By Mike Rifkin
Three years ago, the New York Rangers front office wrote a letter to their fans about a change of direction for the organization. They decided that it was time for them to rebuild and stock draft picks and prospects. Now they are on the surface of something that could be very special. This offseason, the Rangers have around 22 million dollars in salary-cap space. Two names who have been floated around the Rangers this offseason are Sabres center Jack Eichel and Blues winger Vladimir Tarasenko, but the Rangers should be avoiding both.
Let’s start with Eichel.
The former second overall pick played in 21 games last season due to a neck injury. An issue that is yet to be resolved between player and organization is part of Eichel’s reason out of Buffalo. Trading for Eichel will cost a lot financially and player-wise as the 24-year-old makes 10 million dollars per year until 2027. Sabres GM Kevyn Adams has said he wants the equivalent of four first-round picks for the former second overall pick. Another issue for teams trading for Eichel is that he has a no-trade clause that kicks in after next season, so essentially you can trade whatever it takes to get him for one season and not get back a significant return because he can dictate where he can be traded to. If the Rangers were to acquire Eichel, it would come at the expense of not having Mika Zibanejad long-term, yes Zibanejad had a down season this season, but he is a key man on the Rangers power play and penalty kill. Eichel is not used on the penalty kill. Zibanejad will be cheaper than 10 million dollars a season.
Tarasenko makes 7.5 million dollars until 2024. Tarasenko has undergone three shoulder surgeries and doesn’t trust the organization to get it right, and reportedly, the Rangers are one of the teams he is willing to go to. Tarasenko was a consistent 30 goal scorer up until the last two seasons, where he scored a total of 7 goals in 34 games played due to injury. Tarasenko is a proven playoff performer scoring 35 goals and 51 points in 78 games played. The shoulder of Tarasenko bothers me because he played a heavy game for the Blues in the playoffs based on their style of play. The Rangers have some young talent on the wing with Artemi Panarin, Chris Kreider, former second overall pick Kappo Kakko, last year’s first overall pick Alexis Lafreniere, and Vitaly Kravtsov. Rangers should also consider bringing back restricted free agent Pavel Buchnevich.
Chris Drury has some work to do this offseason, but he shouldn’t be thinking of stars. He should be thinking about players to help this team win. He should resign Zibanejad, and Norris Trophy winner Adam Fox will also need a new deal and some other young players. Financial flexibility is significant to a stable organization, and the Rangers have that currently. Another star doesn’t change this team for the better. The Rangers need to be tougher to play against because they have enough skill but need some grit. The top priority outside of the organization should be either Islanders center Casey Cizikias, Bruins center Sean Kuraly or Phillip Danault of Montreal.
They can center the 4th line, kill penalties, and are very good on faceoffs, a position where the Rangers have struggled. Drury should also call Ryan Suter and Zach Parise, who was recently bought out by the Wild they bring in experience and will come cheap as the Wild will still be paying them. Both are hard-nosed players and will provide some physical play as well. Also, don’t rule out a trade with Vegas Golden Knights because of Gerard Gallant being hired as the new head coach of the Rangers. If I were Drury, I would avoid going extensive game shopping this summer.
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