New York Rangers: Who we want taken in the Expansion Draft

Karly Redpath

Bribe Vegas to take Kevin Klein — lose Antti Raanta — lose Jesper Fast — lose Oscar Lindberg — lose Michael Grabner — lose Brendan Smith’s negotiating rights

In an ideal world, the Rangers would succeed in getting Vegas to somehow pick up Klein. Klein spent most of his season on the bench due to not fitting the Rangers style of play this season.

If Vegas picked up Klein, this would solve a looming problem for the Rangers.

In terms of the other individuals up for grabs, losing Raanta would be the least harmful. Though Raanta is a solid backup goaltender, he is replaceable.

Fast and Lindberg were vital components in the Rangers depth in the bottom six this season. Grabner was one of the Rangers most dangerous goal scorers in 2016-17. Seeing any of them go to Vegas would mean the Rangers would need to find replacements to maintain the success seen this year.

Finally, the most detrimental outcome would be losing Brendan Smith’s rights to Vegas. The choice to protect Nick Holden over Smith was dangerous, and now there is a very real possibility that the Golden Knights could end up with one of the Rangers top defenseman.

Ideal scenario: Smith stays and becomes a part of the core of the Rangers defense. Best case scenario: Smith signs a long-term deal and stays out west. Worst case scenario: he plays in Vegas for a few years, gets shipped a Metropolitan Division team and becomes a threat to the Rangers’ future success.