Mark this date on your calendar New York Rangers fans: July 1, 2020. The start of free agency in the NHL…AFTER next season.

Why bring it up? Well, we know the likes of Vitali Kravtsov and Igor Shestyorkin could be with the big club next season but we can’t be sure Artemi Panarin will sign as a UFA. So if the Rangers do miss in 2019, who should Jeff Gorton and company have their eyes on?

Ryan Nugent-Hopkins

The now-25-year-old has somewhat flown under the radar these last couple years in Edmonton, as any player would if they played with Connor McDavid. The versatile forward is on pace to have a career year across the board this season, which is impressive considering the dumpster fire surrounding the Oilers organization.

This potential pickup by the Rangers would have an immediate impact, as he can play center or the wing and will surely be apart of the power play unit. His 2019-20 cap hit is a firm $6 million, as you could expect a longer-term contract in the summer of 2020 with a small raise in order. At just 27 by the time he becomes a free agent and his play consistently getting better year in and year out, Ryan Nugent-Hopkins is an option the Rangers should take a look at come the 2020 offseason.

Mike Hoffman

The consistent winger had a decent amount of success in Ottawa, averaging 58 points per season over the course of four years. After some interesting developments that led to his departure from the Senators organization (no need to go into detail), Hoffman is on pace to set career highs in all categories across the board in his first year with the Florida Panthers.

The top-line forward and power play threat had his name thrown around in some trade rumors this year, but nothing fully developed, which makes you wonder if there’s a character problem surrounding Hoffman. One way or another, the man is an offensive weapon.

The speedster has a taste for the back of the net, as he’s scored over 20 goals in each season since 2014, and will surpass 30 this year. Hoffman has a cap hit a shade over $5 million in 2019-20, and will get a raise when this contract is up, but he’s certainly someone the Rangers could look at to fill a top-six spot in their lineup.

Justin Faulk

A guy who has been linked to the Rangers in the past, the now 26-year-old may be on his way out of Carolina due to the log jam on the back end. Between Justin Faulk, Brett Pesce, Dougie Hamilton, Jacob Slavin, and Calvin de Haan, the Carolina Hurricanes are spending over a quarter of the team entire cap on these five guys.

That might force the hand of the newly-nicknamed “Jerks” to potentially trade or let some of their guys walk. Faulk has solidified himself as a strong defenseman with a decent amount of offensive power, as he’s scored over 30 points in each season since 2013 and one point away from 50 in 2014-15. Faulk is just the type of guy you can see in a Rangers jersey, and he shouldn’t carry an enormous cap hit, either.

Tyson Barrie

The dynamic top-tier defenseman’s contract is up in 2020, but this one will carry more weight. With a current cap hit of $5.5 million, Barrie has only impressed year after year. He’s tallied over 50 points twice in his career and is on pace to do so a third time this year. With his best year coming last season, as he scored 14 goals with 43 assists in 68 games. Although it may be difficult to persuade a guy like Barrie away from the only team he’s played for since coming into the league in 2011, it’s nice to think how Barrie would look on the back end in New York.

Whether any of these guys coming to the Rangers could be a reality, we’ll have to wait and see. But all of these game-changers are consistent players I can see the Rangers taking a look at a year from now.

Here are the latest rumblings around Rangerstown.

Michael Grabner

According to reports from Craig Custance of The Athletic, Michael Grabner has reached out to the Rangers, but the two sides have not communicated. The veteran Austrian winger who flourished in 135 games on Broadway, has garnered a lot of interest around the league after scoring 27 goals in each of the last two seasons. The Rangers would be wise to bring Grabner back; a guy who would be a good mentor to the young guns around him that can keep up in a fast-paced NHL.

Justin Faulk

An interesting name that has lurked around the rumor mill in the last few months has been Carolina Hurricanes All-Star defenseman, Justin Faulk. The 26-year-old captain has roughly $5 million owed to him in each of the next two seasons, but depending on the price, he would absolutely be worth it. And as Scott Burnside reported yesterday in The Athletic, it would appear that the Hurricanes have their eyes on Jeff Gorton and the Rangers.

