New York Rangers: Who will be lost in the Expansion Draft?

Ben Whitney- Oscar Lindberg

Oscar Lindberg is the New York Rangers player most likely to be taken by the Las Vegas Golden Knights in the upcoming expansion draft.

If the Rangers protect the seven expected forwards, Jesper Fast and Oscar Lindberg are the top two options for Las Vegas. While Fast is a more complete and accomplished two way player, Lindberg has more offensive potential and a higher ceiling. Lindberg is still young enough to develop into a number three or maybe even a number two center.

But Nash comes off the books after next season and the Rangers don’t have many guys signed past the 2018-19 season. Stepan is not going anywhere.

Michael Grabner looked like a candidate early, but his late season goal scoring drought hurt his chances. He will also be thirty in October and is only signed for one more year. An expansion team will surely take a more long-term approach.

Antti Raanta is a possibility but I think Las Vegas will have other options in net. There’s a team still playing in Pittsburgh that can only protect one of their two stellar goaltenders.

Next: Who should the Rangers sign this off-season?

There are a lot of ways the Golden Knights can go with the Rangers, but I think Lindberg is the guy who will head west. His strong playoff performance will convince GM George McPhee to bring Lindberg to the desert.