Drury and the Rangers have fallen short of the ultimate goal — the Stanley Cup — and the team has failed to reach the Cup Final since 2014. Still, Drury has some fingerprints on a roster that has produced three consecutive 100-point seasons for just the second time in franchise history.

As we’re currently in the midst of arguably his most important offseason to date, let’s take a look at Drury’s best moves as general manager of the Rangers.

It’s way too early to tell with this current offseason so none of those transactions are on the table, but everything else since he took charge in June of 2021 is fair game.

Related: Why signing Chad Ruhwedel was smart move by Rangers

Best moves by Chris Drury as Rangers GM

Honorable Mention: Extending Adam Fox

Several months into his tenure as GM, Drury locked up Adam Fox long term after he won the Norris Trophy as the top defenseman in the NHL. Fox was entering the final season of his entry-level contract when Drury aggressively signed the rising star to a seven-year, $66.5 million deal, pinpointing him as a cornerstone piece of the Blueshirts moving forward.

At a $9.5 million AAV that currently ranks fifth-highest among NHL defensemen, it’s not the cheapest contract in the world — understandably so given the caliber of player that Fox is. It was a smart move to lock him up long-term and provide piece of mind for the team and one if its most important players moving forward.

It’s not the bargain that some of the other moves on this list are, but it’s a move that needed to happen and one Drury got out in front of.

5. Signing Jonathan Quick in 2023 offseason

Expectations were low for Jonathan Quick when he signed with the Rangers on a one-year deal worth $825,000 prior to the 2023-24 season.

The future Hall of Famer, who led the Los Angeles Kings to two Stanley Cup championships and won another as a backup with the Vegas Golden Knights, struggled mightily in his age-37 season, posting a 3.41 goals-against average and .882 save percentage in 2022-23, both NHL career-lows outside of his debut season when he played just three games.

Perhaps goalie guru Benoit Allaire worked his magic because Quick was a revelation in New York, recording a 2.62 GAA and a .911 save percentage, the latter of which was his highest mark since 2017-18 when he finished Top-10 in Vezina Trophy voting as top NHL goalie.

Quick was brilliant amidst some early-season struggles by No. 1 goalie Igor Shesterkin, allowing the Blueshirts to get off to a hot start. Beyond his on-ice performance, he was a leader in the locker room, and received New York’s Players’ Player Award and was a steady respected voice throughout the postseason despite not appearing in a single game.

The cherry on top, he became the winningest American-born goaltender in NHL history in a Rangers uniform.

Jonathan Quick, the winningest American-born goaltender in NHL history.
⁰Congrats, Quickie! pic.twitter.com/TdepbM6RIf

— New York Rangers (@NYRangers) March 31, 2024

He earned himself a one-year extension to remain the Blueshirts backup to Shesterkin once again for the 2024-25 season. The Rangers have had some excellent backup goaltenders over the past decade, but Quick was one of the most surprising and proved to be a brilliant pickup by Drury.

4. Signing and extending Jimmy Vesey in 2022 offseason

Jimmy Vesey may not have lived up to the hype in his inaugural run with the Blueshirts but his second stint has been a resounding success.

Drury signed Vesey to a one-year, $750,000 contract prior to the 2022-23 season. Like with Quick, expectations were low for the 29-year-old forward who was bouncing to his fifth different franchise in four years.

The former Hobey Baker Award winner as the best player in NCAA men’s hockey has completely evolved his game, becoming an excellent defensive forward and penalty killer and establishing himself as a staple in New York’s bottom six.

Seeing a good thing, Drury and the Rangers extended Veasey with a two-year deal worth $800,000 annually, a steal of a deal for a quality bottom-sixer who’s given the Blueshirts 10-plus goals and 25-plus points in each of the past two seasons on top of his staunch defensive play.

At a nearly League-minimum rate, you don’t get better value than that too often.

3. Selecting Gabe Perreault in 1st round of 2023 NHL Draft

This may be the trickiest move to evaluate since Gabe Perreault has yet to make his NHL debut, but Drury still deserves credit for selecting a heralded prospect late in the first round.

Going back to the well of the USA Hockey National Team Development Program, the Rangers chose Perreault No. 23 overall in the 2023 NHL Draft.

The youngster quickly flourished in his freshman campaign with a stacked Boston College team, finishing fourth in all of Division 1 hockey with 60 points and second in assists with 41. He was named a Second Team All-American and helped BC reach the NCAA National Championship game, where they lost to the University of Denver 2-0.

Perreault also helped the United States win the gold medal at the 2024 World Junior Championship, registering 10 points (three goals, seven assists) in seven games.

Now, at just 19 years old, he’s considered the Blueshirts clear-cut top prospect and a future star. He’s already announced his return to BC for another season, but he could sign his entry-level contract at the end of his sophomore campaign.

What he does at the NHL level with ultimately determine the value of this pick. Still, it’s not often that you find a gem this highly rated later in the first round, particularly for a Rangers team that hasn’t always been the best with drafting over the past two decades. Drury deserves credit alone for that.

2. Trading for Andrew Copp and Frank Vatrano before 2022 deadline

Drury’s first trade deadline as GM was arguably his best. The Rangers were tied with the Pittsburgh Penguins for second in the Metropolitan Division on the day of the trade deadline, but needed a boost to truly make a playoff push.

