Winging It

By Mike Rifkin

When the Rangers were eliminated by the Florida Panthers, one thing became crystal clear, they needed a top line right winger to play with Mika Zibanejad and Chris Kreider. At his end of season press conference GM Chris Drury discussed looking at internal and external options to play the right side, so let’s deep dive on some of the potential targets. 

Internal 

Filip Chytil : Now this depends on where the organization sees Chytil playing after his injury derailed his regular season. But if you go back and watch the Panthers series the Zibanejad Kredier duo had their best games with Chytil playing on the right side. 

Alexis Lafreniere : The former first overall pick had a career year with 28 goals and 57 points playing with Artemi Panarin. While Panarin – Trocheck – Lafreniere was the Rangers’ most consistent line all season (including playoffs) maybe tinkering Lafreniere with Zibanejad and Kreider in training camp is something you see. 

Kaapo Kakko – Kakko started the season as the right winger on this line, but a knee injury made Kakko miss 21 games. The Rangers have been waiting on the former second overall pick to produce in a big way, and that has yet to come. Now there’s also a chance Kakko isn’t on the roster as his name has surfaced in trade rumors. 

Will Cuylle – Cuylle had a solid rookie season with 13 goals and 21 points. He plays a very heavy game, and still has a lot of upside. I wouldn’t mind seeing him get some run on the top line in training camp. 

Brennan Othmann/ Brett Berard – Between these two and Cuylle let’s call those the longshots. Othmann and Berard were the top two goal scorers in Hartford this season. Othmann did play in a regular season game and didn’t register a point. Both Othmann and Berard both finished their first seasons in Hartford, so time will tell in training camp if they’re ready.  It doesn’t necessarily mean they won’t be on the roster, just not playing on the top line.

External

Jake Guentzel – The star of the trade deadline, and the Rangers had interest in Guentzel before the Hurricanes acquired him. Now there are reports that the Hurricanes are shopping Guentzel’s negotiating rights for a mid round pick. Chris Drury should push his chips to the table and acquire the two time Stanley Cup Champion. 

Pavel Buchnevich – Hello, old friend the Rangers traded Buchnevich to the Blues before the 2021-22 season. Buchnevich has scored 25+ goals the last three seasons. Buchnevich is now 29 years old and has one year left on his contract at 5.8 million, maybe a return to Broadway can help Chris Drury correct one of his worst decisions as GM. 

Nikolaj Ehlers – Ehlers played 82 games for the first time since 2017-18 and put up  25 goals and 61 points. Ehlers has a lot of speed and will turn 29 next February. Ehlers has one year left on his contract at six million dollars. 

Vladimir Tarasenko – Hello, old friend Tarasenko was acquired at last season’s trade deadline by the Rangers and put up eight goals and 21 points in 31 games. You can also make the case Tarasenko was the Rangers best player in the first round against the Devils. There were rumors last summer Tarasenko wanted to return to New York, but because of the cap situation couldn’t and wound up in Ottawa (Now in Florida after the trade deadline). With the cap rising and a potential second Cup, would Tarasenko  sign a one year deal to return?

Andrew Mangiapane – Magiapane put up 14 goals and 40 points for the Flames this season, but he’s two seasons removed from putting up 35 goals and 55 points. Mangiapane, who turns 29 in April, has one year left at 5.8 million dollars. With Calgary “retooling” you have to wonder about the cost here. 

Rabbit Hole ideas ( Love to see it but highly unlikely)

Brady Tkachuk – The Senators captain is signed through 2028-29 at over eight million dollars. There have been rumors that Ottawa would be listening to offers ( the Sens have denied that report) for Tkachuk. Brady’s grandfather Walt played his whole career for the Rangers and had 227 goals and 678 points. 

Clayton Keller : The new Utah franchise is going to want to make a splash and not trade away their best player. Keller led the Arizona Coyotes last season in goals (33) and points (76). Keller has hit the 30 goal mark the last two seasons. Keller is 25 years old and is signed through 2028-29 at 7.15 million dollars. 

Jonathan Marchessault – I’m putting this here and not external just because Marchessault has expressed a desire to stay in Vegas. Jonathan Marchessault had a career high 42 goals this season and has been one of the faces of the Golden Knights since they came into the NHL. If Vegas doesn’t re-sign Marchessault, Chris Drury should consider last season’s Conn Smythe winner who will be 34 in December.