New York Rangers: Predicting changes on defense

Logan Clements-

Ryan McDonagh – Kevin Shattenkirk

Brady Skjei – Brendan Smith

Alexei Bereglazov –Paul Postma

Steven Kampfer

I believe that the Rangers are ready to part ways with Girardi and Staal, and will do anything from buyouts to bribing Vegas to move them. This will open several spots in the Rangers’ top four and will free up cap space.

I think that the Rangers will go big on Kevin Shattenkirk during the offseason, especially since Shattenkirk has been linked to the Rangers for as long as I can remember. Shattenkirk would be a perfect fit as he is a top pairing and right-handed defenseman.

Considering the Rangers paid a high price for Brendan Smith, I believe that they will re-sign him at some point after the expansion draft, instead of letting him walk in free agency.

Bereglazov has an out clause in his contract if he is sent to the AHL, which probably means that he will be on the opening night roster.

Paul Postma is someone that I threw in there as he would be a smart bargain bin addition. However, this is probably the biggest reach here. Whether the Rangers sign him or not, the sixth defenseman spot will likely be determined during the preseason.

Kampfer was extended for two years before the season ended, which means he likely will end up as the Rangers’ seventh defenseman going forward.