Drury brought in a big haul that included defenseman Justin Braun and bottom-six forward Tyler Motte, both of whom were fine additions in their own right. But the headliners were forwards Andrew Copp and Frank Vatrano.

Copp and Vatrano assumed top-six roles and thrived, adding a more potent offensive punch to the group. The Rangers ended up making a run all the way to Game 6 of the Eastern Conference Final, where they lost to the Tampa Bay Lightning, and it’s hard to imagine them doing so without their help.

Copp scored 14 goals and 30 points in his 36 games between the regular season and postseason and was one of the strongest performers throughout the playoffs.

Vatrano, meanwhile, found a home on the top line, playing right wing next to Mika Zibanejad and Chris Kreider. He remains one of the only wingers who’s found success on New York’s top line next to that duo since Pavel Buchnevich was traded in the summer of 2021.

Both players left for other destinations in free agency that offseason so it didn’t result in a Stanley Cup or a long-term stay, but Copp and Vatrano helped spark a lengthy and unexpected playoff run that officially marked the end of the rebuild and reframed the expectations in New York.

1. Signing Vincent Trocheck in 2022

Vincent Trocheck is certainly the best free agent signing of Drury’s tenure and the best move of his three years as general manager.

The 2022 offseason saw a few key pieces of the Rangers’ conference final run — Ryan Strome, Copp, Vatrano — depart in free agency. Drury eased the loss by bringing in Vincent Trocheck on a seven-year deal worth $5.625 million annually.

After a very solid first season, when he recorded 22 goals and 64 points, Trocheck flourished in his second year in New York, tallying an NHL career-high 77 points and one of the League’s best face-off win percentages (58.4 percent). He centered a line with Artemi Panarin and Alexis Lafreniere on the wings that was among the best in the NHL, with all three setting career-highs in points.

He plays a major role on both the power play and penalty kill and has a strong impact at even-strength. In the Rangers’ most recent postseason run, Trocheck logged an average TOI of 23:08, the second-most of any skater, trailing only Fox. Their most consistent player in the postseason, Trocheck had a team-high 20 points (eight goals, 12 assists) in 16 playoff games.

And he also played in the 2024 NHL All-Star Game and was voted the winner of the Steven McDonald Extra Effort Award.

The Rangers have him locked up for five more seasons at a price that now feels like a bargain, given his production the last two years. It’s hard to think of the last time they had a better 2C than Trocheck.

Today we’re going to look back at players who made the most of just their only season as Rangers, and we mean only one. If a player had one good year after appearing in just a few games the year before or after, they’re excluded. It’s one and done today.

Keep in mind this isn’t the best players to play just one season, but rather the best performances by players in their only season with the Rangers.

Related: Best Rangers games of 2023

Best New York Rangers Short Stints

Andrew Copp 2021-22

Our first entry is also the first trade deadline acquisition. And spoiler alert: Copp isn’t the last name from the 2022 trade deadline who will find his way onto our list.

The forward arrived from Winnipeg for a couple of conditional draft picks on March 21 and had a pair of assists in a win over the Devils in his Rangers debut. Copp finished with eight goals and 18 points in 16 regular season games for the Blueshirts.

He’d add six goals and 14 points in 20 playoff games that spring to help the Rangers advance to the Eastern Conference Final. He’d leave that summer to sign with the Detroit Red Wings.

Matt Cullen 2006-07

Cullen spent 21 seasons in the NHL, but just one was as a Ranger, coming in 2006-07.

Cullen, coming off a Stanley Cup with the Carolina Hurricanes in 2006, signed a four-year contract with the Blueshirts that July. Obviously since he’s on this list, things didn’t go accordingly to plan.

While not the gaudiest numbers, he was a serviceable middle-six center and registered 16 goals and 41 points. But GM Glen Sather opted to move Cullen back to Carolina for defenseman Andrew Hutchinson in the summer of 2007, thus ending his tenure on Broadway.

Ray Ferraro 1995-96

After five season on Long Island, Ray Ferraro headed west, signing with the Rangers in the summer on 1995. Unlike many who came over from the Islanders or –especially– the Devils, Ferraro took his game to another level during his short time with the Rangers.

The 31-year-old scored 25 goals and added 29 assists for 54 points in just 65 games as a Ranger. Then came an unexpected trade in March with the Los Angeles Kings that a package including Ferraro and Ian Lapierrere out west for a return of Marty McSorley and Jari Kurri and Shane Churla, none of whom had the impact GM Neil Smith was expecting less than two years removed from a Stanley Cup.

There have been plenty of head-scratching trades in Rangers history, and this one is included.

Guy Lafleur 1988-89

There’s something to be said about a player taking several years off and coming back still as one of the better players on his team. But that was the case with Guy Lafleur, who joined the Rangers for the 1988-89 season after nearly four years away.

While he was certainly not the player he once was with Montreal, the Hall of Famer was more than serviceable in his injury-shortened season in New York.

Lafleur scored 18 goals and 45 points in 67 games before his season ended with a knee injury.

He’d leave after that one season and join the Quebec Nordiques for two more seasons before calling it quits for a second and final time in 1991.

