The New York Rangers can't solve all that ails them this offseason, but that doesn't mean they shouldn't at least start to try pushing toward being a contender again by going after players who can help them now and in the future.
The Blueshirts find themselves in this weird transitional period where they've missed the playoffs two years running, and with no magic bullet available in free agency or the trade market, they run the risk of being midling again in 2026-27. But if they truly do lean into the retool as expected post Letter 2.0, there's a player available who ticks a number of important boxes.
Bunting feels like perfect fit for a team in transition
The Rangers are in a spot where they want to get better on the ice both now and in the future, and for that reason they need to be selective in who they sign. Bunting is the type of player who can help now, be traded if things go sideways, or ultimately become a tertiary player of consequence once the team is contending again.
He is a middle of the lineup player who can move up or down based on the situation, and feels like a great utility fit with upside. Over the course of an 82 game season, Bunting has averaged 21 goals, 28 assists, and 49 points, which feels perfect for a mainline third line winger who can be deployed on the second line if the situation calls for it.
His best season in the league was his first full season back in 2021-22, and it saw him post a line of 23-40-64 in 79 games for the Toronto Maple Leafs. Bunting's been chasing that high in the years that have followed, and has since put up seasons of 49, 55, 38, and 33 points.
Bunting has chance to be a value signing
Points aren't everything, and there are other qualities he brings to the table that would be beneficial to the Blueshirts. Over the last three seasons, Bunting has been a bit snake bitten with his actual offensive output lagging behind his expected results generated.
Here's a quick look at the those seasons stacked on top of each other via Evolving-Hockey.
- 2025-26: 40.57 GF%, 50.76 CF%, 51.92 xGF%
- 2024-25: 45.02 GF%, 52.42 CF%, 51.47 xGF%
- 2023-24: 45.63 GF%, 56.14 CF%, 50.01 xGF%
After looking at these numbers, you'd be correct to see that his CF% has declined year over year, as has his GF%. That his xGF% is hovering around the same mark is positive. That said, the process can be good, but you want to see actual results. It is here, though, where a potential opportunity could arise for the Rangers.
Given that Bunting is a 31 year old forward coming off a 14 goals and 33 point season, signing him shouldn't be too costly. He has shown the ability to be productive in minimal minutes, his career average ATOI is 15:25, and it isn't hard to see him getting that or better in New York.
AFP Analytics has his projected deal at $5,809,818 per year for four years, which seems on the high side. To be a fit for the Rangers, you'd probably be in the $4 to $4.5 million range on a two to three year deal. It all depends on what the top guys get to set the market, but even at that price tag, it is worth having a conversation.
He fits the profile of player Mike Sullivan looks for, and it helps that he tallied 20 goals and 48 points in 79 games across two seasons for the Penguins, including 29 in 58 during the 2024-25 campaign.
In all actuality, he's a better fit for the roster than someone like Taylor Raddysh or Conor Sheary, and hopefully the Rangers take the time to consider him as a potential fit for the roster. Bunting also is a great pest of a player who gets under the skin of the opposition, draws penalties, and historically the Rangers always enjoy employing players who bring that level of gusto.
It remains to be seen how active the team will be, but if they decide to spend a little bit, Bunting would be the perfect "Goldilocks" signing.
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