New York Rangers: Five free agents that must be avoided

Kris Russell-

The New York Rangers are looking to fix the defense, but signing Kris Russell would be more of the same. Russell is a defenseman known for blocking shots, but having poor possession numbers.

The Rangers already have a player on the roster who is a shot blocker with poor possession numbers, and he’s likely a goner. Today’s NHL requires speed, and winning the puck possession battle.

Russell’s corsi for over the last three years is 43.6%. To put that in perspective, Dan Girardi’s corsi for last season was 44%.

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Russell is only 30, and might be a popular option to fill a back end spot on a team’s blueline. For some reason, coach Alain Vigneault seems to favor these kind of defensemen.

However, Jeff Gorton can’t even give Vigneault that option. Gorton needs to fill the defense with quick, youthful players who have good puck possession skills. Russell doesn’t fit that mold.