While the Rangers focus this offseason should centered around trades and draft day, there are still potential moves to be made when Free Agency begins. With the cap situation the Rangers are in, they definitely should not be big spenders in the market, although budget buyers. The Rangers have just about 13.5 million dollars of projected cap space which may sound like a lot until you factor in all the RFA’s the Rangers have to take care of. These decisions will undoubtedly impact their plan for Free Agency, but let’s look at some names that the Rangers should give a good look.
Tj. Brodie: Brodie might be one of the more underrated defensemen over the last decade, contributing 266 points in 634 games with the Calgary Flames. Coming off a 5 year deal with a 4.65 million average, it’s assumed he will be looking for a pay raise. However, at 30 years old and having only played in Calgary, primarily on the point with Mark Giordano, it will be interesting to see what his next move will be. Does he look to find a new home and sign long term? Or does he look for a shorter term deal to potentially chase a cup? It is unlikely the Rangers will have the cap flexibility to sign him, but you have to wonder if they have a way of making it work, do they go for it? Brodie would be a great fit in our top four defenseman perhaps on a pair with Adam Fox. Nevertheless, it all comes down to what him and his agent are looking for and if he’s willing to forego a pay raise to play in the World’s Most Famous Arena.
Joel Edmundson: Pro of signing Joel Edmundson; he’s a Stanley Cup Champion Defenseman. Con of signing Joel Edmundson; he’s a Stanley Cup Champion Defenseman, therefore may want Stanley Cup Champion Defenseman money. Coming to the end of his three million dollar deal the Hurricanes took on, like Brodie, it’s safe to assume he’ll want a pay raise. How much of a raise is the key question and factor but again, if Jeff Gorton is able to work his magic, he could be worth a shot. I wouldn’t necessarily like him in the top four, but as a number six defenseman, can bring cup experience to this young team, kill some penalties and help out our struggling blue line. Additionally, he could thrive under Jacques Martin, the Rangers new Defense Coach.
Mikko Koivu: A seasoned vet by the definition, Koivu deserves a Cup and could be a great mentor to this young Rangers bunch. If he’s willing to sign a one year deal for give or take a million, why not bring him to New York to center the 4th line, provide some secondary scoring and bring a leadership presence to this squad?
Trevor Lewis: Talk about Stanley Cup Experience, this guy has two rings and almost 700 NHL games under his belt. Similar to Koivu, he’s a seasoned vet who could provide some secondary scoring and depth to this Rangers team. At age 33 it’s probable he’s only going to be looking for a one or two year deal, could be a perfect fit in New York despite the fact that he helped take a Cup away from us in 2014.
Vladislav Gravrikov: I mentioned Gravrikov in my last piece on trade targets for the Rangers. He would be a great addition to our D-Squad however is not technically a UFA this offseason. He has a 10.2 clause which essentially means his current team holds exclusive negotiating rights with him, normally until the 25th during a regular summer, what it will be now I’m not sure. Nevertheless, if Columbus can’t negotiate a new deal with him, Jeff Gorton should swoop right on in there. The 25 year old Russian defender has more experience in the KHL than the NHL, but caught my eye during these playoffs and could be on the cusp of a breakout season.
Dale Weise: If there’s one thing the Rangers love doing it’s bringing back blasts from the past via free agency. (Michael Haley, Dominic Moore, etc) Once upon a time ago, Dale Weise was a blueshirt and is coming off his biggest contract yet averaging just shy of 2.5 million a year for the last four. He would definitely bring some grit and energy to this Rangers team and could be a solid depth option. He only appeared in 23 games for the Canadiens this season so I can’t imagine he’s going to be looking for anything more than a one or two year million dollar deal. If Gorton can pick him up on a 2 way deal, Weise would be a safe bet.
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