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New York Rangers: Looking at a few PTO candidates

By Michael DeRosa

GLENDALE, ARIZONA - DECEMBER 31: Tyler Bozak #21 of the St. Louis Blues during the NHL game against the Arizona Coyotes at Gila River Arena on December 31, 2019 in Glendale, Arizona. The Coyotes defeated the Blues 3-1. (Photo by Christian Petersen/Getty Images)
GLENDALE, ARIZONA - DECEMBER 31: Tyler Bozak #21 of the St. Louis Blues during the NHL game against the Arizona Coyotes at Gila River Arena on December 31, 2019 in Glendale, Arizona. The Coyotes defeated the Blues 3-1. (Photo by Christian Petersen/Getty Images) /
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GLENDALE, ARIZONA – DECEMBER 31: Tyler Bozak #21 of the St. Louis Blues during the NHL game against the Arizona Coyotes at Gila River Arena on December 31, 2019 in Glendale, Arizona. The Coyotes defeated the Blues 3-1. (Photo by Christian Petersen/Getty Images)
GLENDALE, ARIZONA – DECEMBER 31: Tyler Bozak #21 of the St. Louis Blues during the NHL game against the Arizona Coyotes at Gila River Arena on December 31, 2019 in Glendale, Arizona. The Coyotes defeated the Blues 3-1. (Photo by Christian Petersen/Getty Images) /

C Tyler Bozak

It’s a bit surprising that veteran center Tyler Bozak has yet to find a new home. In 31 games this past season with the St. Louis Blues, he scored five goals and recorded 17 points. That is solid production and he could be a player the Rangers consider giving a shot if he’s unable to find a new home before training camps begin. He also did his job in the postseason, as he had a goal and assist in four games. However, he also missed 21 games during the season because of a concussion, so perhaps that is what is keeping teams away.

The first three lines will have Mika Zibanejad, Ryan Strome and Filip Chytil as their centers. Therefore, it’s essentially impossible for Bozak to land himself a spot in the top-nine if none of them move to wing. Speaking of the wings, they also are loaded there. They have a lot of young players who are expected to improve this upcoming season and also have veterans like Chris Kreider and Artemi Panarin. Thus, there is no reason to move any of their centers to either of the wings.

With all of this said, for Bozak to make this team, he would have to beat out Kevin Rooney for a spot on the fourth-line. Although Rooney does not produce as frequently as him, he played this role very well last season. This is why the Rangers protected him for the Expansion Draft after all. However, would it be a bad thing to add a little more competition down the middle for the bottom-six? Yes, they’ve brought back Greg McKegg this summer, but he played just five NHL games with the Boston Bruins this past season.

Bozak could be a significant upgrade over their current depth players. Keep in mind, he also is a solid two-way forward who can be utilized on the penalty kill and is marvelous at taking faceoffs. That is an area the Rangers could improve on and he is one of the best available options on the open market to help. He’s also won at least 50% of his faceoffs in 11 of his 12 NHL seasons. This past season was particularly impressive as well, as he won 56.8% of them. Thus, he is surely consistent.

If he still doesn’t have a job by camp, he could be worth looking at, even if a deal with the team doesn’t come into fruition.

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