New York Rangers: Five potential replacements for Oscar Lindberg
The New York Rangers stand to lose a valuable forward at the upcoming 2017 NHL Expansion Draft. Among those that may be plucked away from the team includes the young Swede Oscar Lindberg. Who could fill the role left behind should Lindberg be taken by the Las Vegas Golden Knights?
New York Rangers center Oscar Lindberg missed the start to the 2017 season with an injury. The early results showed the rust left in his game. However, as the season progressed Lindberg proved to be a valuable member of the Rangers’ bottom-six.
Now, the Rangers must prepare themselves with the upcoming expansion draft looming. Should Lindberg be selected by the Las Vegas Golden Knights, the team will be in need of another defensive-minded center. Lets take a look at some of the options available to GM Jeff Gorton.
Boo Nieves
Should the Rangers be left with a hole in their bottom-six, they can look no further than their AHL affiliate. One of the most well-rounded players for the Hartford Whalers, Cristoval (Boo) Nieves, would represent an easy fix.
Nieves stands 6 feet 3 inches tall, and weighs in at a sturdy 210lbs. His frame provides some size to match his game’s tenacity. In fact, Nieves would bring much of the same style that Lindberg has for the past few seasons.
His strong penalty killing and forechecking are part of what make him a fan favorite since his time in college. During his time with the Whalers, Nieves has played extensive minutes against tough assignments. If he hopes to crack the Rangers’ roster for the 2018 season, he’ll be expected to do much of the same.
Brian Boyle
Perhaps a blast from the past is exactly what the Rangers would need to cope with the loss of Lindberg. They could do just that by bringing back big center Brian Boyle.
Boyle departed the Rangers following the 2013-14 season, and has played for the Tampa Bay Lightning and Toronto Maple Leafs since. He has maintained his status as a top-tier penalty killer, while providing an edge for two offensive-minded, developing hockey clubs.
Last season, while splitting time between both the Lightning and Maple Leafs, Boyle amassed 25 points (13G, 12 A). That total marked his highest since scoring 35and 26 points in back to back seasons with the Rangers (2010-2012).
The former fan favorite represents one of the most dependable options on the free-agent market. His skillset would fit nicely, given he is willing to see the lesser role he fled Broadway for three seasons ago. Boyle is 32 years old now, and could be had on an affordable contract.
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.
Vladislav Namestnikov
Should the Rangers choose to engage in trade negotiations, Vladislav Namestnikov is one name that they should pursue. The young center of the Tampa Bay Lightning is likely to be another candidate to be exposed come draft time.
Namestnikov offers a slightly different skillset than Lindberg, as evident by his usage during his time with the Bolts. The young Russian started 58% of his zone starts in his opponents end. This would be a drastic change in role, compared to Lindberg’s usage as a primarily defensive center (55.9dZS%).
However, Namestnikov played in one of the most impressive farm system’s in the NHL, and is no stranger to the penalty kill. If the Rangers intend to keep with their trend of getting younger and faster, Namestnikov represents a high-upside acquisition to consider.
Riley Nash
A lot is going to have to go right for this one to happen, but Riley Nash is one of the most appealing options the Rangers could make a run for. The 28-year old center is coming off of an impressive second half for the Boston Bruins, and his stock is in limbo.
Nash is currently signed to a two-year deal, with the possibility of becoming an expansion candidate the summer. However, with the Bruins forwards enduring through injuries down the playoff stretch, Nash’s role grew to nearly irreplaceable.
Although Nash recorded most point totals for the season (7G, 10A), he played nearly a full complement of games (81) and excelled in the possession game with a 51.8 Corsi-for%. He competed hard in the postseason as well, recording two assists while averaging 55% at the face-off dot during 17:28 of ice time.
Next: New York Rangers: Five potential replacements for Michael Grabner
If the Bruins choose to part ways with Nash, be it through the exposure for the Golden Knights or to gain extra draft picks, the Rangers should explore gaining his services for the 2018 season.