According to Michael Traikos the Maple Leafs, Oilers, Hurricanes, Lightning, Panthers, and Golden Knights are interested. The Oilers may be the most desperate team of the bunch to land him and have been in contact with Kane’s agent.

What about the Rangers? They’re certainly a contender and could use a top six scoring forward.

Rangers not likely looking to add Kane

I can’t say with any certainty that the Rangers are not entertaining the idea of signing him.

Kane, 30, led the Sharks in goals (22) and assists (27) while appearing in all 56 games last season. For his career, he has 264 goals and 242 assists in 769 career games. Although he’s a a left wing, I’m fairly certain he could play the right side.

There’s plenty of red flags in signing Kane. Especially when you consider his former teammates reportedly asked management to get rid of him. However, we can find some historical context with two key members of the Rangers.

Both Gerard Gallant and Ryan Reaves have had some issues with Kane in the past that have been documented.

While Gallant was coaching the Golden Knights, he recollected being chirped by Kane during their playoff series against the Sharks.

“Game two, Evander Kane is yelling at Ryan Reaves between the bench,” Gallant explained. “Evander yells at me, ‘Hey coach! When are you going to send your big guy (Reaves) out and play him more than four minutes’. I said, ‘He’s played more than 10 minutes every game and he’s going to play a lot more.'”

Reaves and Kane have a history

Back in May, Evander Kane took to Twitter to go after his old nemesis, Ryan Reaves. It was after an incident in the Avalanche’s embarrassing win over Vegas where Reaves was assessed a match penalty for hitting Philipp Grubauer and injuring Ryan Graves.

Kane and Reaves appear to not be big fans of one another. They had a Twitter spat earlier that season and Kane wanted to renew it.

In a tweet, Kane wrote: “Instead of a suspension they should have to play him 20 minutes a night for the rest of the series.” This was highlighted by a laughing with tears emoji.

Instead of a suspension they should have to play him 20 minutes a night for the rest of the series 😂

— Evander Kane (@evanderkane) May 31, 2021

Considering the chemistry the team has created, I’m not sure that Chris Drury would like to disrupt it.

And if Kane and Reaves really don’t like each other, it would be hard to imagine Gallant being for bringing him in.

“You know what, the fans treated me A-1 here. I had a great time in my two and a half years,” Gallant said about his return to Vegas recently. “I’ll prepare myself for the game and it’ll be nice but it’s really about Ryan Reaves coming back here. Reavo is a fan favorite and he deserves that. So as a coach, it’s nice, but it’s not the same as a player. I’m hoping they have a big cheer for Reavo.”

NHL Rumors

Kane has six suitors, and Yotes may be ready to move Chychrun now. Read more.

The Sharks officially terminated the veteran forward’s deal Sunday night after placing him on unconditional waivers Saturday. Kane went unclaimed.

Evander Kane contract termination

The Sharks claim that Kane breached his NHL Standard Player Contract by violating the American Hockey League COVID-19 protocol. He served a 21-game suspension for submitting a fake vaccination card and was assigned to the AHL’s San Jose Barracuda.

Kane was fully vaccinated before being reinstated, the team said. However, he traveled home to Vancouver while in COVID protocol last month in a violation of league rules, according to reports.

“We are aware of the Sharks’ decision to put Evander on waivers for contract termination. If he clears, we will file a grievance,” Kane’s agent said on Saturday. “The Sharks do not have sufficient grounds for taking this action.”

He was in the fourth season of a seven-year, $49 million contract signed in May 2018. He will forfeit $22.8 million. NHL contracts are guaranteed.

Kane, 30, is an unrestricted free agent and has reportedly garnered interest from many teams.

Carey Price status

There has been some recent speculation the the Habs will offer Carey Price the same courtesy that was extended by Jeff Gorton in 2018 to New York Rangers goalie Henrik Lundqvist.

Lundqvist opted to stay for the rebuild but still ended up being a buyout before his contract was up.