Pat LaFontaine 1997-98

Another player better remembered for his days as an Islander, Hall of Famer Pat LaFontaine nonetheless had a strong but short stint in the Big Apple.

LaFontaine was one of the best scorers of his generation, but injuries — namely concussions — slowed his effectiveness towards the middle stages of the 1990s due in part to him being unable to stay on the ice.

Following the 1992-93 season, LaFontaine appeared in fewer than 30 games three times, and more than 70 just twice. That decline led to the Sabres sending him to the Rangers in September 1997.

He’d have a strong start, notching four goals in the first four games of the season, and was tied for the team lead with 23 through 67 games before colliding with teammate Mike Keane on March 16 against Ottawa. The result was a concussion and ultimately the end of LaFontaine’s career.

He finished with 23 goals and and 39 points for 62 points in 67 games. His 62 points were second-best on the team behind Wayne Gretzky’s 90, and ahead of Alexei Kovalev and Brian Leetch.

Markus Naslund 2008-09

The Rangers have long been known as a franchise that gets a former star player a few years too late, and it’s hard to argue that wasn’t the case with Markus Naslund.

The longtime Canuck who was the franchise’s leader in goals and points at the time of his departure, signed a two-year contract with the Rangers in July 2008. As with others on this list, you know it mostly didn’t work out.

Naslund turned 35 just a few weeks after signing the deal, didn’t have the type of season he or the Rangers were hoping for. But that’s not to say it wasn’t a decent year as a Blueshirt.

The Swede was in decline after peaking with three straight 40-goal campaigns, including 48 in 2002-03. But Naslund still managed to score a team-high 24 goals and finished his one-year stint in New York fourth in points with 46 points while appearing in all 82 games.

He added three points during the team’s seven-game loss to the Washington Capitals.

Naslund opted to hang up his skates after the season.

Petr Sykora 2005-06

The Rangers were having their best season since the Gretzky era, on their way to a berth in the Stanley Cup Playoffs for the first time since 1997 when they acquired forward Petr Sykora from the Anaheim Mighty Ducks on Jan. 6.

The former Devil turned in a strong half season on Broadway, posting 16 goals and 31 points in just 40 games as a Ranger.

The strong play ran out in the postseason, as Sykora was held pointless in four games against his former team, who swept the Rangers out of the playoffs.

Sykora signed as a free agent with Edmonton that summer.

Frank Vatrano 2021-22

The second member of the Rangers’ 2022 deadline additions, Frank Vatrano fit in New York like a glove upon arriving from Florida.

Inserted alongside Chris Kreider and Mika Zibanejad, the shoot-first winger scored eight goals in 22 regular season games before adding five more in the playoffs to help the Rangers reach the Eastern Conference Final.

Like Copp, Vatrano priced his way out of New York and signed a four-year contract with the Ducks that summer.

Nikolai Zherdev 2008-09

While he’s no doubt a divisive figure among Rangers fans, it’s hard to write off Nikolai Zherdev’s one season in New York during the 2008-09 campaign.

The Rangers acquired the former fourth overall pick that July after the winger posted what would be career-highs with 26 goals and 61 points at just 23 years old. And while Zherdev didn’t equal those totals, he wasn’t far off either with 23 goals and tied Scott Gomez for the team lead with 58 points in 82 games.

After a strong season from a player who was still just 24, the Rangers qualified the restrict free agent. The two sides were unable to reach an agreement on an extension and eventually went to an arbitrator, who awarded Zhedev $3.9M, more than the Rangers’ $3.25M offer.

New York opted to decline the offer and Zhedev became a UFA. He signed in the KHL, but returned to the NHL for one more season with the Philadelphia Flyers in 2010-11 before going back to Russia for good.

Some stats via Hockey-Reference

There’s no doubt that Patrick Kane is the trade everyone is going to focus on, but they also added Vladimir Tarasenko and Niko Mikkola weeks prior to March 3. We also shouldn’t forget Tyler Motte, who is going to slot in as a fourth-line grinder but could score a magical playoff goal or two.

While we await to see how these deadline deals pan out, it made me start to think about some great deadline trades the Blueshirts made over the years.

New York Rangers top five deadline acquisitions

Matteau, Matteau, Matteau!

The Rangers paid a heavy price to win the Stanley Cup in 1994. On deadline day, GM Neil Smith took a first place lineup and turned it on its head with multiple moves that saw fan-favorite Mike Gartner jettisoned for Glenn Anderson. He also added aging veteran Craig MacTavish as a shutdown center. However, the most costly move was trading rising young star Tony Amonte to the Chicago Blackhawks for Stephane Matteau and Brian Noonan. After the deal, Matteau picked up 4 goals and 7 points in 12 regular-season matches. In the playoffs, he added 6 goals and 9 points in 23 games. Matteau is the best deadline move for one big reason, he scored the triple-overtime goal in Game 7 against the New Jersey Devils in the Eastern Conference Final to help end a 54 year curse.

“I’ve always said since day one, of all the trades I’ve made that was the worst one,” Neil Smith told Forever Blueshirts. “But without Noonan and Matteau you don’t win the Cup.”

