Must Read: Three Low-Risk Free-Agent Forward suggestions for the New York Rangers.
Must Read: Three Low-Risk Free-Agent Forward suggestions for the New York Rangers.
As of this writing, the New York Rangers have only made one free agent signing that could have an impact on their NHL roster for the 2024-25 season, which was the signing of Sam Carrick to a three-year deal. The only other addition they made on Day 1 of free agency was through a trade with the Pittsburgh Penguins to acquire Reilly Smith. As we head into Day 3, there are still some names that could be had, and likely at a lower cost, which is something the Rangers need as
They currently have $8,098,476 in available cap space and a good portion of that will be going to their restricted free agents in Ryan Lindgren and Braden Schneider. The Rangers still need to add at least one more middle six and bottom six forward to really round out the group they have. With it looking less likely that Jacob Trouba will be traded, they need to maximize their cap space and target these cheaper forwards. Here are three players that could fit what they are looking for.
Vladimir Tarasenko
Vladimir Tarasenko, a two-time Stanley Cup champion, is a free agent for the second time in a row and has yet to sign a contract despite a flurry of activity on Day 1. There weren’t many rumors about where he could move, but the Rangers look like a good option because he has a history with the organization and they still need to find another right winger who can play in the top six if needed. Tarasenko spent part of the 2022-23 season with the Rangers, appearing in 31 regular-season games and contributing eight goals and 21 points.He then went on to score three goals and four points in the Rangers’ seven-game loss to the New Jersey Devils in the first round of the 2023 Stanley Cup Playoffs. Tarasenko appeared to want to return to the Rangers last summer, but the money didn’t work out, so he signed with the Ottawa Senators late in the offseason. Now, one season later, there is a chance he will return to New York.
Even after making the trade for Smith, the Rangers could still use another right winger that can play in the top six. Smith seems like a perfect third-line player and Tarasenko did play with Mika Zibanejad and Chris Kreider during his time with the team, so he has that familiarity with them. He is still a productive player and can still score goals as he scored 23 goals last season with the Senators and Florida Panthers and followed it up with five goals and nine points in the playoffs on their run to winning the Stanley Cup. At this point in his career, it might not be about money and he could be looking to find a place to settle down after moving around so much these past few years. The Rangers could offer him a two-year deal and it would not hurt them. He is likely the best free agent forward remaining and they should have their eyes on him.
Tyler Motte
Another player who has ties to the Rangers organization is Tyler Motte. He spent last season with the Tampa Bay Lightning playing a fourth-line role when healthy. In 69 regular season games, he scored six goals and nine points. He followed it up in the playoffs with one goal in their five-game series loss against the Panthers. While he didn’t have the most productive season, he is not known for his offense and is known more for his defensive game, penalty killing and work ethic. He is one of those players that doesn’t give up and gives his best effort every night. The Rangers know him well because they traded for him in back-to-back seasons and then had to let him go as a free agent due to their lack of cap space. It has been very quiet surrounding Motte and maybe a reunion in New York could be a possibility.
Daniel Sprong
Daniel Sprong is one of the most proficient players still on the free agent list. He spent last season with the Detroit Red Wings and performed admirably for them. He had 18 goals and 43 points in 76 games played. He fell three goals and points short of his career high, but he was effective for a Red Wings team that was eliminated from postseason contention on the final day of the regular season. He is again back on the market, and he might be a fantastic match for the Rangers’ middle six as they want to increase scoring from that position.
Sprong seems like the perfect fit for the Rangers’ third line. He brings size, speed and skill and he can put the puck in the back of the net, which is something the third line lacked in the playoffs. As most of the other teams are done with their free agent shopping, Sprong won’t likely cost as much to get and could be a bargain add for a Rangers team that needs a player like that with the limited amount of cap space they currently have. He has been on five different teams so far in his career and has shown flashes of brilliance and maybe with the Rangers, he can truly show what he has to offer with other skill players around him to help him grow his game.
The Rangers still need to sign at least two forwards for next season. These are just three names that may be of interest to them, and they will cost less than other free agents. The Rangers must be strategic in how they spend their cap space, and these players might be excellent acquisitions at the proper price.
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