“Would the Canadiens and Price say well maybe another team might want you, but the only way that could work is if you get healthy and play some games this year so other teams can see that you’re alright,” Elliotte Friedman recently pondered. “I think at some point that conversation is going to have to happen.”

Price, 34, is former Hart and Vezina Trophy recipient owning a 360-257-79 record with 49 shutouts, a .917 save percentage and a 2.50 goals-against average in 707 games (695 starts) since Montreal drafted him No. 5 overall in 2005.

He has four more years on his deal that comes with an AAV of $10.5M. Even if the Habs and Price agree to move on, it will take a serious retention of salary for a deal to happen.

Now the speculation has turned to if Price has any incentive to even play this season. With the Habs out of playoff contention and no Olympics to look forward to, does he have any reason to come back?

“No one has told me that Carey doesn’t have a chance of playing this year,” said coach Dominique Ducharme. “We talked about the steps he needs to go through. It’s certain that with the time we lost that we couldn’t even be in this building. That was time for treatment, time for practice that he and other players didn’t have.”

Sportsnet

What happens next with Price is ultimately up to him. But this is one Habs storyline to follow until the trade deadline.

More Games Postponed

Due to COVID-19-related issues affecting the New Jersey Devils and Edmonton Oilers, Monday night’s Tampa Bay at New Jersey and Ottawa at Edmonton games have been postponed.

Two additional games set for Monday, the Columbus Blue Jackets visiting the Montreal Canadiens and the Minnesota Wild at the Winnipeg Jets, were also postponed due to attendance restrictions stemming from the pandemic in certain Canadian cities.

Makeup dates for the Blue Jackets-Canadiens, Wild-Jets and Lightning-Devils matchups have not been scheduled.

The Senators-Oilers game has been rescheduled for Saturday at Edmonton.

–Field Level Media contributed to this report

The New York Rangers could certainly use an affordable top six winger. Even though Kane is readily available at reportedly half price, the team should be very patient and careful before considering any trades.

Evander Kane available at half price

Kane, 30, has not played this season and has not practiced with the Sharks since the start of training camp back in September.

On Oct. 19, Kane received a 21-game suspension from the NHL for violating COVID-19 protocols. He reportedly submitted a false COVID-19 vaccination card.

His suspension ends Monday, as San Jose plays its 21st game Sunday against the host Chicago Blackhawks.

“Over the past few weeks, we have been discussing Evander’s return to San Jose,” Kane’s agent Dan Milstein said in a statement. “We were not surprised by the Sharks’ decision to put him on waivers and, if he does clear, he will report to the Barracudas. Evander is looking forward to resuming his NHL career this season.”

Kane is in the fourth year of a seven-year, $49 million contract he signed with the Sharks in May 2018. He is still owed more than $20 million on that deal, per the Mercury News.

Last season, Kane led the Sharks in goals (22) and assists (27) while appearing in all 56 games.

He has 264 goals and 242 assists in 769 career games for the Atlanta Thrashers (2009-11), Winnipeg Jets (2011-15), Buffalo Sabres (2015-18) and Sharks.

The latest rumors indicate San Jose will eat 50% of his salary in a trade and Milstein has started contacting teams.

Evander Kane will be put on waivers today.

The Sharks are willing to eat half his salary in a trade.

A trade is being worked on.

Kane recently hired new agent Dan Milstein of Gold Star Hockey who is reaching out to teams including Vancouver.

— Rick Dhaliwal (@DhaliwalSports) November 28, 2021

The Rangers should steer clear

Since the Kane news broke, there’s been some rampant speculation as to destinations.

Larry Brooks of the NY Post noted in his Slap Shot column that an “Eastern Conference team has shown considerable interest in dealing for Evander Kane.”

Some chatter as to who those teams may be are the Hurricanes, Lightning, and Islanders. Or as some have put it, places with strong leadership in the locker room.

Any team up against the cap may find Kane’s offense at just $3.5 million over the next three season attractive, but I don’t believe the Rangers are one of them.

