Tyler Motte sees future with New York Rangers
When the New York Rangers reacquired Tyler Motte from the Ottawa Senators near the trade deadline, it fortified the fourth line for the remainder of the season.
Paired with Jimmy Vesey and centered by Barcaly Goodrow, the threesome provided the Rangers with a nice mix of speed, grit, and some skill. During the team’s first round loss to the Devils, they were the only line that could forecheck effectively on a consistent basis.
Heading into next season, the Rangers will be faced with a number of challenges to fill out the roster due to limited cap space. They may also be forced to trade Goodrow, who has 4 years remaining on his deal with an AAV of $3.6 million and only a modified no-trade clause.
If that’s the case, re-signing Motte becomes imperative.
Tyler Motte sees future with Rangers
Motte, 28, really impressed in his second post trade deadline stint with the Blueshirts.
Last season, after being acquired from the Vancouver Canucks, he injured his shoulder 9 games in. Although the aggressive forward returned later in the first-round against the Penguins, he still didn’t seem 100% healthy.
This time around, Motte showed what he could do by registering 5 goals and 5 assists in 24 regular season contests with the Rangers. For the season split with Ottawa, he notched 19 points in 62 games.
“I love this city and I love this group,” Motte said. “You never know who’s going to be back in the locker room at the beginning of each year. But this is one I’d love to be a part of.”
According to USA Today reporter Vince Mercogliano, Motte relayed that his exit interview with Chris Drury went well. Motte also added that there’s a possibility of a deal prior to him becoming a UFA in July.
After being eliminated in the Eastern Conference Final by the Tampa Bay Lightning in 2021-22, the Rangers wanted to retain Motte. Unfortunately, the two sides weren’t able to work things out thanks to limited cap space.
New York wasn’t the only team having cap issues and after the top free agents went it left Motte without a home until mid September. That’s when the Senators came calling with a one-year deal worth $1.35M.
If Drury is willing to give Motte some security in terms of years on his contract, I believe the Rangers could land him at a similar AAV.
The bottom line is that the Rangers need more players like Motte who are willing to do the dirty work to generate momentum and agitate opponents. They also need capable penalty killers and he fits the bill perfectly.
My best guess is that the Rangers and Motte will come to terms soon on at least a 3-year deal with an AAV around $1.25M to $1.55M.
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