Three free agents the New York Rangers should target before it's too late
It's almost time for NHL training camps to fire up, and that means it's PTO season. They signed Jimmy Vesey to a PTO two seasons ago and his arrival has worked out well for the Rangers.
There are three free agents available who the Rangers could add on PTO to add some depth to the lineup.
James Van Riemsdyk signed a one-year deal with the Boston Bruins in 2023-2024. He would end up being a great signing for the team, as a bottom-six forward who scored 38 points(11 G, 27 A). While he's not the same 30-goal scorer he used to be in 2017-2018 he could be an effective addition on either the bottom or top-six in New York.
He plays very well in front of the net and could be used on the 2nd power-play unit as well. While this could be seen as taking an opportunity from one of the Ranger's younger stars, the team is in win-now mode. They need veteran experience on the roster. JVR is the best offensive option left on the market currently.
Labanc was a member of one the NHL's worst teams with the San Jose Sharks of the last few seasons. He hasn't been signed yet after his offensive numbers tanked last year. He went from a 33-point(15 G, 18 A) season in 2022-2023, to a nine-point, two-goal season in 2023-2024. He was once seen as one of the team's best players but didn't fit into the rebuild timeline.
The 28-year-old is now looking for a new home and could use a fresh start and could be a useful addition to the Rangers' bottom-six, and could be versatile enough to play with the Rangers' top players.
He was born in Brooklyn, NY and a PTO with the Rangers would also be a homecoming for the winger.
He would be viewed by any team who signs him next as a reclamation project, and the Rangers could afford to give him that chance.
Kevin Shattenkirk
It seems unlikely with how Shattenkirk and the Rangers parted ways, but the team could bring the reliable two-way defenseman back on a PTO. He was once the big signing in New York in 2017 and even gave the Rangers a discount to play here. But after being mismanaged and two injuries suffered by the defenseman he left in 2019. He would be bought out of his four-year contract, in year two and then would sign with Stanley Cup Champions, the Tampa Bay Lightning.
He spent the last season with the Boston Bruins, scoring 24 points( 6 G, 18 A) in 61 games. At 35 years old, still hasn't signed a new deal as his career is nearing its end. The Rangers don't really need another right-handed defenseman, as they have Adam Fox, Braden Schneider, Jacob Trouba, and Chad Ruhwedel they could add him to make training camp more competitive.
It would be nice to see him in his hometown team's uniform before he decides to call it a career.
While these aren't the top names on the market, they could still provide some needed play should the Rangers experience injuries and contribute. They can also perform and elevate the game of others at training camp.
Source: The Hockey Writers
3 Players the New York Rangers Need to Sign to PTOs
| POLL | ||
SEPTEMBRE 2 | 72 ANSWERS Three free agents the New York Rangers should target before it's too late Who sign the Rangers sign to a PTO? | ||
| Kevin Shattenkirk | 28 | 38.9 % |
| JVR | 35 | 48.6 % |
| Kevin Labanc | 9 | 12.5 % |
| List of polls | ||
