo Kakko, Hunter Skinner or Matthew Robertson and a high draft pick.
Elias Lindholm
Think a less problematic, faster, younger, cheaper Mark Schiefele with a way higher ceiling. Elias Lindholm is probably the best solution out there for the Rangers but given where the Calgary Flames are, it's unlikely he's really available. He has two years left on a very team friendly deal and the Flames are in a position to remain competitive assuming they can get Johnny Gaudreau and Matthew Tkatchuk under contract. With that in mind, it would take a pretty strong offer from the Rangers to land Lindholm but they do technically have the peices. You're probably looking at Kaapo Kakko and other high level prospects but again, if the Rangers are serious about competing, their going to have to seriously consider all their options.
What it could cost: Filip Chytil, Nils Lundkvist, Brett Berard, a first and a third. (Or Kaapo Kakko)
Pierre-Luc Dubois
Lastly, we have another current Winnipeg Jet player in Pierre-Luc Dubois. Dubois is a restricted free agent that could be on the move and would fit with the Rangers perfectly. The only issues with exploring this option would be the contract negotiations. Dubois is likely going to want a long term deal and for the cap hit to reflect that Which makes sense when you realize Dubois is a former fourth overall draft pick. However, he hasn't really panned out as such. He couldn't find his footing in Columbus and wanted out which brought him to Winnipeg where he fell one point short of tying his career best. Believe it or not, he's only a year and nine months older than Filp Chytil so you're not getting a guy with a ton of experience but again, fourth overall pick. Dubois has promise and if things work out, could be a long term solution behind Mika Zibanejad but again, it's likely coming at the cost of Filip Chytil and more so you have to wonder if it's worth the salary cap headaches that inevitably come with bringing him on? The answer is maybe? It's hard to say as this would certainly be a big gamble for the Rangers.
What it could cost: Filip Chytil, Julien Gauthier, Skinner or Robertson and a first.
Final Summed Up Thoughts:
Now that we've explored all our options, who do we think is the best candidate for the job? Unless the Rangers can pull off a long term solution like Joel Eriksson Ek, PLD, or Josh Norris, you have to think it's likely in their best bet to pursue a more veteran presence that can play a 2a/2b type of role alongside Filip Chytil. I find it difficult to see how the Rangers could look to not give Chytil the chance to have that breakout season after what he did in the playoffs and frankly, he's earned that chance going into next season. Signing Paul Stastny or trading for a Chandler Stephenson or Alexander Wennberg is hands down the safest bet and gives them more flexibility with their current group to bring in more depth without sacrificing the long term plan of winning more than one championship.
Chris Feldman
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