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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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DALLAS, TEXAS – APRIL 15: Sami Vatanen #455 of the Dallas Stars skates during pregame warm up before taking on the Columbus Blue Jackets at American Airlines Center on April 15, 2021 in Dallas, Texas. (Photo by Tom Pennington/Getty Images)
DALLAS, TEXAS – APRIL 15: Sami Vatanen #455 of the Dallas Stars skates during pregame warm up before taking on the Columbus Blue Jackets at American Airlines Center on April 15, 2021 in Dallas, Texas. (Photo by Tom Pennington/Getty Images) /

D Sami Vatanen

Although the Rangers have a deep blueline, they could look to bring in a veteran like Sami Vatanen on a PTO. Nils Lundkvist is expected to be on the right side of the bottom-pair and that makes sense. He just had a great year with Luleå HF of the Swedish Hockey League and looks ready to take that next step. However, it would not be a bad thing to add a proven veteran as competition for the spot. This would provide potential insurance if the team feels Lundkvist is not actually ready for the role. The likelihood of him not being ready seems very low, but you never truly know.

We recently discussed a handful of solid prospects the Rangers have on defense. Braden Schneider could compete for a spot on the bottom-pair, but he also is still just 19 years old. He would probably benefit from another year of development before joining the NHL squad on a regular basis.

The major criticism that comes with Vatanen is that he is prone to injury. He also is coming off of a rough season. In 39 games between the New Jersey Devils and Dallas Stars, he was held to just two goals and six points. However, he had a 23-point campaign in 47 games with New Jersey the season before. When he’s healthy and on his game, he’s a solid offensive defenseman. Thus, he could be worth giving a chance if the Rangers’ young defensemen aren’t ready.

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