New York Rangers: Five potential replacements for Oscar Lindberg

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Apr 14, 2017; Saint Paul, MN, USA; Minnesota Wild forward Martin Hanzal (19) takes the faceofff in the first period against the St Louis Blues in game two of the first round of the 2017 Stanley Cup Playoffs at Xcel Energy Center. Mandatory Credit: Brad Rempel-USA TODAY Sports /

Martin Hanzal

Another large center will be available this summer when free agency starts, and it is a player the Rangers have been linked to in the past. Martin Hanzal, a 30-year old veteran, could be a solution to the Rangers bottom-six dilemma.

Hanzal goes against the Rangers new philosophy of building a team around speed and skill. However, he would immediately become a key cog on the penalty kill, and assume the role as the team’s best face-off center. His deployment would mirror that of Dominic Moore’s in seasons past.

Hanzal’s game is not without offensive upside, as the Czech native has registered 39 and 41 points in his last two seasons, despite playing less than a full schedule. His presence in the Rangers’ bottom-six most importantly would bring much needed defensive dependability that would be left behind with Lindberg’s departure.

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