Zemgus Girgensons could be a nice 4th line addition for the Rangers
Zemgus Girgensons is a big strong defensive minded forward who is only 26 years-old. The 6’2″, 211 pound center/winger could be a nice affordable add for the Rangers 4th line as a UFA.
Zemgus Girgensons, UFA Center
The Buffalo Sabres love big Z’s work ethic and the way he plays the game. Unfortunately, when you draft a center 14th overall (2012), you hope to get more than the 20 points he averages a season. That is why when he hits the UFA market, he may just linger there for awhile.
“Girgensons is just such a team player insofar as what’s the role that’s being asked and what do I need to do and how can I do it?” head coach Ralph Krueger said earlier this season. “He’s very passionate in doing what the team needs, whether it’s in a penalty-killing role or whether it’s supporting Eichel and Reinhart in a role where he needs to add grit to a pair that’s as dynamic as any in the league.”
When the free-agent dust settles, he is a player teams will be looking to add to fill out their bottom six.
Is Zemgus Girgensons a fit for the Rangers
With the Rangers very likely losing Jesper Fast to free agency, they will need a defensive forward that can help kill penalties. The answer for David Quinn could come in the form of Zemgus, who would also be much cheaper.
He is coming off a deal that paid him only $1.6 million AAV on the cap, and he could very likely be had at a reasonable contract. Let’s just say somewhere around $2 million per for three or four years.
The Rangers would also get the added benefit of his ability to play center. That would give David Quinn more flexibility and insurance with his lineup. He could move either Filip Chytil or Brett Howden on the wings if either of them struggle in the middle.
Just to be clear, I am not saying Jeff Gorton should target Girgensons. However, he should have him on a short list of options to round out his lineup after the big pieces of free agency shake out.
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