Marty St. Louis

It was a stunning move by GM Glen Sather to trade his captain Ryan Callahan and picks for Tampa’s Marty St. Louis on deadline day March 5, 2014. Out of the gate, St. Louis struggled with just 1 goal and 8 points in 17 regular-season games. However, his clutch play and locker-room leadership led the Rangers to their first Stanley Cup Final appearance since 1994. In the postseason, he recorded 8 goals and 15 points in 25 playoff games which included 3 game-winning goals. One of them was the OT tally against the Montreal Canadiens to win the Eastern Conference.

Mike Gartner

On deadline day, March 6, 1990, the Rangers dealt Ulf Dahlen and picks to the Minnesota North Stars to acquire Mike Gartner. Earlier in the season, GM Neil Smith acquired center Bernie Nicholls and needed to get him a true scoring winger. Gartner did just that scoring 11 goals and 16 points in 12 games. New York won the division thanks to that deal but were knocked out by the Washington Capitals in round two. Yes, that was the John Druce led Caps for those who painfully remember.

Andrew Copp

New GM Chris Drury makes this list with his deadline moves last season that helped the team reach the Eastern Conference Finals. Led by the acquisition of Andrew Copp for Morgan Barron and conditional picks, the Rangers challenged for first in the Metro, ultimately finishing second. Copp, registered 8 goals and 18 points in 16 games during the season and added 14 points in 20 playoff contests.

Pat Verbeek

Just prior to the 1994-95 deadline, Neil Smith made a move to reinforce his lineup in a bid to repeat as Stanley Cup Champions. On March 23, 1995 he packaged a first round pick, along with Glen Featherstone, Michael Stewart, and a fourth rounder to the Hartford Whalers for Pat Verbeek. He went on to score 10 goals and 15 points in 19 games and added 10 points in 10 playoff games but the team was swept by the Philadelphia Flyers in the second round.

From November 23 to the 28th, New York dropped three straight (@ Anaheim, Edmonton, New Jersey) before stopping the bleeding with a win over the Senators in Ottawa.

“Not good enough and we didn’t play hard enough for 60 minutes,” Gerard Gallant lamented. “What bothered me about it is some of those goals [Detroit] scored on the rush, we had bad reads and we left them wide open. It was unnecessary for me.”

New York Rangers fall to Red Wings

The Blueshirts were done in at the hands of a key contributor to last season’s run to the Eastern Conference Final. Andrew Copp popped home a goal and added two helpers to lead Detroit to the their seventh win in the last eight games. The victory also moved the Red Wings into the final playoff spot in the East.

Copp opened the scoring with the only goal of the first period burying a backhand behind Jaroslav Halak, who was called upon to stop way too many high-danger chances in this one.

The Rangers had a brief stretch in the second period where they looked like they could take over the game. Vincent Trocheck tied it at the 6:06 mark on an unassisted beauty.

Vinny Trocheck picks a pocket and snaps home the game tying goal 🤌 pic.twitter.com/ha6wP9EZ1m

— Rangers on MSG (@RangersMSGN) February 24, 2023

That lasted all of two minutes and twelve seconds as Filip Zadina sniped one by Halak after a turnover at the blue line. The Red Wings supplied the nail to the Rangers coffin with under two minutes to play in the middle frame, when Michael Rasmussen tapped in net mouth feed for a 3-1 lead off a blown coverage.

“We didn’t do the things we were supposed,” Mika Zibanejad explained. “We gave away too many chances and too many odd man rushes. Bad reads and bad plays.”

Detroit netted another goal in the opening five minutes of the third period to add to the Rangers misery. New York simply looked off and angry most of the game, which included both Adam Fox and Alexis Lafreniere dropping the gloves.

In the end, Halak was solid with 19 saves despite giving up four goals. However, the Rangers keep running into goalies who play them like it’s Game 7 of the Stanley Cup Final. This time it was Ville Husso stopping 30 of 31 shots, including a ridiculous save off Fox that would’ve changed the complexion of the contest.

“Not our best game for sure,” captain Jacob Trouba admitted. “We’ve got a couple now that we’ve lost and we’ve got to get back on track. We’ll to do that in a couple of nights (Saturday vs Capitals).”

The Rangers now find themselves six points behind the New Jersey Devils for second place in the Metro Division. They’ll travel to Washington to take on the Capitals in a key divisional matchup.

NHL News and Rumors

NHL Recaps. All the latest scores here.

NHL Rumors: More teams enter Timo Meier sweepstakes. Read more.

NHL Rumors: Patrick Kane decision coming. Read more.

Kaapo Kakko and Alexis Lafrenière have been under the spotlight as young New York Rangers for the last few seasons. The second overall pick in 2019 and first overall pick in 2020 respectively, have always had high expectations. Last season was regarded as potentially pivotal for both, and while they each showed improvement, this season presents them with the opportunity to get to the next level.

With training camp scheduled to open on September 21, that chance they’ve both been waiting for is on the horizon.

Offseason elevates Kaapo Kakko and Alexis Lafrenière

The Rangers acquired Frank Vatrano and Andrew Copp in trade deadline deals last season. Both were valuable assets for the Rangers for the remaining regular season and into the playoffs. However, the Rangers chose not to re-sign them in the offseason.

Vatrano and Copp spent time on the first and second lines mostly in place of Lafrenière and Kaako. Now that they won’t be occupying those spots, the kids have the chance to prove that they belong in the top six on a nightly basis.