NYRPDC Day Three

The Rangers held their first scrimmage of prospect camp yesterday and there was a lot of action in the competitive game that went to a shootout. Ville Meskanen scored a pair of goals, and Libor Hajek and Filip Chytil also added markers. The 4-4 deadlock was won in the shootout by Gabriel Fontaine, who pulled off what’s been dubbed “The Kucherov” as he fooled the goaltender as the puck slid between his legs. While the deke was nice, Vince Pedrie decided to chirp his fellow Rangers prospect.

After the scrimmage, the prospects got a tour of Madison Square Garden led by Rangers legend Brian Leetch. Following the tour of their new home, the prospects were taken to the 9/11 Memorial Museum where K’Andre Miller laid flowers on the memorial fountains.

Following what had to be an emotional trip to the 9/11 Museum, the young Blueshirts got a boat tour of New York City.

Over the last week or so, Rangers center Derek Stepan’s name has come up prominently in trade rumors, which have been confirmed by many of the most clued in hockey insiders. Then, six days ago, Rangers insider Larry Brooks sent out this tweet:

While defensemen are the favored currency of many general managers, very good NHL centers are always of need. And after buying out defenseman Dan Girardi, and with Kevin Klein possibly retiring, the Rangers will have around $16 million in cap room.

The Rangers didn’t swallow hard and eat the bitter buyout pill without the intention of making drastic changes to the blue line. With that cap space, they could sign Kevin Shattenkirk, and re-sign Brendan Smith for just under $11 million in combined salaries and go to war with also McDonagh, Staal, Skjei, and Holden. I think though, it’s obvious by the information that’s been leaked, that the team is big game hunting, with the hope of landing a defenseman in a trade, and then signing one of Smith or Shattenkirk. Let’s take a look at a few potential trade possibilities that make sense.

Jacob Trouba
The Minnesota Wild have plenty of depth on their blueline and are seeking a forward. At this time last year, there were strong rumors that the Wild were trying to acquire Minnesota native Derek Stepan, but got nowhere in talks with the Rangers. Fast forward to this offseason and consider this; what if the Rangers traded Stepan for defenseman Jonas Brodin, then sent Brodin and goalie Anti Raanta to Winnipeg for Jacob Trouba? The Wild would get a center that plays in all situations and will put up between 50 and 60 points. The Jets would get a 23-year-old defenseman that plays the left side and can play on the top pair with Dustin Byfuglien, as well as a low-priced goalie in Anti Raanta, that could play 32 games or more depending on how well Connor Hellebuyck plays.

Another option would be a three-team trade involving Arizona, the Jets, and the Rangers. Recent reports have the Coyotes very interested in Derek Stepan, for many reasons. Stepan, if acquired, could go up against some tough first line centers in the western conference. This would allow young guns like Max Domi and Christian Dvorak to face lesser players on second and third lines, and develop better and more efficiently.

Stepan is in his prime and is under contract for four more years, which is another plus for Arizona, who has a hard time keeping players in their prime. So, how about Stepan and either Nick Holden or Ryan Graves for Jakob Chychrun, who is then sent with Raanta to Winnipeg for Trouba? Again, the Jets get a young left defenseman that they could keep for many years, plus a solid goalie. The question there is does Arizona want Stepan enough to part with a 19-year-old defenseman they picked in the first round just last year?

Justin Faulk

This one would be more direct in that it would be a two-team trade. Quite simply, the suddenly rich in defensemen Carolina Hurricanes send Justin Faulk to the Rangers for Derek Stepan. The Canes just added to their depth by acquiring Trevor Van Riemsdyk from the Vegas Golden Knights. They are actively seeking a top-six forward, and reports have them trying hard to acquire Avalanche center, Matt Duchene. Stepan wouldn’t be that much of a step down and is signed for four years, as opposed to Duchene’s two. It also would cost more in assets to obtain the Avalanche center.

