The New York Rangers have a chance to turn things around next season, and it all starts with trying to fix what broke this offseason. There is a good bunch of guys out there that are looking for new teams next season, and there is a chance that one of them could help right the ship in Manhattan.
In this big class of free agents, three jumped off the page that would make the most sense in New York. Obviously, only one of these guys could make the jump over, as the Rangers are strapped with a tighter salary cap than they would like.
Here we go.
Sam Bennett
Aside from Mitch Marner, there is one other name that seemingly is on everyone's radar going into the offseason. Sam Bennett of Florida, who is in a deeply dramatic series with Toronto in the Stanley Cup Playoffs right now, is an x-factor for virtually any team he decides to go to.
The Rangers can really use him as a replacement for Chris Kreider and his possible departure before next season. Bennett has a similar play style, just without the speed and acceleration like Kreider does, even at this stage of his career. Another slight difference would be that Bennett plays the center position, which would land him behind Vincent Trocheck, Mika Zibanejad, and J.T. Miller. Still, either Bennett or Zibanejad could swap to a wing.
How about that for a list of capable of centermen.
Aaron Ekblad
Sticking with the Panthers, another pending free agent that could be a significant upgrade for the Rangers would be Aaron Ekblad. After losing Ryan Lindgren, with K'Andre Miller and Zac Jones needing deals before next season starts, Ekblad could be a worthy replacement.
It is going to cost a pretty penny to get him, however. His current deal, which is expiring, carries a $7.5 million AAV, and he has become a top-tier defenseman in the NHL during the duration of this contract. He is looking at a definitive raise.
But this defense is in shambles right now. Outside of Adam Fox, who should be named the next captain, the rest of the lot should be under serious investigation from General Manager Chris Drury. Ekblad could fix a whole lot of things.
Brock Boeser
The Rangers could also use another capable top-six winger to help complement J.T. Miller on the second line. The kicker is that this free agent played alongside Miller in his time with Vancouver. Brock Boeser is a high-value option on the right side, who could help bring in a whole lot of goals for the Rangers next season.
Right now, the Canucks are in a weird place with their identity, meaning it is likely that Boeser will be jumping off the sinking ship before it takes him down for good. Not to say the Rangers are in a much better place, but the prospect of playing with Miller again could help entice him over.