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New York Rangers: Five non-tendered free agents that could be targeted

By John Williams

Oct 25, 2016; St. Louis, MO, USA; St. Louis Blues right wing Nail Yakupov (64) handles the puck against the Calgary Flames during the first period at Scottrade Center. The Flames won 4-1. Mandatory Credit: Jeff Curry-USA TODAY Sports
Oct 25, 2016; St. Louis, MO, USA; St. Louis Blues right wing Nail Yakupov (64) handles the puck against the Calgary Flames during the first period at Scottrade Center. The Flames won 4-1. Mandatory Credit: Jeff Curry-USA TODAY Sports /
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Oct 25, 2016; St. Louis, MO, USA; St. Louis Blues right wing Nail Yakupov (64) handles the puck against the Calgary Flames during the first period at Scottrade Center. The Flames won 4-1. Mandatory Credit: Jeff Curry-USA TODAY Sports
Oct 25, 2016; St. Louis, MO, USA; St. Louis Blues right wing Nail Yakupov (64) handles the puck against the Calgary Flames during the first period at Scottrade Center. The Flames won 4-1. Mandatory Credit: Jeff Curry-USA TODAY Sports /

Nail Yakupov- St. Louis

Yakupov has been arguably the worst first overall pick in the last decade. He’s still only 23-years-old, so he has time to turn this thing around, but he needs to find the perfect situation. The Oilers gave up on their former draft pick in September when they dealt him to the Blues for just a measly third round pick.

Yakupov had the worst season of his young career in 16-17. He only played in 40 games, scoring three goals and nine assists in those contests. Yakupov was never able to consistently crack the Blues’ lineup and for good reason. He would often disappear on the ice when he did play and the Blues decided to go in a different direction.

The Rangers were a team that was rumored to be interested in Yakupov for years. Could they be willing to give him a cheap one-year contract to see what he has? I don’t think the Rangers can go wrong giving him a chance to make the team in camp.

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