While they did play in these spots at various times last year, they’re at the point where these need to be their permanent places on the roster. Continuity of linemates and amount of ice time per night will only help them flourish.

Of the Rangers’ offseason additions, the only one guaranteed a top six spot is Vincent Trocheck. However, that does not affect Kakko and Lafrenière since Trocheck is a center. He was brought in to take Ryan Strome’s place on the second line.

Kakko and Lafrenière making progress

With Kakko going into his fourth NHL season and Lafrenière going into his third, it is time for them start producing.

They’re skill players who have been adjusting to the pace and play of the NHL for the past few seasons. Both began to look significantly more comfortable last year. Kakko only played 43 games missing much of the remaining time due to injury. However, he had 18 points through those 43 games, putting him on pace to surpass his career high of 23 had he not been out. This career high was recorded in his rookie season through 66 games.

Lafrenière recorded 31 points in 79 games last season moving up and down the lineup. If he is able to secure a spot in the top six and play with the same linemates consistently, it will help him produce more. Chemistry does matter for scoring.

Lafrenière also demonstrated his offensive skill and exceptional vision on ice last season in the playoffs with a number of heads-up plays. These are the exact reasons he was drafted first overall. This is the year for him to translate these skills into more points.

The Rangers need more contributions from these young players

The hockey world was surprised by the Rangers’ deep playoff run last year, and now they need to prove it was not a fluke. The Rangers have been out of rebuild mode and ready to compete, but they weren’t necessarily expected to contend for the Cup.

Last year, they had players like Vatrano, Copp, and Strome for their playoff run. Now that they’re gone, others will have to step up.

This is the year for Kakko and Lafrenière. The pressure is on for the Rangers, and they need their top picks to thrive.

Note: All stats come from hockeyreference.com

NHL News and Rumors

• John Tortorella concerned with Flyers locker room
• Ryan Miller heading to US Hockey Hall of Fame
• Did Carey Price unofficially announce retirement?
• NHL Rumors: Habs making moves

That was made very clear when Andrew Copp revealed on ESPN that the Rangers never even made him an offer before he decided to sign with his hometown Red Wings.

After adding backup goalie Jaroslav Halak, and needing to protect against an offer sheet for Kaapo Kakko, the Blueshirts will likely stand pat until Kakko signs.

Per CapFriendly, they have $4.7 million in space remaining. Depending on what’s left over they may add some depth players.

Will the New York Rangers sign Tyler Motte?

GM Chris Drury held a press conference yesterday to discuss the team’s moves. When asked about Tyler Motte, he answered that signing him would be too tight.

Motte, 27, registered 15 points in 58 games and added 2 playoff goals this past season playing a strong checking role for the Rangers. He is the last of their key unrestricted free agents that has yet to sign elsewhere.

Here’s a where the others went:

• Ryan Strome signed with Anaheim Ducks (5 years at $5M AAV)
• Andrew Copp signed with Detroit Red Wings (5 years at $5.625M AAV)
• Frank Vatrano signed with Anaheim Ducks (3 years at $3.65M AAV)
• Justin Braun signed with Philadelphia Flyers (1 year at $1.85M AAV)
• Kevin Rooney signed with Calgary Flames (2 years at $1.3M AAV)

The Rangers will certainly be scrutinized for opting to give Trocheck 7 years, versus signing Strome or Copp. Trocheck is clearly the better center, who can play both sides of the puck extremely well and can win draws. So there’s no arguing which is the better middle man.

Analysis will focus on short-term versus longterm impact of the contract. The Rangers already find themselves up against the cap with the expectation that things will get much tighter next summer when Alexis Lafreniere, K’Andre Miller, and Filip Chytil are up for new deals.

We will have more on the moves later today.

NHL News

• Johnny Gaudreau stuns everyone, signs with Blue Jackets
• Updated list of top UFA signings
• Golden Knights forced to trade Max Pacioretty

The New York Rangers will certainly be investigating the free agent market tomorrow at 12 PM ET as a new report indicates talks with Andrew Copp have broken off.

Per Arthur Staple of The Athletic, “Sources say the New York Rangers are out on Andrew Copp. Sides talked over the weekend but Rangers are likely looking elsewhere for their No. 2 center spot.”

This information also comes off the heels of future hall of famer Evgeni Malkin announcing he will be hitting three agency.

New York Rangers still need a 2C

There appeared to be some hope over the weekend that Copp may return to the Blueshirts as it became public the two sides were engaged in talks.

Copp, 28, is believed to be looking for at least a 5 year-deal with an AAV of $5.5M. After a solid season where he picked up 21 goals and 53 points in 72 games he’s sure to get that, if not better. During the playoffs, he was one of the Rangers key performers with 14 points in 20 games further adding to his value.

The Rangers have already decided to let Ryan Strome walk via free agency and have been actively trying to address to position via trade to no avail at this time. Of course, this news regarding Copp is one less piece of leverage for Chris Drury in negotiations.

That’s why the need to look at the free agent market has become the most likely option.

Some targets could include Carolina Hurricanes pending UFA Vincent Trocheck and possibly Dylan Strome, whom the Blackhawks did not qualify.

Is Evgeni Malkin an option?

Evgeni Malkin will become an unrestricted free agent on Wednesday when the market opens. After 16 seasons all with the Pittsburgh Penguins this is a somewhat surprising turn of events.

