With some of the bigger names off the board, the New York Rangers haven’t made much noise, with their “biggest” signing being former Penguin defenseman Jack Johnson. The signing of Johnson caused a minor uproar on social media, due to the fact he was one of the most ineffective d-men in the league last year.
Although guys like K’Andre Miller, Yegor Rykov, and Nils Lundkvist could make their debuts this upcoming season, putting three or four rookies in a defensive group that is already hurting might not be the best of ideas. With free agency in full swing, here are three names Jeff Gorton should look long and hard at signing.
Ben Hutton:
At just 27 years old, and playing in at least 60 games since making his NHL debut, Ben Hutton could be a nice pick up for the Blueshirts. With the offensive defensemen roll taken by Jakob Trouba, Adam Fox, and Tony Deangelo, Hutton only recorded 16 points during the 2019-2020 season. However, the short and stocky defenseman can lay the body on opponents, playing a strong game against the boards, which was an aspect of the game the Rangers were in need of last year. Not necessarily the prettiest name, but a guy who can come in and be serviceable while still on the younger side is a positive.
Sami Vatanen:
A guy who was once considered one of the better defenseman in hockey, Sami Vatanen was traded to the Carolina Hurricanes from the Devils at the trade deadline last season. Injuries have plagued him the last few seasons, playing in 57, 50, and 47 games respectively. If the Rangers are looking for more of a point producing d-man, Vatanen could be their guy, especially if they’re willing to spend a decent amount of money, somewhere in the $2.5-$3 million AAV range. He’s recorded at least 15 assists in six NHL seasons. However, he’s a career -8 player, which featured playing for some bad Devils teams. If he could find a bit of a niche in that Rangers defensive group, he would be a nice fit in their system.
Andy Greene:
A grinder, a hard-hitting veteran is what Greene brings to the table. After spending 13.5 seasons with the New Jersey Devils captaining them from 2015 on, Greene was sent to the rival New York Islanders at the trade deadline, where he was limited to only ten games due to COIVD-19, and played in 21 total games in the bubble. Greene would bring a throwback style of defensive hockey to the Blueshirts, something that fans have not seen since the run to the Stanley Cup Final in 2014. Knock down, hard-nosed hockey is what Andy Greene’s style of play is, combine that with veteran leadership, and an inexpensive contract, makes Greene intriguing.
Although these names aren’t the Alex Petrangelo’s of the world, they all could contribute to the New York Rangers in their own way. After arbitration ends and Tony Deangelo and Ryan Strome are both paid, the cap will have rooms to make some signings that could help make an impact on the blue line.
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