There is a plus and a minus to trading for a defenseman, rather than just signing Shattenkirk and Smith. Signing them means no player loss. If a trade is made, in any of the above scenarios, the Rangers also gain cap space. In the case of Trouba, it would be significant cap space. The minus comes into play, by leaving a hole down the middle of the Rangers forward lines. Can Zibanejad and Hayes step up? Do the Rangers shift JT Miller to center? Should they sign a veteran like Joe Thornton? Should they trade one of their extra wings for a center? These are all big things to consider. But one thing I am sure of; Jacob Trouba is a better defenseman than Derek Stepan is a center.

If I am going to pay one of these guys $6.5 million a year, it would be Trouba (eventually). You would get a guy playing 25 minutes a night on the top pair with McDonagh, going against the best players in hockey. Stepan is a solid player with many intangibles, but hasn’t played up to his lofty contract, in the regular season or the playoffs. These are just a few scenarios I came up with myself. All of this will probably be sorted out sooner, rather than later. Stepan’s no trade clause kicks in on July 1, so he can’t breathe easy until then.

Gorton Doesn’t Appear Willing to Trade NYR 1st Rd Pick

In an interview discussing the expansion draft and the upcoming NHL draft, Gorton made it fairly clear that the Rangers are excited finally have and make a pick in the 1st round. Interview is below.

“This is a key period for us” – #NYR GM Jeff Gorton talks expansion draft, NHL draft, the off-season & more. #NYRDraft coverage pres by @SAP pic.twitter.com/3IwDp3hR1v

— New York Rangers (@NYRangers) June 23, 2017

Cap Hit and Contract Situation

First, his contract plays a big role in either scenario. He carries a $6.5 million cap hit for the next four years. A lot of people will argue that he makes too much money for someone that produces the points that a second line center gets. There is some truth to that. Second line types, like Derick Brassard or Artem Anisimov (mid 50’s point range), make in the 5 million dollar range. Another factor is his no movement clause. As of July 1, Stepan has a full no-movement clause for two years. Before that date, he can be traded to any team in the NHL without his permission. After July 1, total control shifts to Stepan for the next two years, which is followed by two years where he submits a list of 15 teams he will not accept a trade to. If the Rangers want to move him without any issues arising, it has to be this month.

On-Ice Play and Matchups

To be fair, when you look at Stepan’s game, you have to look at everything he brings to the table. Besides playing against top centers, he is a primary penalty killer and has always been on the power play unit. A closer look at the power play statistics show us that he isn’t very productive on the man advantage. Last year he averaged approximately 3 minutes a game when the Rangers had the power play and had 4 goals and 14 assists. The previous year he averaged 2:36, and had 5 goals and 9 assists.

The Rangers power play production has been in the bottom half of the league the last 2 years. And it’s certainly not one man’s fault. But, it has gotten so progressively worse, that change is now a must. Two of the biggest issues this unit has is a lack of right handed players and too many playmakers. They lack people who think about pulling the trigger first. Stepan is one of the few righties on the team and is also very much a pass first player. And therein lies the contradiction in possibly trading him. If Stepan is to stay on this team and continue to receive power play minutes shooting more must be drilled into his head.

Stepan endured a very streaky season this past year. He had a 23 game goal drought that stretched from January into March. He has had 4 double digit goal-less streaks in his career. Even though he is more playmaker than goal scorer, he is at an age when consistency should not be this much of an issue. But, he is a heat shield of sorts for the other Rangers centers by going up against the other teams best players. Kevin Hayes, Mika Zibanejad and Oscar Lindberg all get to reap the rewards of playing against less than top pair defensemen, and first line forwards for the most part. If Stepan wasn’t there, how would these 3 fair against better players? Would they mature and thrive, or would they struggle with more responsibility?These are some of the things a GM has to look at when making such a huge decision.