Malkin, 35, was the Penguins first round pick, second overall, in the 2004 Draft. He’s a three-time Stanley Cup Champion with 981 career games to his credit. In his career, Malkin has amassed 1,156 points including 444 goals. He’s undoubtedly heading to the hall of fame.

According to Rob Rossi of The Athletic, Malkin was unhappy with the situation and in a text to the publication he asked: “Do they want me?”

“It bothers me how this is happening,” relayed one of Malkin’s teammates. “It’s a bad look. From what I know of what’s happened, Geno deserves better.”

Malkin recorded 42 points in 41 games last season after coming off knee surgery. He reportedly turned down a 2-year offer for $6 million per season, looking for at least for four years at that money value.

So is he an option for the New York Rangers? Well, that depends on how firm he is on wanting 4 years and $6M. I don’t think the Rangers would have an issue with $6 million for two years, but if it has to be at least four years, Drury can’t give him a full no move clause.

After speaking with a knowledgeable source, Forever Blueshirts learned that Malkin is already looking at the Rangers and Florida Panthers as his top destinations of choice.

Maybe after being spurned by the Penguins, Malkin may be more flexible in signing with the Rangers. Who knows, but we’re going to find out soon.

I'm sure many are looking at Evgeni Malkin news and thinking go get him #NYR – good news is I hear that he's looking at Rangers and Panthers in free agency. Just remember he wanted a 4x$6M from the Pens – not sure if that works for Rangers. Especially is he wants a full NMC.

— Forever Blueshirts (@4EverBlueshirts) July 12, 2022

NHL News and Rumors

• Maple Leafs trade for Matt Murray
• NHL Free Agent Tracker
• Dylan Strome a UFA, Georgiev’s new deal

The New York Rangers have reportedly been trying to trade for a center since they were eliminated from the Stanley Cup Playoffs.

Teams they’ve spoken to about a deal are the Vancouver Canucks for J.T. Miller and the Winnipeg Jets regarding both Pierre-Luc Dubois and Mark Scheifele. Of the three, Miller appears to be the best possibility but with free agency opening on Wednesday time to make a good trade is running out.

The Rangers can use the possibility of signing a free agent on July 13 as leverage in a trade. Once the UFA window opens and players fly off the board, the advantage will shift completely to the other side. That means GM Chris Drury may need to pivot from the trade market and sign a UFA.

Ultimately, there’s no real easy answer on the UFA market. Big name centers like Nazem Kadri, Claude Giroux, and Evgeni Malkin are simply too expensive and will ask for more years than the Rangers want to give.

Here’s a look at some realistic options that could fill in the second-line center position.

New York Rangers free agent center targets

Andrew Copp, 28 y/o: (72 GP, 21 G, 32 A, 53 PTS – $3.64M AAV)

The most recent reporting has the Rangers still in communication with the versatile forward for a return. Previously, it was believed that Copp wanted at least a 5 year-deal with an AAV of $5.5M. If the money is the same, that wouldn’t be the hangup. New York has cap concerns that become harder to navigate starting next summer. As will be the case with many of the UFAs on this list, the number of years on a new deal will be the biggest issue. With that said, the Rangers really liked what Copp brought to the team and would love to have him back.

Vincent Trocheck, 29 y/o: (81 GP, 21 G, 30 A, 51 PTS – $4.75M AAV)

There’s been interest in Trocheck dating back to his time with the Panthers. However, as a UFA he will command a nice increase that could see him break the $6M AAV mark. If that’s the case, this a non-starter for Drury. Regardless, as I mentioned before, term will be the biggest hurdle and Trocheck will absolutely be looking for at least 5-years. However, there’s more room to work with Trocheck than there is Kadri, Malkin, or Giroux as mentioned earlier.

Dylan Strome, 25 y/o: (69 GP, 22 G, 26 A, 48 PTS – $3M AAV)

According to multiple reports, the Chicago Blackhawks will not extend a qualifying offer to RFA Dylan Strome making him a UFA. Aside from the awkwardness of signing Ryan Strome’s younger brother, this could make some sense but it’s not without risk. While I believe the Rangers can get him on their terms, you’re taking a huge chance that he may not be able to cut it as a 2C. Plus, if all things are equal, Dylan may want to play in Edmonton with his good buddy Connor McDavid. Basically, if he’s available this isn’t a slam dunk signing.

Colin White, 25 y/o: (24 GP, 3 G, 7 A, 10 PTS – $4.75M AAV)

The former first-round pick from the 2015 NHL Draft (21st overall) had a very tough season. After a dislocated shoulder that required surgery ended his year, the Senators bought out his contract thus making him a UFA at just 25. There are a lot of teams interested in him, but he’s likely better suited for a third-line role at first. If the Rangers are willing to give Filip Chytil a chance at 2C, White could be had a very reasonable price.

Calle Jarnkrok, 30 y/o: (66 GP, 12, 18 A, 30 pts – $2M AAV)

New York was reportedly interested in Jarnkrok at the trade deadline before the Calgary Flames swooped in a gave up three draft picks for a rental. While Jarnkrok isn’t an answer for 2C, he would be a great third line center which would allow Chytil to move up in the lineup.

