The New York Rangers have just two more games remaining until the start of the regular season. There has been a lot of promise through training camp and the preseason, especially from their young forward group. Yet, even before this season started, Rangers fans were looking ahead to next summer, as the free agency class was loaded with superstars.
One of the top, realistic options appeared to be Minnesota Wild forward Kirill Kaprizov, as he had reportedly turned down an eight-year, $128 million contract extension offer before training camp. Considering that was a record-breaking deal Kaprizov turned down, it appeared the forward was a realistic free agent option next summer, and one the Rangers could pursue. Let's be real, the Rangers aren't afraid to offer big money to a top free agent.
But on Tuesday, the Kaprizov dream officially ended for Rangers fans.
Rangers fans' Kirill Kaprizov dream is dead after record-breaking contract extension with Wild
Multiple reports indicated that Kaprizov and the Wild agreed to terms on an eight-year, $136 million contract extension, the richest deal in the NHL. Now, Kaprizov is off the board.
That is one top free agent option the Rangers can cross off of their board. Kaprizov shared links with the Rangers, as Vince Mercogliano of The Athletic (subscription required) detailed that the forward has the same agent as Artemi Panarin, he's close with fellow Russian players Igor Shesterkin and Vladislav Gavrikov, and the team would be on his short-list. So that gave Rangers fans every reason to dream about the team landing him in free agency next summer.
What's next for Rangers after Kirill Kaprizov re-signs with Wild?
Kaprizov may very well have been the most realistic free agent option for the Rangers. There are still other big names that could hit the open market, and that's Connor McDavid and Jack Eichel.
All eyes will be on McDavid for the season and next summer. He is entering the final year of his contract with the Edmonton Oilers, who have fallen short of winning the Stanley Cup in back-to-back years. Plus, McDavid was vague when asked about his future with the team. He has let it be known that he wants to win. Given all of that, the pressure is on the Oilers to ensure they can build a contender that can hoist the Stanley Cup and entice McDavid enough to re-up with them. So, it's not entirely a given McDavid will reach the open market for the Rangers.
As for Eichel, it doesn't sound like he wants to hit free agency. Before training camp, Eichel publicly expressed his desire to remain with the Vegas Golden Knights on a new long-term deal.
"I love the organization. I love living here. I love the guys in the room. I love the people in the city. I love the fans. It's a great place to live. It's a great place to play hockey. I think there's a lot of things to love and I'm just really happy here," said Eichel, h/t ESPN's Greg Wyshynski.
Another player set to hit free agency is Panarin, who the Rangers signed to a seven-year contract back in 2019. He may very well be the top player available if McDavid and Eichel are off the board. The Rangers reportedly tried to lock in Panarin on a short-term deal before this upcoming season, but those talks went nowhere. With Kaprizov off the board, Panarin could very well cash-in in free agency. Do the Rangers re-explore negotiations and try to get Panarin back on a longer term deal?
The Rangers have an entire season to determine what they can do next summer. But for those dreaming of Kaprizov donning a Rangers' blue and red uniform, that is not going to happen after he record-breaking deal in Minnesota.