Rangers Journalist breaks silence on 3 major moves coming to New York

While most options listed are bargain options, there is one dream option that could help skyrocket the team into post-season contention. However, some players could bring in great value at an affordable price.

While Steven Stamkos may be past his prime, he could be a great veteran addition. His last contract was $8.5 Million AAV and in the latter part of his career, his AAV could be lower than the last two seasons which he earned only $6.5 Million AAV.

While he is considered a dream pickup, because it's likely he re-signs with the Tampa Bay Lightning, you can still hold out hope and nothing is in stone yet.

The Rangers could be on Stamkos' shortlist, should he be available as a free agent, only a series away from a Stanley Cup Finals appearance.

The Rangers need to a hard-hitting player to help declaw the Panthers and their brutal game. Joshua could be the answer to help outmuscle the Panthers and make it past the two-time Eastern Conference Champions next season.

According to Alexander MacClean of Dobber Hockey, Joshua's next contract could be an affordable $2.360 Million AAV.

Joshua won't produce at a Stamkos level, but scored 32 points( 18 G, 14 A) in 63 Games, with a plus/minus of +19, with the Vancouver Canucks.

He could be a legitimate secondary-scoring addition on the bottom six for the Rangers. He also plays a bruising game, like Matt Rempe as he was generous with hits during the season, totaling 319.

Should GM Kevyn Adams decide not to sign Henri Jokiharju, he could always end up trading the defenseman's signing rights, as an RFA.

It's likely he will have a difficult time carving out a spot in Buffalo's lineup with the new depth arriving slowly. While Jokiharju won't be a gamebreaker, or the next Quinn Hughes, he has untapped potential the Rangers could use as a two-way defenseman and doesn't lack in productivity, despite being the odd man out.

With the depth available to the Sabres, with Bowen Byram, Connor Clifton, Owen Power, Rasmus Dahlin, Mattias Samuelson and Ryan Johnson, it's likely that Jokiharju would end up being a 7th defenseman in the lineup.

Jokiharju watched 49 goals go into the net at 74 games, at even strength which was 19 less than the 2022-2023 season, in 60 outings.

Jokiharju is above-average while a team is shorthanded, and was a +14 at even strength for Buffalo Sabres.

He's not an exciting player, but has a basic-game which works and offers value at again, a discount. While it's unlikely a team will sign him in July, whoever wants the defenseman, will have to trade for him. And it would be worth it.

Source: Blue Line Station
One dream, one realistic, and one bargain player the NY Rangers must target in NHL free agency