The Blueshirts obviously are in the market for a winger that can play on the second or third line, but the team is winning. There’s no reason to risk the chemistry in the room, especially with reports that Kane’s teammates in San Jose requested he be moved.

This is one player for multiple reasons, including three more years on his contract that the Rangers should stay away from.

NHL News: Lemieux facing long suspension

Lemieux will have an in-person hearing for biting Tkachuk, Read more.

-Field Level Media contributed to this report

Yesterday, the NHL responded to the allegations with a statement.

NHL Roundup: Kane gambling allegations

The League was made aware this evening of a post on social media alleging that San Jose Sharks Player Evander Kane bet on NHL games. The integrity of our game is paramount and the League takes these allegations very seriously.

We intend to conduct a full investigation and will have no further comment at this time.

The League was made aware this evening of a post on social media alleging that San Jose Sharks Player Evander Kane bet on NHL games. The integrity of our game is paramount and the League takes these allegations very seriously. (1/2)

— NHL Public Relations (@NHLPR) July 31, 2021

Read the full story here.

UPDATE: Evander Kane issues statement

pic.twitter.com/CgkRgD8vT2

— Evander Kane (@evanderkane) August 1, 2021

Maple Leafs sign both Bruins unqualified RFA’s

The Toronto Maple Leafs signed free-agent forward Nick Ritchie to a two-year contract worth $5 million. His AAV will be $2.5 million.

Ritchie, 25, had 26 points (15 goals, 11 assists) in 56 regular-season games and added four points (one goal, three assists) in 11 playoff games with the Boston Bruins last season.

They also signed free-agent forward Ondrej Kase to a one-year deal Friday worth $1.25 million.

Both were originally restricted free agents because the Bruins did not make them a qualifying offer.

More NHL signings

Newly acquired forward Ryan Reaves and the New York Rangers agreed to a one-year contract extension through the 2022-23 season on Saturday. Terms were not disclosed, but Reaves is signed for this season at a cap hit of $1.75 million. Reaves’ new deal will be in that range, according to Sportsnet.

The Edmonton Oilers were very busy on Day 1 of Free Agency. One of the many transactions they made was acquiring Warren Foegel in a trade with the Carolina Hurricanes in exchange for defenseman Ethan Bear. Foegele, 25, signed a three-year, $8.25 million contract with the Edmonton Oilers on Saturday.

The Winnipeg Jets on Saturday agreed to terms with forward Riley Nash on a one-year contract for the league minimum salary of $750,000. Nash, 32, recorded seven points (two goals, five assists) in 37 games last season with the Columbus Blue Jackets. He was traded to the Toronto Maple Leafs on April 9 and held without a point in two playoff games.

The Detroit Red Wings re-signed forward Tyler Bertuzzi to a two-year contract on Saturday. Financial terms were not disclosed by the team, however multiple media outlets reported the deal had an average annual value of $4.75 million.

Phase 3 Still Being Negotiated

The NHL and NHLPA are still in negotiations to start Phase 3 “training camps” by Mid-July. That is the time frame most rumored. Two sources have told me it will either be Monday, July 13th or a week later on the 20th.

Hockey Diversity Alliance

Evander Kane and Akim Aliu are leading a group of active and retired NHLers to form the Hockey Diversity Alliance. It is a long and overdue step that should lead to a positive change in the game.

The latest on the Rangers from around the web.

Evander Kane is about to cash in

Hearing the Sharks and Evander Kane have agreed to a long-term contract extension. Numbers may be in the 7-years 7-million per range.

— Irfaan Gaffar (@sportsnetirf) May 22, 2018

Looks like the Sharks opened the vault to have Evander Kane forego his UFA status this summer. The implications of the signing does not directly impact the Rangers but indirectly what does this do for Ilya Kovalchuk’s next contract? While Ilya is much older and hasn’t played in the NHL for years, he was still a far more prolific scorer.

