Over the past few seasons, Chris Drury has established a clear trend in free agency. Whether it was Jonathan Quick returning to his childhood roots to chase a final Cup or Blake Wheeler providing a steadying locker room presence, the Rangers have a type, and that is elite, high-character American veterans who have spent the bulk of their careers as the face of a single franchise.
As we look toward the July 1 market, a legendary right-handed defenseman is set to hit unrestricted free agency for the first time in his 18-year career. After a mid-season trade to Anaheim ended a nearly two-decade run with the only organization he’d ever known, he will become a free agent in every sense of the word. And for a Rangers team in the midst of Letter 2.0, he fits the recruitment mold perfectly.
John Carlson would be a perfect fit for the Rangers
Carlson is a native of Natick, Massachusetts, and the Rangers can't seem to ever have enough New England Team USA guys—whether it be on the roster, in the front office, or on the coaching staff. On a more serious note, Carlson, at age 36, is an established pro who plays the game the right way. He is coming off a productive 60-point regular season and is currently logging heavy minutes in the postseason for the Anaheim Ducks
Carlson has tallied 40 or more assists for three consecutive seasons, making him the ideal candidate to slot in behind Adam Fox and help shoulder the offensive load. He also still has a howitzer of a shot, and his 99th percentile clapper would be a great addition to the defense corps. If the Rangers are trying to retool on the fly, Carlson possesses the talent to help the team immediately without demanding a lengthy contract that could impact long-term business. He currently ranks 12th among NHL defenders in primary assists over the last three seasons, providing the exact type of secondary production the Rangers' blue line is missing.
The motivation of spite
Carlson has been remarkably efficient throughout his career, averaging 23:36 of ice time per night. Transitioning to a slightly reduced role in New York could help him extend his career and age gracefully. While Carlson likely thought he would spend his entire career in Washington, it wouldn't be shocking if he wanted to move back East.
Playing for the Rangers would afford him the opportunity to compete in the same division as his former club and prove that moving him was a mistake. Spite can be a powerful motivator, and it’s a tool Jonathan Quick used to extend his own career on Broadway. He thought he'd be a Los Angeles King for life, and joined the organization after a short stint in Columbus, and slightly longer stay with Vegas.
If title chasing isn't the only priority, New York offers Carlson a defined role, a chance to continue as a veteran leader, and the satisfaction of competing against the team that let him go. His free agency will be interesting to watch, but he really feels like one of the better fits to thread the needle of what the Rangers are looking for.
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