Grading the New York Rangers 2025 offseason moves to date

9. Acquiring Vladislav Gavrikov

Vladislav Gavrikov signed a seven-year, $49 million contract with the Rangers on July 1 as free agency opened.

Gavrikov represents a shift in the Rangers' defense in that he is already 29-years-old and remains well-positioned, is quick on his feet, and uses his stick effectively. He was on ice for only 42 goals against (22 high-danger goals) logging a team-high 1534:58 at 5v5 with the Los Angeles Kings last season.

This is an easy A — it shows that the Rangers are shifting away from a flashy defense and opting instead for reliability and experience, which I'm all for.

10. Extending Will Cuylle

The way this particular deal was handled is the best one on this list by far.

Cuylle brought a physical edge that the Rangers value and became one of the team’s more important penalty killers this season. Since the beginning of the 2023-24 season, his 550 hits rank third among all NHL skaters and first among the Blueshirts.

He's also a good player who shows promise in the top six.

A two-year deal worth $3.9 million per season is perfect for Cuylle who is only 23-years-old and an amazing value for the Rangers.

11. Acquiring Taylor Raddysh, Derrick Pouliot, Trey Fix-Wolansky and Justin Dowling

Drury was busy during free agency, that's for sure. Here's a look at these four he grabbed to contribute to the franchise's roster depth:

Taylor Raddysh

Raddysh, 27, skated in 80 games for the Washington Capitals in 2024-25, recording seven goals and 20 assists for 27 points. He established a career-high in assists this past season while helping the Capitals win the Metropolitan Division and advance to the Stanley Cup Playoffs.

Good grab by Drury, which is why he was given a two-year contract.

Derrick Pouliot

Once a top-10 pick, Pouliot is another depth player. He's 31-years-old and was signed to a two-year, two-way contract for the league minimum $775,000 AAV.

Trey Fix-Wolansky

Another depth guy, forward Trey Fix-Wolansky was signed to a one-year, two-way contract. The 26-year-old has 26 games of NHL experience and twice was named a Second Team All-Star in the American Hockey League.

Justin Dowling

Unlike a lot of these other guys, Dowling is a 34-year-old forward who is veteran. He was signed to a two-year contract after he played a career-high 52 games and posted seven points (two goals, five assists) with the New Jersey Devils.

I really like Dowling because of the experience he brings, of which includes the fact that he appeared in all five of the Devils' playoff games this year.

12. Extending Brendan Brisson

Brisson, 23-years-old, played in 16 games for the Hartford Wolf Pack last season after being acquired by the Rangers on March 6, recording two goals and four assists for six points.

It's good that they have another depth player in the AHL, but it's nothing too special compared to some of the other items on this list.