New York Rangers must add depth from free agent holdouts
The New York Rangers may not have their roster figured out yet, but the number of talented players left on the market is encouraging.
If Jeff Gorton wants to play the long game for figuring out the New York Rangers’ 2017-18 roster, the rest of the league appears set to let him do so.
Rather than pouncing on players such as Jaromir Jagr, Thomas Vanek, and even Daniel Winnik, the league has let the trio of players and plenty of their colleagues remain on the open market.
Though it may not appear obvious to the naked eye, this will benefit Jeff Gorton and the Rangers in a significant way. As long as Gorton spots the weakness on New York’s roster before it’s too late, there is room for improvement through the available players.
A Significant Depth Issue
Last year, the Rangers were all offense, no defense. This year, the Rangers are set to be strong on defense, strong on offense, and strong between the pipes. However, the NHL has become a four line league. No longer can you get away with playing a player like Tanner Glass on the fourth line.
Luckily, the Rangers no longer have Tanner Glass on the roster. However, as the team currently stands, there is plenty left to be desired in the bottom six.
For New York to catapult themselves ahead of other contenders, a move must be made. While the move most certainly should be acquiring a top six center, that would still not push enough players down in the depth chart to say the Rangers should be comfortable with their depth.
Let’s look.
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Scenario One:
Let’s say the Rangers acquire Tyler Bozak somehow. Here’s how the forwards would likely look:
Chris Kreider-Mika Zibanejad-Mats Zuccarello
Pavel Buchnevich-Tyler Bozak-Rick Nash
J.T. Miller-Kevin Hayes-Jimmy Vesey
Michael Grabner-David Desharnais-Jesper Fast
Matt Puempel
That group looks strong, but Jesper Fast is projected to miss the beginning of the season. Puempel can slide into Fast’s slot, while Boo Nieves joins the active roster.
However, if there are multiple injuries, the Rangers are suddenly in trouble. After Puempel and Nieves, the Rangers are looking at a player like Cole Schneider coming up to the NHL. Remember the Jayson Megna era? I don’t want to either.
Regardless, this scenario only happens if the Rangers acquire a top six center. What happens if they fail to acquire one?
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Scenario Two:
Let’s say the Rangers move into the season with their current roster. Here’s how the forwards would likely look:
Chris Kreider-Mika Zibanejad-Mats Zuccarello
Pavel Buchnevich-Kevin Hayes-Rick Nash
J.T. Miller-Lias Andersson-Jimmy Vesey
Michael Grabner-David Desharnais-Jesper Fast
Matt Puempel
OR
Chris Kreider-Mika Zibanejad-Mats Zuccarello
Pavel Buchnevich-Kevin Hayes-Rick Nash
Michael Grabner-J.T. Miller-Jimmy Vesey
Matt Puempel-David Desharnais-Jesper Fast
Boo Nieves
Do you see the problem here?
It’s impossible for a team to have excellent depth across the board, but the Rangers must have backup options up front. An injury in the top six and suddenly we could see Cole Schneider playing 15 minutes a night.
However, there is reason to hope.
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The Solution:
Regardless of if the Rangers acquire a top six center, Nick Holden must be moved. Holden’s cap space must be used to sign one of the depth wingers that are still on the market. A player like Thomas Vanek would dramatically impact the offensive depth the Rangers possess.
Simply look at how the roster changes in the scenario they do not acquire a top six center, and J.T. Miller moves to the middle:
Chris Kreider-Mika Zibanejad-Mats Zuccarello
Pavel Buchnevich-Kevin Hayes-Rick Nash
Thomas Vanek-J.T. Miller-Jimmy Vesey
Michael Grabner-David Desharnais-Jesper Fast
Matt Puempel
Now that’s a team you can roll four lines with.
Considering the number of options left available, New York should be able to find someone to play on a one year deal similar to Jussi Jokinen’s one year, $1.1 Million deal with the Edmonton Oilers. It’s essential for Jeff Gorton to add depth to this team, as otherwise they are vulnerable to fall apart due to injuries.