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New York Rangers Who Could Be Playing Final Games With The Team

By Dan Miceli |
Nov 12, 2015; New York, NY, USA; New York Rangers defenseman Dan Girardi (5) is congratulated after scoring a goal against the St. Louis Blues during the third period of an NHL hockey game at Madison Square Garden. The Rangers defeated the Blues 6-3. Mandatory Credit: Adam Hunger-USA TODAY Sports
Nov 12, 2015; New York, NY, USA; New York Rangers defenseman Dan Girardi (5) is congratulated after scoring a goal against the St. Louis Blues during the third period of an NHL hockey game at Madison Square Garden. The Rangers defeated the Blues 6-3. Mandatory Credit: Adam Hunger-USA TODAY Sports
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Mandatory Credit: Adam Hunger-USA TODAY Sports
Mandatory Credit: Adam Hunger-USA TODAY Sports /

As we head into the 2017 Stanley Cup Playoffs, we take a closer look at the New York Rangers roster. There isn’t any doubt that Jeff Gorton and his crew are already actively looking at next year’s roster. As soon as the Rangers season officially ends, expect the moves to start happening.

With the expansion draft looming, teams are going to be forced to make tough choices this offseason. Whether moving players before the expansion draft to gain some assets, or to start a rebuild, this summer will be a busy one. Here are the pieces that Jeff Gorton will look to move this offseason.

Nov 13, 2016; Edmonton, Alberta, CAN; New York Rangers goaltender Antti Raanta (32) follows the play against the Edmonton Oilers at Rogers Place. Mandatory Credit: Perry Nelson-USA TODAY Sports
Nov 13, 2016; Edmonton, Alberta, CAN; New York Rangers goaltender Antti Raanta (32) follows the play against the Edmonton Oilers at Rogers Place. Mandatory Credit: Perry Nelson-USA TODAY Sports /

Antti Raanta

Antti Raanta has had a career year, proving that he is a very capable NHL goaltender. This could be similar to the Cam Talbot situation, where he proved himself and became a starting goaltender for another team.

During the stretch this year, Raanta was as dependable as they come. Many have called for Raanta to start over Lundqvist, which gives an idea of how solid he has been in net all season. Raanta is facing a similar situation as Michael Grabner.

Since he will not likely be protected in the expansion draft, Raanta is a top target for a team like Las Vegas. I would venture to guess that he fetches somewhere between $2.5 and $3.5 million, depending on the term of the contract. Vegas would be happy to pay that for a goaltender that has been as good as any backup this year.

Mar 18, 2017; Saint Paul, MN, USA; New York Rangers defenseman Brendan Smith (42) against the Minnesota Wild at Xcel Energy Center. The Rangers defeated the Wild 3-2. Mandatory Credit: Brace Hemmelgarn-USA TODAY Sports
Mar 18, 2017; Saint Paul, MN, USA; New York Rangers defenseman Brendan Smith (42) against the Minnesota Wild at Xcel Energy Center. The Rangers defeated the Wild 3-2. Mandatory Credit: Brace Hemmelgarn-USA TODAY Sports /

Brendan Smith

Although many think Smith is going to remain a Ranger after this post season, there are no guarantees that he will be back. From all indications, it seems that Alain Vigneault llikes the play of the former Red Wing.

The 28 year old is a reliable defender who probably won’t contribute much offensively, but can safely play second pair minutes. Teams won’t hesitate to scoop up Smith, who probably won’t demand a massive contract.

If the Rangers manage to keep Smith in New York, expect him to get anywhere between $3 and $4 million depending on term.

Dec 20, 2016; Pittsburgh, PA, USA; New York Rangers right wing Michael Grabner (40) carries the puck up ice against the Pittsburgh Penguins during the first period at the PPG PAINTS Arena. The Penguins won 7-2. Mandatory Credit: Charles LeClaire-USA TODAY Sports
Dec 20, 2016; Pittsburgh, PA, USA; New York Rangers right wing Michael Grabner (40) carries the puck up ice against the Pittsburgh Penguins during the first period at the PPG PAINTS Arena. The Penguins won 7-2. Mandatory Credit: Charles LeClaire-USA TODAY Sports /

Michael Grabner

With the expansion draft looming and his stock at an all-time high, it would be silly of Jeff Gorton not to explore the possibility of moving Grabner. The 27-goal scorer is having a career year with the Rangers, who currently have him signed through the end of next season.

Grabner isn’t expected to be one of the Rangers protected by the expansion draft. Even though his offensive production has been a massive boost to the Rangers’ offense, his production can’t be expected to last. We are already seeing glimpses of an offensive dry spell.

That being said, a 20+ goal scorer on a contract worth less than $2 million per year is almost unheard of. Gorton should have no shortage of teams interested in the speedy winger. If no teams are interested, Las Vegas would be stupid to not snatch him as fast as they can.

Mar 18, 2017; Saint Paul, MN, USA; New York Rangers forward Rick Nash (61) against the Minnesota Wild at Xcel Energy Center. The Rangers defeated the Wild 3-2. Mandatory Credit: Brace Hemmelgarn-USA TODAY Sports
Mar 18, 2017; Saint Paul, MN, USA; New York Rangers forward Rick Nash (61) against the Minnesota Wild at Xcel Energy Center. The Rangers defeated the Wild 3-2. Mandatory Credit: Brace Hemmelgarn-USA TODAY Sports /

Rick Nash

With a few seasons as a Ranger under his belt, Rick Nash seems to be entering his final minutes on Broadway. Always known as an offensive juggernaut, Nash has failed to repeat his 40+ goal performance from 2014-15. The Rangers will have a tough time replacing his all-around game, but Nash’s contract would open up cap dollars to pay younger players.

Nash would be a welcome addition for most of the teams around the NHL. Teams lacking high end scoring might look to pick up Nash as an experienced spark plug to lead the way.

Carolina seems like a logical trade partner for a Rick Nash deal. If they are willing to part with one of their young defenseman and a draft pick, Nash could very well be in a Hurricane’s jersey next season.

Nov 19, 2015; Tampa, FL, USA; New York Rangers defenseman Dan Girardi (5) shoots the puck against the Tampa Bay Lightning during the third period at Amalie Arena. Tampa Bay Lightning defeated the New York Rangers 2-1. Mandatory Credit: Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports
Nov 19, 2015; Tampa, FL, USA; New York Rangers defenseman Dan Girardi (5) shoots the puck against the Tampa Bay Lightning during the third period at Amalie Arena. Tampa Bay Lightning defeated the New York Rangers 2-1. Mandatory Credit: Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports /

Dan Girardi

It’s time that the Girardi era in New York City ends. Having severely declined since his last contract negotiations, the Rangers recognize that he isn’t worth $5+ million per year anymore. The Girardi buyout is coming; it is only a matter of time.

Teams looking to add a veteran presence in the locker room will look to pick up Girardi. With ample experience and time spent as a top defenseman, he is a great resource for young defenseman to learn the ropes from.

Girardi would be an obvious leadership choice for Las Vegas, although I think it is a safer bet that he will end up with a team in a transition phase like the Buffalo Sabres. Obviously, the Rangers will have to do some convincing to offload Girardi, but Gorton seems to be quite the wheeler and dealer.

Next: New York Rangers’ First Round Preview: Special Teams

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