Transaction: Rangers targeting multiple Golden Knights free agents this summer
The New York Rangers now have $12.8 Million in cap space to work with, as a result of Barclay Goodrow being waived.
They will have to be smart with their money, as they have to decide what holes to plug are necessary, of which the top-line winger role is a necessity.
They need someone who could fit in with Mika Zibenajad and Chris Kreider, to help jumpstart the first line once again.
With just $1.2 Million in cap space, as the Vegas Golden Knights are cash-strapped they will have to let some UFAs walk, to which the New York Rangers should take advantage of.
Here are some Free-Agents who could do so:
Anthony Mantha is a prototypical power-forward whose skills will be sought after and signed his last contract in Detroit, before being traded to Washington, then Vegas.
The 6'5" winger, scored 58 points split between the Washington Capitals and Vegas Golden Knights. He has of course not lived up to his $5.7 Million AAV price tag, which means he could be an affordable option for the Rangers.
Mantha's 54.41 CF% in Vegas and 50.47 CF% in Washington shows his puck possession capabilities will be in the top of whatever team he is on, he just has to find a way to be consistent again.
Marchessault of course, an original Vegas Golden Knights misfit who has been with the team since its inception will likely be available. He won the Conne Smythe Trophy in 2023 after the team's first Stanley Cup win.
He may not have the size Drury is after, at 5'9" but has a post-season pedigree not many have.
The 33-year-old is a UFA who had a price tag of $5 Million AAV and is a 40+ goal scorer in 2023-2024. He seems likely to command the same price tag as he turns 34 this year. His shot, and his ability to finish would be welcome in New York, right alongside Mika Zibanejad and Chris Kreider.
Chandler Stephenson could be an interesting option for the New York Rangers, as he has tallied two 60-point seasons in the last two seasons, with 2023-204 only scoring 51. Not a meager downgrade, but still a down year.
However at a $2.75 Million AAV price tag, he is due a raise, he has size at 6', 209 pounds, and is great at the face-off circle, with a 52.6% win percentage.
Stephenson is versatile and can be moved up and down the lineup, he may not be a top-six material necessarily, but could be a great bottom-six option if need be.
Role Players
With Goodrow's departure, the Rangers will have to fill a hole in the bottom six, and the Golden Knights have another option in William Carrier.
Carrier has been a reliable presence for the Knights in post-season play, with a 6'2", 220-pound build is a heavy forechecker, and is great at 5v5 with a 53.89 CF%.
When healthy he is a reliable option, but only played 39 games this season in Vegas.
His teammate, Michael Amadio might be a good signing as well, at 6'1, scoring 27 points in his last two seasons with Vegas. Both 16 and 14 goal seasons.
These two would prove to be affordable option for the Rangers, while adding the secondary scoring needed on the bottom-six.
The Rangers desperately need help and the Vegas Golden Knights have a plethora of forwards to choose from.
Source: The Hockey Writers
Rangers Should Target These Vegas Golden Knights in Free Agency
| POLL | ||
Who should the Rangers sign? | ||
| Jonathan Marchessault | 161 | 76.7 % |
| William Carrier | 12 | 5.7 % |
| Chandler Stephenson | 31 | 14.8 % |
| Michael Amadio | 6 | 2.9 % |
| List of polls | ||
