New York Rangers could trade for 2018 free agents centers

The New York Rangers have had an eventful offseason thus far, but many of the moves point toward General Manager Jeff Gorton having a long-term plan in place. Blue Line Station looks at a few potential future moves that could fit into that plan.

As crazy as it sounds, the New York Rangers have more questions at forward than they do on defense. Jeff Gorton’s shrewd trades and signings netted the Rangers Kevin Shattenkirk and Anthony DeAngelo. When taken with the buyout of Dan Girardi and re-signing of Brendan Smith, New York has a solid top-four on defense.

But those moves came with a cost. Top-line center Derek Stepan is now in Arizona, and fourth-line pivot Oscar Lindberg is just up the road in Las Vegas. While the free agent signing of David Desharnais helps replace Lindberg, the Rangers still have a big top-6 center void to fill.

With the 2017 free agent market thinned out, it’s likely the Rangers will look to trade to fill that gap. There are several intriguing names at that position who might be available due to pending free agency in 2018.