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Do the Rangers think they need a second line center?

By Chris Hanold

TORONTO, ONTARIO - JULY 29: Casey Cizikas #53 of the New York Islanders and Mika Zibanejad #93 of the New York Rangers take the face off in the third period during an exhibition game prior to the 2020 NHL Stanley Cup Playoffs at Scotiabank Arena on July 29, 2020 in Toronto, Ontario. (Photo by Andre Ringuette/Freestyle Photo/Getty Images)
TORONTO, ONTARIO - JULY 29: Casey Cizikas #53 of the New York Islanders and Mika Zibanejad #93 of the New York Rangers take the face off in the third period during an exhibition game prior to the 2020 NHL Stanley Cup Playoffs at Scotiabank Arena on July 29, 2020 in Toronto, Ontario. (Photo by Andre Ringuette/Freestyle Photo/Getty Images) /
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New York Rangers center Mika Zibanejad (93) . Mandatory Credit: Ron Chenoy-USA TODAY Sports
New York Rangers center Mika Zibanejad (93) . Mandatory Credit: Ron Chenoy-USA TODAY Sports /

Its decision time for the New York Rangers when it comes to their centers

Last week, rumors of the New York Rangers pursuing Buffalo Sabres captain and star center, Jack Eichel, ran wild.  Rangers’ fans everywhere went crazy with the thought: How could this be pulled off? What would the team be giving up? Would the first overall pick be on the move to Buffalo? The story certainly captivated the hockey world.  The news has since died down, after Buffalo’s new general manager Kevyn Adams put a stop to the story, stating that the Sabres would be holding onto Eichel.  

Now, the 2020 NHL Draft has come and gone.  General Manager Jeff Gorton and Team President John Davidson made a few moves on Tuesday night; they traded up to the 19th overall pick and used it to draft defenseman, Braden Schneider, and then traded Lias Andersson to the Los Angeles Kings in exchange for the 60th overall pick, which they used to draft left winger, William Cuylle.

What about center?

But what about the center position? Perhaps the most glaring flaw within New York’s roster is who they will be relying on in the 2C spot.  Are the Rangers hoping that Filip Chytil will step up in 2020-21 and take over the position behind Mika Zibanejad? And as for Ryan Strome, it is still unclear if the 27 year old center will be playing in a Blueshirt come January, as he is an arbitration eligible Restricted Free Agent this off-season and still has to negotiate a new contract.

So who does that leave behind Zibanejad and Chytil?  Greg McKegg is hitting free agency on October 9th, so he cannot be considered a factor as of right now.  Brett Howden, Justin Richards, and Morgan Barron are three names that could be considered.  Richards and Barron are two prospects who will be given a shot to make the team in 2020-21.

Aside from Eichel, the only other center that the Rangers have been linked to was Montreal’s Max Domi.  But that trade can be forgotten about, as Domi has since been dealt to the Columbus Blue Jackets.

What’s the plan?

Are Gorton and Davidson planning something big? Are we in for a huge shock come free agency on Friday? Ranger fans all over social media seem to think that something is brewing.  A Tony DeAngelo trade is something that fans think could be very possible as the days go on.

I trust this front office more than ever before, so I say yes, I do think they are plotting something. My true personal belief is that they will not allow the Rangers to begin to 2020-21 season still lacking at center.

So what do you think? What kind of trade package/free agent signing would you like to see the Rangers try to pull off? One thing is for sure, it is going to be a very fun and interesting off-season around the league.  Stay tuned.

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