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New York Rangers’ five biggest needs the rest of the offseason

By Garrett Gartino

Mandatory Credit: James Guillory-USA TODAY Sports
Mandatory Credit: James Guillory-USA TODAY Sports /
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Feb 28, 2017; New York, NY, USA; Washington Capitals defenseman Kevin Shattenkirk (22) skates against the New York Rangers during the second period at Madison Square Garden. Mandatory Credit: Brad Penner-USA TODAY Sports
Feb 28, 2017; New York, NY, USA; Washington Capitals defenseman Kevin Shattenkirk (22) skates against the New York Rangers during the second period at Madison Square Garden. Mandatory Credit: Brad Penner-USA TODAY Sports /

Revamp the defense

Well this one was rather to guess, wasn’t it? The New York Rangers’ biggest problem the last two seasons has been their defense. The process has begun with Dan Girardi’s buyout and Kevin Klein’s seemingly imminent retirement to play overseas. Heading into the draft and free agency, this is where GM Jeff Gorton must focus his energy the most. 

Among the rumored options to fix the Rangers’ defensive woes is New York native Kevin Shattenkirk. The right-handed defenseman represents the first viable partner for captain Ryan McDonagh on the team’s top pairing. Shattenkirk will be highly sought after in the free agent market, with the Rangers looking to be the early favorites to acquire his services. 

Next: New York Rangers: Alex Galchenyuk could be a trade target

Through the trade market the Rangers options are much more vague. However, young players waiting such as Ryan Graves, Alexei Bereglazov, and Neal Pionk could be useful on their cost-controlled contracts.

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