Stepan has never been a 50% faceoff man and his percentage gets worse in the playoffs. But, he is a great leader and reliable defensive player. It seems like for every negative, there is a positive. If Ranger management feels Hayes, Zibanejad and Lindberg can be the teams’ top 3 centers, then a trade is more likely. Lindberg has been a scorer in the past in Sweden and Hartford. Can he be a 20/20 man? Can he kill penalties? These are all things that have to be taken into account.

Now, What Could They Get For Him That Makes Sense?

A right handed defenseman would be the first choice for most. Could they get Justin Faulk for him? What about Jacob Trouba? Carolina would want a lot from the Rangers for Faulk and he would almost certainly cost more than just Stepan. In Trouba’s case, the Jets and Rangers would have to involve a third team to make that happen. The Jets seem to want a left defenseman, in the same age group as Trouba. In my opinion, I would give up any Ranger forward to make that type of trade for Trouba. But it takes 2 to tango, and adding a third team adds to the complication. Another option is trading Stepan for a better center. This would entail other assets going to the other team. The one thing I don’t see happening, at this point, is simply trading him for picks to open cap room.

Whatever happens, the organization will have to weigh the positive and negative ramifications of trading or not trading him. Other factors will surely be how many of Kevin Klein, Dan Girardi and Marc Staal could be moved out. Staal will be very difficult if not impossible. But if Gorton pulls a rabbit out of his hat, and trades Staal, then keeping Stepan seems more likely.

Cutting ties with a homegrown player, who is a big part of the leadership group, is major surgery. If there was ever a time that major surgery would happen to the team, this is it. A disappointing playoff exit, and an expansion draft are the “perfect storm” of factors to spur aggressive player movement throughout the league.

The Rangers have announced that the center of the GAG (Goal A Game) Line will have his jersey retired next season. Jean Ratelle‘s number 19 will join his longtime linemate Rod Gilbert to the Garden’s rafters.

Per the NYPOST:

“To have your sweater retired is the greatest honor a player can receive. You can’t ask for more than that,” the universally admired Hall of Fame center said by phone. “I’m really looking forward to being back at the Garden. My family will be with me. I’m going to enjoy it.”

Ratelle scored 817 points in 862 regular season games in NY and added 42 points in 65 playoff games as well.

Justin Faulk Available?

It is no secret that the Rangers are in the market for a top pairing right handed defenseman. Enter 24 year old offensive stud, Justin Faulk…but is he really available?

Avs had a scout at Hurricanes game today. Justin Faulk is in play I hear

— Adrian Dater (@adater) February 12, 2017

Adrian Dater has been covering the Avalanche for awhile, but even if Faulk is “said” to be in play it doesn’t mean that Hurricanes aren’t just saying that to start trade talks with teams about other players.

However, if he is available then the Rangers should make every effort to go after him. Listen, if the Rangers would consider parting with any of their young forwards for upcoming UFA, Kevin Shattenkirk I’d rather go for the younger and more talented Faulk.

Adding Grit….Alex Burrows

Larry Brooks recently noted that the Rangers may look to add Alex Burrows of the Vancouver Canucks on the cheap at the deadline. If the price is right, I am all for it…as I was when I posted it way back on November 21st!

The 35 year old RW is a reliable penalty killer and plays with a lot of grit. The biggest hurdle is his 4.5M cap hit, which the Rangers would be responsible for 1.25M at this point according to CapFriendly.

Burrows will be a UFA at the end of the year and is already being identified as a rental. According to the Vancouver Sun, they believe Montreal and the Rangers are likely suitors. He has 19 goals in 70 playoff games, which would be the most obvious reason either would consider adding him.

Lastly, he is an Alain Vigneault guy and they may both would love another run at the Cup together.  In their quest for Lord Stanley in 2011, Burrows scored 9 goals and had 17 points in 25 games for AV.

Burrows has a no trade clause, but you can easily see him waive it for the Rangers. Vancouver is rumored to be looking for a draft pick (likely 3rd or higher) for him at the deadline. Looking to acquire him now could raise that price to a 2nd or 3rd definitely.