Max Pacioretty
This is probably the most interesting player in this group because it is unknown whether or not he will play again, but Max Pacioretty is going to be one of the ultimate buy-low candidates this summer. Coming off two torn Achilles tendons, the former Montreal Canadiens captain will be an unrestricted free agent for the first time. He’s got a lot of what the New York Rangers will be after and could be a player to watch.
As I mentioned, Pacioretty is coming off of two torn Achilles in the last season. It was the same foot both times, and the worry is that the almost 35-year-old winger will not be the player he was before both injuries to his tendon. He had surgery in Finland after the second tear to try and make it more stable for the long run after opting to not go under the knife originally, and Pacioretty has been quite vocal about wanting to continue his career.
At 6’2, 220 lbs, Pacioretty is the kind of player that the New York Rangers should be gambling on. He’s got the ability to put up 40 goals and is going to have a reduced cap hit because of his building injury history. Somewhat similar to the Patrick Kane situation, he’s got the ability to be a major piece in New York and fill in for some of the departing members of the roster. Scoring is never a bad thing to add to the roster when it’s available.
This doesn’t mention what Pacioretty can bring away from the ice as a former captain of the Montreal Canadiens. There is no denying that the leadership could use some help to get the best out of a team that underperformed last season, and adding an experienced veteran like Pacioretty who can carry his weight on a cheap deal would be something that would work for everybody as the Rangers pursue cup number 5.