New York Rangers Players Who Won't Be Back Next Season
The New York Rangers ended their season disappointingly, after winning the Presidents Trophy. Exiting the 3rd round, after a sound defeat by the Florida Panthers.
The Rangers currently have $12.1 Million, with 12 players under team control, while others will hit free agency.
Alex Wennberg
One free agent the team can afford to move on from is the late-season pickup from the Seattle Kraken, Alex Wennberg. He proved to be a great regular-season player, but in the playoffs couldn't cut it, with just one goal and one assist. He was a great defensive, bottom-six option, however.
As the team has little cap space to work with, and Wennberg possibly commanding $4 Million in salary, the team will have to cut ties with the Center, as they're set down the middle, with Vinnie Troecheck, Mika Zibanejad, and Filip Chytil.
After losing Blake Wheeler, as a top-six forward, the Rangers would bring in Jack Roslovic to fill the hole left by injury. Roslovic came from the Columbus Blue Jackets in trade, and hasn't been able to find his best self on ice in recent years.
Roslovic started out originally in the top-six, but would eventually fall into the 3rd and 4th lines demonstrating ineffectiveness during key times, in the playoffs. Roslovic likely didn't fit Laviolette's system.
Blake Wheeler
Blake Wheeler was brought in originally as a bottom-six forward, but due to Kaapo Kakko's regression his role changed greatly. In 54 games with the Rangers, he scored 9 goals and 21 points and would miss the rest of the season thanks to a leg injury. With many young players ready to be promoted, like Brennan Othmann, the Rangers should consider cutting ties with Wheeler as they need help on the bottom-six.
One move the Rangers faithful will not like, is the idea of moving one from Ryan Lindgren, who was a piece in the Rick Nash trade. A top-pairing warrior has become a fan favorite. But his injury history is troubling and could spell trouble for the Rangers, due to the significant amount of time he's missed.
The Rangers should consider promoting Zac Jones, if Lindgren open to signing a team-friendly deal. Let him walk.
Kaapo Kakko
The last player the team should consider letting walk, is Kaapo Kakko who ultimately could end up being a huge bust, when it comes to draft capital.
Kakko hasn't lived up to his potential despite being paired with multiple stars in the Rangers system, and has had to live on the 3rd line recently.
The Rangers have been patient with the 1st round pick in hopes he'd develop, but it just hasn't panned out. With Kakko being an RFA, if he is signed, it should be a part of a trade and sign deal, as Kakko's production doesn't warrant the salary he will command in 2024-2025.
Source: Big Oak Bay
5 New York Raпgers That Woп't Be Back Next Seasoп � hofa
| POLL | ||
Who of these 5 should the Rangers Sign? | ||
| Alex Wennberg | 97 | 16 % |
| Blake Wheeler | 32 | 5.3 % |
| Kaapo Kakko | 217 | 35.8 % |
| None | 260 | 42.9 % |
| List of polls | ||