NHL News and Rumors

• NHL Free Agent Tracker
• Dylan Strome a UFA, Georgiev’s new deal

The New York Rangers are apparently still holding out hope that something can be done to bring back Andrew Copp. As free agency is set to open on Wednesday, July 13 the window to get a deal done is quickly closing.

Copp, 28, was the team’s top trade deadline acquisition. He posted 53 points in 72 games with 18 of those coming with the Blueshirts. In the playoffs, Copp added 6 goals and 14 points in 20 contests.

According to Arthur Staple of The Athlethic (subscription required), sources indicate that Chris Drury continues to work on the situation. It should also be noted that all signs point to Ryan Strome’s time in New York as done.

New York Rangers working on Andrew Copp

Per CapFriendly, the Rangers currently have around $10.2 million in cap space. After making some adjustments, such as placing Vitali Kravtsov and Zac Jones in the lineup that number becomes $9.2 million.

If you set aside $2 million for Kaapo Kakko’s next deal and $1.5 million for a new back up goalie the Rangers have around $5.7 million for a second line center. They would also need to sign two more forwards.

Ergo why this is such a big problem. The Rangers simply need more cap space.

Drury tried to move Patrik Nemeth along with a pick at the draft to get someone to eat his two years remaining at $2.5 million but were unable to do so.

Nemeth is expected to be placed on waivers for a buyout before July 12. That will only add back $1.5 million to the cap this season but every little bit helps. That’s why I’ve heard rumblings that the Rangers may be forced to move Ryan Reaves and his $1.75 million cap hit.

Copp just completed a 1-year deal signed with the Winnipeg Jets for $3.6M. According to Jeff Marek on HNIC, Copp is looking for a new contract with a minimum $5.5M AAV. While that makes things tight for the Rangers they could make it work.

Another issue for the Rangers is term. Copp is unlikely to accept anything less than 5 years on his next deal which is problematic for next season and beyond. The Rangers may be forced to deal a young player in order to extend both Alexis Lafreniere and K’Andre Miller next summer.

Filip Chytil is also up for a new deal in 2023. He currently makes $2.3M and could be the odd man out.

Patrick Kane rumors begin again

Multiple reports indicate that Patrick Kane and his agent will be speaking with Blackhawks management soon about his future. That was expected to happen as soon as the Hawks traded away both Alex DeBrincat and Kirby Dach at the draft.

Kane, 33, has one year left on a deal that hits the cap at $10.5 million. He registered 92 points in 76 games last season and would return a haul of picks and prospects if he’s willing to waive his full no-move clause. The Blackhawks would also need to retain 50% of that cap hit.

Larry Brooks of the NY Post recently wrote a column that practically lobbies the New York Rangers to trade for him.

The question I am posing is this: If Drury believes this team is close enough to winning a Cup in 2023 to pay big for a one-year rental, would it make more sense to go as far in as possible for Patrick Kane instead of J.T. Miller? 

Larry Brooks, NY Post

Honesty, Patrick Kane and the New York Rangers has been speculated a lot dating all the way back to the last trade deadline.

“It’s been reported and I think it’s true that Colorado has asked about Kane and I believe the Rangers have too,” Elliotte Friedman said in March. “It’s been a couple of times this year that teams have asked about Kane and I think those two teams have done it and it wouldn’t surprise me if there were more.”

While Kane would pack a wallop with good friend and former linemate Artemi Panarin no matter who the center is, he’s still going to fetch a nice package.

If the Rangers want Kane at 50% it will cost them at least Kaapo Kakko, a first round pick, and probably one of their prospect defenseman. A hefty price indeed but realize Kane was going to return a nice package even if the Blackhawks opt not to retain a dime.

For now, Kane is fun to speculate about. This conversation will take on a whole new life and become very serious if he openly states he wants to be traded.

NHL News and Rumors

• UPDATED NHL Trade Bait Tacker: J.T. Miller new #1
• Senators acquire Alex DeBrincat
• Tony DeAngelo traded to Flyers

What started as a report that the Rangers and Winnipeg Jets had a discussion about pending RFA center Pierre-Luc Dubois has devolved into sheer madness. There’s been no less than a half dozen names associated with the Blueshirts over the last few days, some are very much true and others sheer speculation or musings.

This article will attempt to analyze some of those names and put them into categories. We will start with the ridiculous to simply get them out of the way. Then we will venture into the possible and realistic options.

New York Rangers center options: The Ridiculous

Nazem Kadri

Frank Seravalli of the Daily Faceoff recently discussed pending UFA center Nazem Kadri on a recent podcast. He’s one of the hottest pending UFAs after scoring 87 points in 71 games last season.

“I think– I should say I know that one team that has Nazem Kadri high up on their list is the New York Rangers,” Seravalli said on the DFO Rundown. “Ryan Strome, take that money out and pay Nazem Kadri.”

Here’s the problem, Strome’s money is already out of the equation. The Rangers have just about $10 million in cap space remaining with holes to fill, including re-signing Kaapo Kakko to a bridge deal in the neighborhood of $2M per season.

The speculated contract on Kadri’s next deal, who is 31, is 7 years at $8M plus. How does that math work? Sure, you could make it feasible for this season if you dump players like Patrik Nemeth and Ryan Reaves, but it doesn’t work beyond that.

