New York Rangers PTO candidates for next season
There continues to be plenty of talk surrounding the start of the next NHL season. As of right now the target date of January 1 still holds and that would mean training camps would open mid-December.
As we’ve written here already, the Rangers are done signing any UFAs for next season. That doesn’t mean they can’t give several players still hunting for a contract a Professional Try Out (PTO).
Here are a few candidates:
Brian Boyle, C (35 years-old)
If we are talking about reunions, another player familiar with the pressures of playing in New York is Brian Boyle. He’s another center that would come in for one year at less than one million.
In 39 games for the Panthers last season he scored six goals and 15 points. Boyle would also be a vocal leader in the locker-room and help the 4th line and PK.
Andreas Athanasiou, C (26 years-old)
Here’s a bargain 26 year-old center the Oilers did not qualify. Athanasiou is a player with promise who scored 26 points in 55 games. He could maybe even step up to solidify the Rangers third line if needed.
Athanasiou plays with speed and at worst can play on the 4th line and at wing. Penalty killing can also use guys with wheels too.
Derick Brassard, C (33 years-old)
Big game Brass will become Big Bargain Brass for the team willing to give him a 1 year deal at $1 million. He scored 32 points in 66 games last season but really showed something for the surprising Islanders in return to play.
In 18 games this summer, Brassard notched two goals and eights points. He helped the Islanders get to the Eastern Conference Final. If you are looking from some bottom six clutch, Brassard is your guy.
Conor Sheary, LW (28 years-old)
The diminutive winger plays an aggressive style that could help a team’s bottom six. Conor Sheary’s production has dipped ever since 2016-17 where he scored 53 points in just 61 games.
At this point when you look at the field, he’s not going to get anywhere close to $3 million per season. That’s what his last deal paid and he should get a one year deal to prove his worth in 2021.
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