The early rumors on Ilya’s contract demands had him asking for $6M. Kane’s new deal will certainly help him get something close to that. One thing is for sure, John Tavares and his agent are smiling.

Tavares Staying On LI?

As we’ve been saying, the hiring of Lou Lamoriello was a big help to the Islanders franchise. Reports are out that John Tavares is very pleased to see Lamoriello come in and lead the franchise in the right direction.

Also it is being reported his next contract will be around 10.5M annually. My belief is that number is more relative to the Islanders who are the only team allowed to sign him to the max 8 years. Other teams will have to go to 11M or higher for 7 years if he hits the open market.

Golden Boy

Lias Andersson will not be suspended for tossing this medal into the stands. Here’s a very happy Lias with his long awaited prize.

#NYR @MikaZibanejad and @liasandersson with their ??
?? pic.twitter.com/8681ihiegx

— New York Rangers (@NYRangers) May 20, 2018

? pic.twitter.com/5IbaB2kebf

— Lias Andersson (@liasandersson) May 20, 2018

In a rematch of the 2018 Winter Classic, the Rangers continued their (short) winning streak by beating the Buffalo Sabres 4-3.  After beating the Flyers 5-1 on Tuesday, the Rangers got off to a hot start early in the game and finished off the resilient Sabres.

Top Line

The Rangers Top line, consisting of Nash, Zibanejad, and Buchnevich continued their hot play as Nash opened the scoring on a quick wrist shot on a breakway.  Buchnevich received the lone assist on Nash’s goal.

Getting #Nashty at @TheGarden! 1-0 RANGERS!! #NYR #LGR #Nasher pic.twitter.com/vpd5ulZbEN

— Forever Blueshirts Gameday (@4BNYRGameday) January 19, 2018

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While Chris Kreider’s absence is tough to stomach, Rick Nash has stepped into his slot on the KZB (NZB) line and the new combo has gotten both Nash and Buchnevich going after having extended scoring slumps.  Nearly eight minutes into the 3rd period Nash scored again after Buchnevich fed Holden for a shot that went wide, bounced off the boards, ricocheted onto Nash’s stick and was buried into the open net.

#Nashty x2! Rangers lead 3-2!! #NYR #LGR pic.twitter.com/0YaJyEr3Bv

— Forever Blueshirts Gameday (@4BNYRGameday) January 19, 2018

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Nash now has four goals in the past two games while Buchnevich has assists on three of them.  In addition, Pavel Buchnevich scored the game winning goal shortly after the Sabres tied it at 3.  Mika Zibanejad fed Buchnevich from behind the goal line and Buchnevich had no issue burying it in the wide open net.

#BUUUUUUUUUUUUUUCH!!!!!!! 4-3 RANGERS!!! #NYR #LGR pic.twitter.com/oVJTzBCJ50

— Forever Blueshirts Gameday (@4BNYRGameday) January 19, 2018

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Buchnevich’s capped off his night when he received the Broadway Hat for his game winning goal and an assist on one of Nash’s goals.

#NYR Broadway Hat for Buuuuuuuuuuch!! ? pic.twitter.com/3xFtkWVKfV

— New York Rangers (@NYRangers) January 19, 2018

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Sabres Power Play

After the Rangers took a 1-0 lead into the waning moments of the 1st, Brendan Smith was sent off to the box for a Buffalo Power Play.  On the Power Play, the Sabres scored on a cross crease pass that was buried by Kyle Okposo for his 8th goal of the season.

It’s Miller Time Baby

Midway through the second period, JT Miller took a neat feed from David Desharnais, cut toward the slot and roofed a nasty wrist shot over Robin Lehner’s shoulder to give the Rangers a 2-1 lead.

Get that man a Miller Lite. Short side shelf from #Millzy makes it 2-1 RANGERS!! #NYR #LGR #ItsMillerTime pic.twitter.com/4KF4zuILiW

— Forever Blueshirts Gameday (@4BNYRGameday) January 19, 2018

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The goal was Miller’s 10th of the season and showcased Miller’s lethal shot.  While Miller, like many Rangers, does not shoot the puck as often as we would like, he makes his shots count.

