Blue Line Station
Fansided

New York Rangers: Ranking the RFAs by the likelihood that they are traded

By Jennifer Moglia

LOS ANGELES, CA - MARCH 25: Jimmy Vesey #26 and Kevin Hayes #13 of the New York Rangers battle for the puck during the game against the Los Angeles Kings on March 25, 2017 at Staples Center in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Aaron Poole/NHLI via Getty Images) *** Local Caption ***
LOS ANGELES, CA - MARCH 25: Jimmy Vesey #26 and Kevin Hayes #13 of the New York Rangers battle for the puck during the game against the Los Angeles Kings on March 25, 2017 at Staples Center in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Aaron Poole/NHLI via Getty Images) *** Local Caption *** /
facebooktwitterreddit
Prev
1 of 6
Next
LOS ANGELES, CA – MARCH 25: Jimmy Vesey #26 and Kevin Hayes #13 of the New York Rangers battle for the puck during the game against the Los Angeles Kings on March 25, 2017 at Staples Center in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Aaron Poole/NHLI via Getty Images) *** Local Caption ***
LOS ANGELES, CA – MARCH 25: Jimmy Vesey #26 and Kevin Hayes #13 of the New York Rangers battle for the puck during the game against the Los Angeles Kings on March 25, 2017 at Staples Center in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Aaron Poole/NHLI via Getty Images) *** Local Caption *** /

This year, the New York Rangers have seven pending Restricted Free Agents. While some are expected to be a lock for the team next year, will any of them be dealt before July first?

There’s a reason why some people refer to this time of year as “silly season” in the NHL. Once the Stanley Cup is handed out, teams turn their attention to the draft.

Once draft weekend concludes, teams focus on who they will be signing for the upcoming season. While the unrestricted free agent class is filled with talent this year, most teams tend to try to sign their restricted free agents first.

The New York Rangers have their hands full with RFAs this year. In Brady Skjei, they have a young, talented defenseman who definitely deserves a raise.

They also have to consider giving new contracts to two assets they traded for at the deadline. The Rangers acquired Vladislav Namnestnikov and Ryan Spooner from the Tampa Bay Lightning and Boston Bruins respectively. Both are in need of new deals.

Furthermore, they need to think about giving new contracts to two prospects who saw NHL time last season, John Gilmour and Rob O’Gara. They need to consider roster regulars Kevin Hayes and Jimmy Vesey, as well.

But, re-signing RFAs isn’t always the best way to deal with them, especially in the salary cap era. Trading the rights to some restricted free agents is probably the best option for the New York Rangers.

Home/Editorials