Could the New York Rangers Try to Sign Brian Campbell?

The New York Rangers must now be on the lookout for a new offensive minded defenseman. Could the Florida Panthers other UFA defenseman be a possible fit?

After the New York Rangers traded Keith Yandle’s UFA rights to the Florida Panthers on Monday night, the team’s search for a new puck moving defenseman began. For better or for worse, the Rangers weren’t going to feel comfortable giving Keith Yandle the projected 7 years and $45.5 million dollars it would probably take to get him in back in a Blueshirt’s uniform for this season and beyond. If they knew they weren’t going to bring him back, it was a good move to get a pick or two for him.

While technically the Rangers could still sign him if the Panthers don’t by July 1st, it is highly unlikely, meaning the Rangers will have to get a puck moving defenseman elsewhere. Surely with all the players the team is listening to offers for, they may be able to get their next offensive defenseman through trade.

Or maybe they can find one on the free agent market.

Other than Keith Yandle, there are very few UFA defensemen that fit that mold, one of which being veteran defender Brian Campbell.

Campbell has been around the block quite a few times. He just turned 37 years old and is coming off an 8-year deal which earned him $7.14 million dollars a season. The age is going to turn a lot of people off, but the elder statesman from Strathroy, Ontario, Canada can still play.

Campbell was very reliable last season for a team as young as the Panthers are. He tallied 6 goals and 25 assists to go along with a Corsi For Percentage of 52.5% and a +31 rating, which ranked 3rd in the NHL.

Campbell has been fairly consistent throughout his career. He has not had less than 27 points in a season in which he played more than 20 games since 2003-2004 with the Buffalo Sabres. Campbell has played for a bunch of teams throughout his career, including the Sabres, Panthers, San Jose Sharks, and the Chicago Blackhawks.

It has been rumored that Campbell wants to return to Chi-Town, where he won a Stanley Cup in 2009-2010. I believe that this has more to do with wanting to play for a contending team than only wanting to sign with the Blackhawks. If the Rangers can convince him that they can still contend, I’d imagine he would entertain the thought of signing to play on Broadway.

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Campbell will not make anywhere close to the $7.14 million a year he made on his last contract due to his age and slight, yet inevitable decline. A contract in the $4.5-$5 million range sounds more realistic, with possibly 2 or 3 years attached to it. For a contender, he may be willing to take a discount considering his age and desire to win another Stanley Cup.

This signing would go against mostly everything the Rangers front office has said about what they want to do with the roster this offseason. The team wants to get younger and letting the 29-year-old Yandle go, only to bring in a 37-year-old Campbell would be counter productive in that regard. This move would definitely not be their first choice, but this offseason is going to be filled with lots of player movement via free agency and trades, so things can change depending on the trade and UFA markets.

Next: New York Rangers: Yandle Trade Too Little, Too Late

For a lot of people, this will sound like the whole Dan Boyle situation all over again. It is a similar type of player in a very different circumstance. Boyle was a signing made because of a misjudgment of Anton Stralman’s talent. A Campbell signing would be because of a team on the brink of contention, desperate for the puck moving defenseman they let get away.

If it is the last option available to the team, don’t be surprised if they go for it.

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Could the New York Rangers Go After Brian Campbell in Free Agency?

The New York Rangers must now be on the lookout for a new offensive minded defenseman. Could the Florida Panthers other UFA defenseman be a possible fit?

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