5 remaining UFAs who the Rangers and Chris Drury could target

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Joshua Deeds
July 4, 2024 (5:53 PM)

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NHL Free Agency has been a flurry, as teams spent $1.2 Billion in cap space commitments.

The first day of 2024's free agency in the NHL on Monday was marked by $1.2 billion in total salary commitments, according to salary cap website CapFriendly. The figure is a one-day league record, and the NHL's first 24-hour period with at least $1 billion in player spending.

Major pieces such as Vladimir Tarasenko, Steve Stamkos, Tyler Toffoli, and others have been taken off the board, as the frenzy has been swift.

There are 5 remaining UFA forwards of whom the New York Rangers could ostensibly sign for an affordable price.

Here we have a look at the Top 5 remaining UFA forwards, as of Wednesday evening, based on points-per-game, as provided by CapFriendly.

Daniel Sprong
Alex Nylander
James van Riemsdyk
Max Pacioretty
Tyler Johnson

Daniel Sprong cold arguably be the most economical addition for any team looking for a 3rd liner, who could be used in power-play situations. He has 39 goals and 89 points in the last two seasons, utilized primarily in the bottom six with the Seattle Kraken and Detroit Red Wings. His next contract is projected at $4.1 M AAV by AFP Analytics.

The next great choice could be William's brother, Alex Nylander who notched 11 goals in 21 games with the Columbus Blue Jackets, who was a part of the Emil Bemstrom trade with the Penguins.

Nylander wasn't given a qualifying offer surprisingly.

Next up on the laundry list of available forwards is former Philadelphia Flyer and Boston Bruins, James Van Riemsdyk, who is no longer the 30-goal scorer of the past. He may not be the scorer you need for the top line, but could be useful on the bottom six and is projected for a $1.2 M-$1.5 M contract.

Tyler Johnson is on the hunt for a contender and considers himself the best in playoff situations. The New York Rangers could find use for him, as he has 116 games of playoff experience, was added by Chicago for a veteran presence, and is now without a contract. He added 17 goals in 67 games with the Blackhawks.

Lastly, there is former Vegas Golden Knight, Max Pacioretty who has been bouncing around the NHL due to injury concerns. The 35-year old when healthy was a point-per-game scorer with the Knights, as a sniper. Should the Rangers take the chance, it could pay off but the risk is still there.

In the prior two NHL seasons, he posted 19 goals and 39 points, and 24 goals before that in 2021-2022.

Source: NHL Trade Rumors
Top 5 Remaining Unrestricted Free Agent Forwards

Source: Front Office Sports
NBA and NHL Free Agency: Billions in New Deals Despite Economic Unrest