Sabres Power Play AGAIN

While the Sabres are not having the greatest of seasons, they have given the Rangers some issues in closing out games.  In the Winter Classic the Rangers came out strong and jumped on the Sabres early for two goals.  However, after being dominated for most of the 1st period, the Sabres were able to claw their way back into the game and eventually forced overtime.  For the second time in this game, the Sabres showed their resilience on the Power Play when Justin Falk scored his first goal in nearly three years.  His first goal of the season tied the score heading into the 3rd period.

Sabres and Rangers tied at 2…#WinterClassic déjà vu? ? pic.twitter.com/vqzxeH9Zc9

— NHL on NBC (@NHLonNBCSports) January 19, 2018

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Sabres Power Play Part III

After entering the game with the worst power play in the league, the Sabres scored three power play goals against a Rangers PK that ranked 6th coming into the game.  After Rick Nash put the Rangers up 3-2, the Sabres capitalized for the 3rd time on the power play when Rasmus Ristolainen scored on feeds from Kyle Okposo and Jack Eichel.

Enter Sandman

After going up 4-3 on the 3rd goal from the NZB line, the Rangers withstood the Sabres late pressure.  For the final two minutes of the game, the Sabres had the extra skater on the ice and even had a 6-4 advantage for 38 seconds when Mats Zuccarello was sent to the box.  Henrik Lundvist came up huge, as he has done for years, and made an incredible save in the waning seconds to secure two points for the Blueshirts.

Next Game

The Rangers will look to continue their winning streak against the Avalanche on Saturday at 3PM EST.

LETS GO RANGERS!!!

Pierre Lebrun stated on Insider Trading what the Buffalo Sabres want for impending unrestricted free agent, Evander Kane. It starts with a 1st round pick, a prospect, and a conditional pick if Kane re-signs with the team.

Per LeBrun: Sabres asking price on Evander Kane is a 1st round pick, prospect, and conditional pick if he re-signs. Hello #NYR, you need to do this now. #AgainstTheGrain #HeCanScore #UnpopularOpinion #Only26 #BetterThanAnyForwardWeHave -Tilt pic.twitter.com/BFiJtqJ9U1

— Forever Blueshirts (@4EverBlueshirts) January 10, 2018

The Rangers Need Kane

In their last 3 games, the Rangers have mustered only 4 goals. Since Chris Kreider went out with blood clots on December 27th, against Washington, they have scored only 9 goals in 6 games. That’s only averaging 1.5 goals per game over that time period, a paltry number that forces Henrik Lundqvist to be near perfect every night.

To make matter worse, in the last 6 games since CK20 went down, the Rangers leading goal scorer is Mika Zibanejad with just 2. Sadly, no other top 6 forward has a goal during that stretch (Vesey, Lettieri, Desharnais, Miller, Grabner, Carey, Holden).

Rick Nash has not scored in 10 games, and has zero points to boot. Mats Zuccarello has 0 goals in his last 8, but at least has 4 assists. Kevin Hayes also hasn’t scored in 7 games with just 1 assist in that time period. Does anyone not see this as a major problem? Because it is a big one.

Evander Kane has cooled off but would be a great fit

The hulking LW, has only scored 2 times in his last 8 games, but has 16 goals on the year. In 42 games, his 35 points would make him the Rangers leading scorer. What is most intriguing is that his 16 goals represent 17% of the Sabres goals and his 35 points are 14% of all Buffalo’s points. To contrast those numbers, Grabner’s 18 goals for the Rangers represents 14% of all their goals. The disparity is bigger on points where Zuccarello’s 31 points represents 9% of all total points for the Blueshirts.

What does that mean? Simply put, the Rangers are a better offensive team and Kane would likely score even more on Broadway.

