When discussing the New York Rangers' future, there are a few areas where the organization needs to address its on-ice product, precisely the defensive aspect. There have been rumors of defensemen on the Rangers' back end going both ways. At some point this season, the entire defensive core, minus Adam Fox, has been in the rumor mill. This franchise has needed a partner for Fox for a few years, especially with Lindgren's issues staying in the lineup.
One name that might be available is San Jose Sharks blue-liner Mario Ferraro. At 6'0", 210 lbs, he is a large man capable of adding defensive stability to the Rangers. The 26-year-old Torontonian has another year on his deal before becoming an unrestricted free agent but with a current cap hit of $3.25 million and the cap set to jump, the Rangers could explore the idea of retaining this player if Chris Drury and the current brain trust want to go down this route.
San Jose and New York had a deal nixed in the summer as the two teams tried to come to an agreement regarding former New York Rangers forward Barclay Goodrow. His modified no-trade clause killed that deal, and the Rangers were forced to waive him, where Mike Grier and the San Jose Sharks claimed him. Ferraro doesn't have trade protection, so a deal regarding this player is theoretically far easier to make work.
Taking his stats with a grain of salt because he plays for a torrid San Jose Sharks roster, Ferraro has five goals and six assists for 11 points in 56 games, prior to the Sharks playing Dallas. Ferraro fits the "meat and potatoes" mantra we've heard Chris Drury is looking for. He fills a need on the back end as a left-shot defenseman who can play significant minutes, and the cost control of this asset makes him a logical addition for a lot of contenders.