New York has to extend both Alexis Lafrenière, K’Andre Miller, and Filip Chytil (unless he’s traded) next summer.

While the Rangers were certainly rumored to be interested last season, it just doesn’t fit now. That’s why this lands firmly in the ridiculous category.

Evgeni Malkin

Another name attached to the New York Rangers thanks to pure speculation on the part of Elliotte Friedman is Evgeni Malkin of the Pittsburgh Penguins.

“I would wonder if the Rangers would try something (with Malkin on a short-term contract),” Friedman said on the That’s Hockey Talk Podcast.

Malkin, 35, finished the year with 42 points in 41 games. He’s wrapping up a deal worth $9.5M AAV against the cap and seems like an attractive option.

However, there was a report during the playoffs that Pittsburgh offered both Malkin and Kris Letang a 3 year-deal worth $5M AAV which they considered too low.

Do the Rangers really want an injury prone Malkin until he’s 38 years-old at over $5M AAV? That’s why this seems ridiculous to even entertain.

New York Rangers center options: The Possible

J.T. Miller

When the offseason started, the Canucks were listening to offers on Miller and Brock Boeser. Well, Boeser has just signed an extension for three years making Miller very likely to be traded.

Miller, 29, was the Canucks leading scorer with 99 points in 80 games this past season. He has one year left on his current deal which comes at a very affordable $5.25M cap hit. Speculation has his next deal expected to be in the $8.5M AAV range for at least 5 years.

Initially I believed the cost to acquire Miller would be too high, but after the Kings acquired Kevin Fiala for a first round pick and a prospect, Elliotte Friedman feels that Vancouver can get a little bit more.

If that’s the case, maybe Nils Lundkvist, and next year’s first-round pick plus a prospect gets it done. That’s much better than the believed ask of Filip Chytil, Braden Schneider, and a first they asked for at the deadline.

Andrew Copp

Although recent reporting has Copp heading to the market, there’s always a chance the Rangers can find a way to sign him. I will admit it seems slim right now.

The 27 year-old was the team’s top trade deadline acquisition. He posted 53 points in 72 games with 18 of those coming with the Blueshirts. In the playoffs, Copp added 6 goals and 14 points in 20 contests. He’s wrapping up a 1-year deal signed with the Winnipeg Jets for $3.6M. According to Jeff Marek on HNIC, Copp is in line for a new contract in the neighborhood of $5.5M AAV. That now appears to be on the low side.

If the two sides can circle back close to those numbers something could happen quickly.

Pierre-Luc Dubois

When it comes to a longterm player fit, the 24 year-old Dubois is perfect. Of course, in a salary cap world his next contract and more importantly the timing of it doesn’t.

Forget the high cost in trading for him, it’s locking him up for 7 years at around $8M AAV being the problem. The Rangers don’t have that money to give right now. Especially when you consider that Alexis Lafreniere, K’Andre Miller, and Filip Chytil all need new deals next summer as we will continue to mention.

Even if Chytil is part of the package, it’s still precarious to sign Dubois for more than two-years. There’s a gamble Drury can take and that’s to bridge him at around $6M AAV until 2024, that’s when Chris Kreider and Jacob Trouba’s full no-move clauses become modified. They take up $14.5M in cap space combined.

So would you risk trading Kakko, Nils Lundkvist, and your 2023 1st rd pick for a player that may bolt for his hometown Montreal as a UFA in in 2024?

At the end of the day, you don’t win Cups by not taking some risks. I still think this is possible if the Rangers believe they can bridge him for two seasons and sign him longterm in 2024.

New York Rangers center options: The Realistic

Ryan Strome

I simply can’t rule out re-signing Ryan Strome even if he says he’s testing free agency. Especially not after the way he spoke on breakup day.

“Obviously my heart’s here. The last four years I’ve tried to pour everything into this thing on and off the ice,” an emotional Strome said. “I can’t predict the future but all I know is I love these guys and this team is destined for great things. It’s a little emotional. Honestly, it’s a great group of guys and I hope there’s more.”

The 28 year-old center had a solid season with the Rangers picking up 21 goals and 54 points in 74 regular-season games. In the postseason, he added another 9 points in 19 contests playing badly hurt. Strome completed a 2-year deal he signed with the Blueshirts back in 2020 for $4.5M AAV and maybe his heart will bring him with a favorable team deal.

Mark Scheifele

Scheifele, 29, has two years at $6.125M AAV which many teams would jump at including the Rangers. He had a strong season with 70 points in 67 games and is a perfect for this team and its salary cap needs.

While his AAV may be just a tad higher than what Drury is looking for, it’s that two year contract that’s perfect. It coincides with both Chris Kreider’s and Trouba full no-move clauses becoming modified. They represent $14.5M in cap space that could potentially be freed up to give to younger players.

He would also come at a cheaper trade cost than the aforementioned Miller and Dubois. A package of Filip Chytil and a 2023 first-round pick likely gets it done. By trading Chytil’s one-year remaining at $2.3M, it also frees up cap space to re-sign Frank Vatrano. That’s one less RFA to worry about next summer as well.

Despite Elliotte Friedman noting in his recent 32 Thoughts blog that the Jets want to keep Scheifele around, I believe if push came to shove they’d make the trade.