Immediately he should be put on a line with Mika Zibanejad and the two of them should light the lamp often. Add Zuccarello on the right side and the Rangers have a legit top line. Rick Nash could help Kevin Hayes find his game on the 2nd line with maybe Pavel Buchnevich rounding the group out. The Rangers need offense and they need it now. Especially with the uncertainty surrounding Chris Kreider’s longterm health.

Is Kane Worth the Asking Price?

If you believe Henrik Lundqvist can win a Stanley Cup in NY, the answer is a resounding yes. That is of course if the prospect is not Filip Chytil or Lias Andersson. Rumor has it the Sabres have been looking for a young defenseman and the Rangers have several worthy prospects. If a 1st rounder, along with one of either DeAngelo, Pionk, or Day gets it done you pull the trigger.

As for re-signing Kane, Nash’s grotesque 7.8M comes off the books this summer which should be given to Kane. Evander is going to be 27 and entering his prime. He is a power forward with speed and an elite shot. On the right team, in the right locker room, he could unlock his full potential.

Should he and Mika find chemistry, a future where he is cracking 40 goals annually is not too far fetched. The Rangers have taken dumber risks, and this one comes with a legitimate high reward.

If you believe the Rangers need a game changer, Evander would be just that. Get it done.

Are we good enough to win the Cup now? Or Do we make decisions for next year and beyond?

Good Enough To Win Now

If the Rangers feel this is the case, they need to decide how best to accomplish this. With Chris Kreider on the shelf with a blood clot, the Rangers are without a legit power forward. This also has long term implications (i.e. Steven Stamkos blood clot issues). So the question is how can he be replaced, if at all.

Evander Kane

His name continuously pops up when insiders like McKenzie and Dreger talk trades. Kane will be a UFA this summer and will command at least $6.5M (I believe higher) and a multi year deal. Buffalo is looking for a haul of at least a 1st round pick, and several high prospects. The 26 year old Kane has 15 goals and 34 points in 39 games. Those numbers plus his size (6’2″, 212 lbs) are what the Rangers need now and for years to come.

Max Pacioretty

The 29 year old is struggling mightily this season with only 21 points in 40 games. This is a buy low candidate with high rewards. He has 1 year left on his contract that comes with a 4.5M cap hit. He could be a smart acquisition that wouldn’t break the Rangers future too bad. However, you could see a player like Vesey or Fast having to go back the other way.

Also understand that if the Rangers go this route, they will be keeping Rick Nash. If you are going to go for it, you need all the offense you can get in the playoffs.

The Rangers need help on the blue line, but the truth is this, defense doesn’t come cheap and isn’t always available. If the Rangers are going to upgrade this defense it will cost them mightily. It would be best to try and promote from the system and hope one of the younger blueliners like DeAngelo or Pionk can make the transition. Realistically, who’s spot would they take? Holden? Possibly but the Rangers more likely have a systems problem on defense instead of a personnel issue.

Come back tomorrow for what the Rangers should do if they feel they need to start planning for next year.

The Rangers have traded Antti Raanta and Derek Stepan to Arizona, as well as Oscar Lindberg being selected by Vegas, Jeff Gorton now has a lot of cap space to complete his roster for next season. But with these moves, the Rangers have lost two centermen and a backup goalie that need replacing. Add in Dan Girardi’s buyout, and Gorton will have to find all the right pieces to fill in those gaps.

So who do the Rangers go after to replace their former teammates?

Matt Duchene

There have been numerous reports that Avalanche GM Joe Sakic was looking to trade his star centerman.

https://twitter.com/NicholsOnHockey/status/877956555655659520?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw&ref_url=https%3A%2F%2Ffansided.com%2F2017%2F06%2F22%2Fmatt-duchene-rumors-avalanche-look-trade-star-forward%2F

Duchene is a highly skilled player that will put up points and is able to play on the wing as well. He plays with a ton of speed, which will certainly be good for Alain Vigneault’s system. If the Rangers are able to trade for him, he could become the true number one center the Blueshirts have been looking for. One downside to Duchene is his cap hit. He has two years left on his contract, making $6 million per year. It is better than Stepan’s contract, which had four years left at $6.5 million per year. If the Rangers are planning on keeping Duchene long term, he will command a very large payday.

