Options for the Rangers with limited cap space

What They Have Done

Back in April, the Rangers signed forward Bobby Trivigno (teammate of Zac Jones) out of UMass-Amherst. He is 23 years old and posted over a point per game in his last two seasons at UMass, where they won a national championship in 2021.

The consensus on Trivigno is that, although undersized, he has the potential to quickly slot into a bottom six role in the NHL. He has the ability to win board battles, despite his height, similar to Tyler Motte. He is known to play with grit and not back down from bigger players. He has the reputation of being a winner and has a chip on his shoulder. He sounds exactly like the type of player who can surprise everyone and be a contributor as soon as next season.

The Rangers showed their creativity by signing 27 year old Gustav Rydahl out of the Swedish Hockey League. He has long been desired by NHL teams and he is finally making the move across the Atlantic. Rydahl is by no means going to be a top player, but his play style is highly sought after. He is 6’3″ and plays a gritty style of hockey, while also having a scoring touch.

He has totaled 34 goals in his last 93 games playing for Farjestad BK, and has been a top performer in their runs during the SHL playoffs. In 2019, David Enbom of Elite Prospects describes Rydahl as “a physical power forward who plays with a lot of grit, loves to agitate opponents and takes advantage when players cannot handle their temper. Owns a decent shot, useful in boxplay and a tremendous team player.”

He sounds exactly like the kind of players Gerard Gallant would enjoy. He is projected to compete for the Rangers fourth line center availabilty. Kevin Rooney has held that spot the past two seasons, but he is now a UFA, and even if brought back, the Rangers may view him as an extra depth piece.

Both Trivigno and Rydahl would earn under $1 million.

The Rangers also re-signed Vitali Kravtsov to a one year deal with a cap hit of only $875,000. For most of this season while he was loaned to the KHL, it appeared as if he was definitely a trade piece. This could still be the case, and this contract could simply make it easier for him to be traded.

However, with this contract, he must be sent through waivers if the Rangers wish to send him to Hartford. This foreshadows that he has a clearer path to an NHL roster spot, which would peak his interest. It is becoming increasingly likely that we see Kravtsov in a Ranger uniform in October, and that would be huge considering their limited cap space.

Having a player with the talent and upside of Kravtsov for under $1 million is an illustration of exactly the kind of move teams in this situation need to make.