Righting A Wrong

By Mike Rifkin

The New York Rangers were the biggest disappointment of the 2024-25 NHL season. They went from two games away from going to the Stanley Cup Final to missing the playoffs altogether. This disaster of a season cost coach Peter Laviolette his job, and GM Chris Drury hired his dream coach, Mike Sullivan formerly of the Pittsburgh Penguins. 

Ranger fans and management alike both know there will be changes made to the roster as well. One major need for the Rangers is a top line Right Wing. This was a need last summer as well, and Chris Drury added veteran Reilly Smith. Smith, in 58 games had 10 goals and 29 points. But, because he was a pending UFA and the Rangers’ placement in the standings traded Smith to Vegas. But it wasn’t just Smith, Peter Laviolette had to consistently juggle his lines, and his best players’ numbers were all down from last season. But now Drury has a chance to right a wrong. 

There are multiple big time scoring wingers available whether it be through free agency or trade that Chris Drury should look into acquiring. 

Brock Boeser (Canucks) – Boeser, an unrestricted free agent had 25 goals in 75 games last season on a Canuck team filled with drama, but he is a year removed from scoring 40 goals. Boeser already has chemistry with current Ranger JT Miller, whom the Rangers acquired during the season.

Jason Robertson (Stars) – This is the player for me the Rangers should go out and trade for. With Dallas’s cap situation being what it is, there have been rumors Robertson can be had. And let me be brutally honest the only untouchable on the Rangers is Igor Shesterkin (Who Dallas won’t ask for), so whoever Dallas wants for Robertson, Drury should drive them to the airport. Robertson scored 35 goals this season and will be 26 years old by the start of next season. Robertson also has 18 goals and 44 points in the playoffs. 

Jonathan Marchessault (Preds) – The Nashville Predators won the offseason last summer bringing in Steven Stamkos, Brady Skjei and Marchessault. It didn’t work as the Preds missed the playoffs. Marchessault had 21 goals and 56 points last season. Marchessault will be 35 in December, but is an offensive dynamo especially in the playoffs where he won a Conn Smythe trophy with the Golden Knights.  

Whether it’s one of these three players, or someone not mentioned the Rangers core is going to be shaken a bit and Chris Drury has a chance to right a wrong after not adding a bonafide top six winger last summer.