Evander Kane

This is an interesting one. Kane has had a lot of issues off the ice, but when he is playing, he can be a difference maker. Kane put up 43 points in 70 games least season with the Sabres and plays a speed game as well. He plays with a bit of an edge that can be both a positive and a negative. His contract though makes him very enticing to most teams. He will be in the final year of his contract next season and makes just over $5 million. If the Blueshirts can acquire him, they would add another point-producing winger to their arsenal.

Editor’s Note: Rangers are likely dangling their second 1st round pick (21 overall) for a top six forward. Buffalo might bite. – Anthony

Joe Thornton

If the Rangers don’t wish to go the trade route, they can go after longtime Sharks center Joe Thornton. The grizzled veteran put up 50 points this past season and had been a mainstay on the Sharks top line for the last few years. Thornton turns 38 this summer and is coming off of a contract that paid him close to $7 million per year. He won’t get that kind of money from the Rangers, but if he would be a nice signing for the Blueshirts as a second or third line center.

Should he find chemistry with Rick Nash like they have in international play, 1st line center isn’t out of the question.

Martin Hanzal

One name that hasn’t been mentioned at all is Martin Hanzal. He put up 20 goals last season in a year split between Minnesota and Arizona. Hanzal is good in the faceoff circle and is also a good penalty killer. He would come cheaper than any of the other players mentioned above and would be serviceable as a bottom six center.

Brendan Smith

A player that doesn’t have a lot of hoopla around him is Brendan Smith. The defenseman from Mimico, Ontario was acquired at the trade deadline by Jeff Gorton and was a good player in his stint on Broadway. Smith is coming off of a two-year $2.75 million contract, and will likely command a bump in his salary. Smith returning to the Rangers would be good for the Rangers. He is very good in his own zone and really clicked with Brady Skjei toward the end of the season and playoffs. If Kevin Klein retires, they could use some of his $3 million on re-signing Smith.

Kevin Shattenkirk

When it comes to the Rangers defense, the biggest and the most talked about name has been Kevin Shattenkirk. Shattenkirk is the player that would help the Rangers out the most. He is a right-handed defenseman who can play in his own zone. He has good skating ability and can bring some offense from the point.

https://twitter.com/FriedgeHNIC/status/878315336528928773

But for all the hoopla that surrounded the New Rochelle, NY native, it almost seems as if the fire has died down. Shattenkirk has a similar skill set to former Ranger Keith Yandle. But when it came time for the Blueshirts to offer Yandle a new contract, terms could not be reached. If Shattenkirk is willing to make some concessions for his childhood team, then he could become a huge piece in solidifying the Rangers blue line.

Cody Franson

If the Rangers want to look for a cheaper right-handed defenseman, they should give Cody Franson a look. Franson is a puck moving defenseman with a heavy shot. He can look a little slow at times, but is a big body on defense at 6’5″. If the Rangers can sign him, they could save some room on the cap to sign other players as well.

Keith Kinkaid

With the Rangers now needing a backup goaltender, Keith Kinkaid is a solid and cap-friendly option. Kinkaid has served as the backup to Devils netminder Corey Schneider, and average a .911 SV% during that time. Kinkaid has shown that he can play 25-30 games a year He made under $1 million last season, and would be a good and reliable backup for King Henrik.

Darcy Kuemper

The second option at backup could be Darcy Kuemper. Kuemper put up two solid seasons backing up Devan Dubnyk, posting a .908 SV%. Kuemper made just $1.5 million last year, and won’t be getting much more than that to become Henrik Lundqvist’s backup.

Jhonas Enroth

The third candidate to replace Antti Raanta is journeyman backup Jhonas Enroth. Enroth has played on five teams over his nine-year NHL career and has put up a .905 SV%. He has represented Sweden before and played much better with his entire nation watching him.