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New York Rangers: Top ten free agency targets of 2021

By Daniel Blanda

BUFFALO, NY - JUNE 25: Jeff Gorton of the New York Rangers attends the 2016 NHL Draft on June 25, 2016 in Buffalo, New York. (Photo by Bruce Bennett/Getty Images)
BUFFALO, NY - JUNE 25: Jeff Gorton of the New York Rangers attends the 2016 NHL Draft on June 25, 2016 in Buffalo, New York. (Photo by Bruce Bennett/Getty Images) /
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New York Rangers
PITTSBURGH, PA – APRIL 06: Nick Bjugstad #27 of the Pittsburgh Penguins score past Alexandar Georgiev #40 of the New York Rangers at PPG Paints Arena on April 6, 2019 in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Joe Sargent/NHLI via Getty Images) /

9. Nick Bjugstad (C, RW)

This would be a conversation of need. If the Rangers find themselves deep down the middle, I don’t see this signing happening. However, if the team is looking for a bonafide third-line center or a versatile forward who has the capability of switching to the right wing, Bjugstad is the guy.

The Rangers have always been weak in the center position. At 6’6″, Bjugstad would be able to play that Brian Boyle role, but with far more natural talent. He’s shown glimpses of potential, but has yet to round out his game. Health and consistency are the two major things standing in his way from becoming a real problem to opponents.

If Bjugstad still can’t put his game together in Pittsburgh, he could come as a bargain and could breakout in the Big Apple, much like Derick Brassard.

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