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New York Rangers: Five Players Who Will Join the 2017-18 Roster

By Garrett Gartino

Sep 22, 2015; Philadelphia, PA, USA; New York Rangers defenseman Ryan Graves (58) in a game against the Philadelphia Flyers at Wells Fargo Center. The Flyers won 5-3. Mandatory Credit: Bill Streicher-USA TODAY Sports
Sep 22, 2015; Philadelphia, PA, USA; New York Rangers defenseman Ryan Graves (58) in a game against the Philadelphia Flyers at Wells Fargo Center. The Flyers won 5-3. Mandatory Credit: Bill Streicher-USA TODAY Sports /
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Feb 25, 2017; Toronto, Ontario, CAN; Toronto Maple Leafs defenseman Roman Polak (46) comes off the ice after a loss to the Montreal Canadiens at the Air Canada Centre. Montreal defeated Toronto 3-2 in overtime. Mandatory Credit: John E. Sokolowski-USA TODAY Sports
Feb 25, 2017; Toronto, Ontario, CAN; Toronto Maple Leafs defenseman Roman Polak (46) comes off the ice after a loss to the Montreal Canadiens at the Air Canada Centre. Montreal defeated Toronto 3-2 in overtime. Mandatory Credit: John E. Sokolowski-USA TODAY Sports /

Roman Polak

It seems like every year Roman Polak’s name surfaces attached to the Rangers around the trade deadline. Yet, up until this point there has been no real traction in acquiring his services. That all may change this upcoming offseason.

Standing 6 feet 2 inches tall, and weighing in at 235lbs, Polak has maintained his status as a stay-at-home defenseman. Polak’s right-handedness would give Alain Vigneault another option to balance his defensive pairings. Also, his game mirrors that of Dan Girardi’s, with his primary value coming from his grit and other intangibles.

He won’t be the saving grace of the Rangers’ defensive group. Heck, he might not even be a member of the starting lineup most nights. He will be turning 31 before this seasons ends, and is best fit as a team’s seventh defenseman. If the Rangers choose to let Adam Clendening leave this offseason, Polak may be the team’s first option.

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