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New York Rangers: Five arbitration players to target

By George Ruggiero

CHICAGO, IL - JUNE 23: Jeff Gorton of the New York Rangers attends the 2017 NHL Draft at the United Center on June 23, 2017 in Chicago, Illinois. (Photo by Bruce Bennett/Getty Images)
CHICAGO, IL - JUNE 23: Jeff Gorton of the New York Rangers attends the 2017 NHL Draft at the United Center on June 23, 2017 in Chicago, Illinois. (Photo by Bruce Bennett/Getty Images) /
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ST. PAUL, MN – APRIL 22: Mikael Granlund
ST. PAUL, MN – APRIL 22: Mikael Granlund /

Mikael Granlund

Mikael Granlund is just what the Rangers need to replace Derek Stepan. The 25-year-old left-handed center has consistently grown through his NHL career. After last season, he can reliably be deployed as a top six center.

Last season, he scored 26 goals and 43 assists for 69 points in 81 games for the Minnesota Wild. That would have been the highest point total on the Rangers last season, ten higher than Rangers’ top scorer Mats Zuccarello. However, there are a few things prohibiting the Rangers from acquiring Granlund.

The first is the cap. The Wild have more than enough space for Granlund, while the Rangers may not have enough space after re-signing Mika Zibanejad. The other is cost. The Rangers most likely don’t have the assets to make the move work to acquire Granlund

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