Rangers GM Chris Drury struggling to fine Erik Gustafsson's replacement
Rangers general manager Chris Drury has been analyzing players who could replace Erik Gustafsson who signed a two-year $4 million contract with the Detroit Red Wings.
Gustafsson, was a third pairing defenceman who handled the penalty kill minutes Along with the shutdown role who had A1 year contract for $825,000. He had 31 points including six goals and 25 assists and averaged 17 minutes and 23 seconds in ice time and was involved in all 16 games during the playoffs.
It's safe to say he was a workforce for the money that he made and will be difficult to replace. Drury Has several options at his disposal including players in unrestricted free agency, and within the organization along with their AHL affiliate, the Hartford Wolf Pack.
One player that comes to mind is Ben Harpur. The 29-year-old defenseman has a salary cap hit of $787,000. Standing at six foot six 230 lbs with 198 games under his belt would certainly be a player who could help head coach Peter Laviolette in that role. Even though he suffered an injury mid season, it's likely he will be ready for next year he could find himself on the Rangers roster full time.
Another is Adam Boqvist, who is currently an unrestricted free agent after playing for the Columbus Blue Jackets. The biggest knock on him is his injury trouble however, he could be a solid reclamation project for the Rangers, he could offer him a low contract of just under a $1 million, as he possesses skill
and had 24 points in 46 games in the 2022-2023 season.
It remains to be seen on what Drury will do next, but one thing is for certain he will need to address the whole that he has on his defence core sooner rather than later.
| POLL | ||
Who do you think would be a better fit for the Rangers? | ||
| Ben Harpur | 26 | 21.8 % |
| Adam Boqvist | 15 | 12.6 % |
| Neither of them | 78 | 65.5 % |
| List of polls | ||
