5 free agents the Rangers should keep an eye on after landing Pavel Dorofeyev

The New York Rangers officially made their first major splash of this retooling period Friday night by acquiring Pavel Dorofeyev, but the work is far from over.

With free agency opening Wednesday, all signs point toward general manager Chris Drury continuing to reshape the roster. The free-agent market isn't particularly exciting this summer, making the trade market intriguing. Players like Shane Wright, Mavrik Bourque and Alex Nikishin are names to watch if their respective teams are willing to listen.

It's also difficult to get a read on where Drury's head is at. The Rangers declined media availability following the draft, with Drury not expected to speak publicly until around July 1. Whether that's timing or an indication more moves are coming is unknown, but it feels like Drury isn't finished.

If the Rangers do dip into free agency, here are five names worth monitoring.

Mats Zuccarello would make for a fun reunion

Let's be honest - this would be fun.

According to Minnesota Wild insider Michael Russo, contract negotiations between Mats Zuccarello and the Wild haven't gone well, with the veteran winger reportedly "ticked" about how negotiations have gone. That could open the door for a return to Broadway, as he appears to be out the door in Minnesota.

Cap space isn't much of a concern for the Rangers, and at 38 years old Zuccarello likely won't command an unreasonable term. He also proved this season that he still has plenty left in the tank, recording 53 points (15 goals, 38 assists) in just 59 games and nine playoff points (2G, 7A).

While bringing Zuccarello back wouldn't perfectly align with the Rangers' long-term timeline, it would give New York a proven top-six playmaker while continuing to search for a long-term solution.

It also creates lineup flexibility. Gabe Perreault and Alexis Lafrenière can build upon what they did last season, while Zuccarello could be the distributor for Pavel Dorofeyev, giving him a creative linemate who can feed him pucks. 

Suddenly, that's an attractive top-six.

Beck Malenstyn could quietly improve the bottom six

Beck Malenstyn isn't the flashiest name available, but he could be a depth addition this roster needs.

The Athletic's Peter Baugh included the speedy winger on his list of intriguing free agents, and it's easy to see why. Malenstyn plays with pace, forechecks aggressively and can help solidify the bottom six.

The Rangers do have a bit of a logjam with Tye Kartye, Adam Sýkora and Jaroslav Chmelař all pushing for consistent NHL roles, but that's why Malenstyn makes sense.

He wouldn't have to play every night. He could fill a role similar to Jonny Brodzinski's over the last few seasons as a reliable veteran capable of stepping into the lineup whenever one of the younger players hits a rough patch.

Mason Marchment feels like a Chris Drury player

This feels like the type of player both Chris Drury and Mike Sullivan would love.

At 6'5, Mason Marchment plays with an edge and brings the physical style Sullivan values. He's difficult to play against, isn't afraid to get involved after the whistle and has consistently produced between 45 and 50 points throughout his career.

The versatility is appealing, as Marchment can move throughout the lineup depending on the situation

The question is cost and term. At 31 years old, Marchment is likely looking for what could be the biggest and final long-term contract of his career. If the price climbs too high, it probably won't make sense for a team trying to get younger. But if his market softens, it's hard to imagine the Rangers not at least exploring the possibility.

Ryan Shea could reunite with Mike Sullivan

Ryan Shea is another player Peter Baugh highlighted, and his connection to Mike Sullivan immediately makes him an interesting fit.

Shea finally established himself as a legitimate NHL defenseman this season. He's an excellent puck mover, with a clean first pass and would immediately help the Rangers backend with zone exits.

If Braden Schneider ends up being moved this offseason, Shea could realistically slide into his spot.

There is some risk involved, considering this was the first season Shea carved out a consistent NHL role, and it came under a different Penguins coaching staff than Sullivan's. However, depending on the contract, he could prove to be a low-risk addition with legitimate upside.

Ville Heinola is an upside swing

If the Rangers want to bet on upside, Ville Heinola might be their best option.

The former 20th-overall pick has never been able to establish himself as a full-time NHL player, but at 25 years old, there's still plenty of time for him to put everything together.

Ironically, Heinola was selected with the first-round pick the Winnipeg Jets acquired from the Rangers in the Jacob Trouba trade, making this a bit of a full-circle scenario.

He's continued to produce offensively in the AHL and is an intelligent puck-moving defenseman. New York could offer him a legitimate opportunity to earn regular NHL minutes, even if it's initially as a bridge option while the organization waits for Alberts Šmits to arrive.

Free agency should reveal Drury's vision

The list of potential targets extends well beyond these five, and Peter Baugh's free-agent board illustrates just how many intriguing options could be available beginning July 1.

Ultimately every move comes back to one question.... What exactly is Chris Drury building?

The Rangers have already taken a big step by adding Pavel Dorofeyev, but the next few days should provide a much clearer picture. Whether it's signing a free agent, trading for a disgruntled young player, pulling off a change-of-scenery deal or taking a swing on a restricted free agent, New York's roster likely isn't finished taking shape.

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