New York Rangers could trade for 2018 free agents centers

Tyler Bozak

A more realistic solution than Tavares, Tyler Bozak is coming off a career-year in Toronto, and will demand a pay raise. However, the looming cap situation, with budding stars like Auston Matthews, Mitch Marner, and William Nylander due new contracts in two years, means Bozak is probably on the way out.

Toronto is searching for affordable defense solutions to make a run now and retain flexibility to stay competitive after 2018. The New York Rangers could dangle Holden or even a prospect like Neal Pionk or Ryan Graves.

Bozak might be a bit of a risky move, as 2017 was his first season breaking the 50-point mark. Despite playing much of his career with Phil Kessel, the points just never really came until last season. It may not be a sure thing, but Bozak could represent an attractive short-term solution while 2017 first-rounder Lias Andersson develops.