The New York Rangers have a defending problem. Sporting a 2-8-0 record in their past ten games, the crux of the blueshirts' woes have been on the defensive end. These issues reared their ugly head in Sunday's 7-5 home loss to the Seattle Kraken. While more noticable in the past ten games, the Rangers have been poor defensively all season, masking their improved offensive numbers.
✍️ Team EXP Goals Report Card: @RealKyper @jtbourne @SamAMcKee pic.twitter.com/iMG8Z53YvM
— Stephen Valiquette (@VallysView) December 10, 2024
After trading former captain Jacob Trouba to the Anaheim Ducks, the Rangers should look to upgrade their defense, rather than giving Victor Mancini a spot in the lineup. While Mancini has shown promise, it might be best to acquire a more established player in an effort to stabilize the ship. Young players can often be volatile, and the Rangers cannot afford more unpredicability in their current lineup.
1. Rasmus Andersson - Calgary Flames
The Calgary Flames have been one of the NHL's biggest surprises. Picked by many to be among the league's worst teams, the Canadian outfit currently trails the Colorado Avalanche by one point for the final western conference wild card spot. However, the Flames could see themselves as sellers if they slip further outside of the playoff picture. If Rasmus Andersson becomes available, the Rangers should do all they can to acquire him. The 28-year-old has graded well defensively while providing offensive upside along the way. He can also eat major minutes, easing the load on the shoulders of players such as Adam Fox. Andersson has one more year left on his contract, meaning the Rangers could use his services next season after a possible offseason roster retool. This makes him an ideal fit for a Rangers squad that might not go anywhere in 2025, but could compete in 2026.
2. Olli Maatta - Utah HC
Olli Maatta, a veteran of over 800 NHL games, might be the exact kind of player the Rangers are looking for. The 30-year-old Finn has won two Stanley Cups with the Pittsburgh Penguins. While providing little offensively, he is an ever-steady presence in his own zone. While possibly redundant as a left-handed shot, he could potentially slide to the right side or replace Ryan Lindgren if he were to be dealt. Maatta is on an expiring contract, meaning the Rangers could use the rest of the season as a test-run. If he is a positive addition, the team can use their newfound financial resources to retain his services. If not, they can allow him to walk after this season's playoff push. Utah acquired Maatta earlier this season at the cost of a third round pick. The Rangers would likely have to pay at least that much for his services.
3. Ivan Provorov - Columbus Blue Jackets
Ivan Provorov will likely be amongst the most sought-after rentals during this year's trade season. The 27-year-old Russian plays a strong two-way game, and can take on big minutes. While he would be a strong fit for the Rangers, a few barriers could make a deal less likely. Columbus might not want to trade their top-pairing defenseman to a division rival. The Rangers are also less likely to pursue a player of Provorov's stature. General manager Chris Drury might be inclined to shop on the clearance rack this season due his team's lackluster performance. Unless he is acquiring a player who is under team control beyond this season, he might be unenthusiatic about paying a steep price. Provorov would command a just that. However, if Drury has any faith in his current ensemble of players, he might reach into his shallow pool of assets, and chase after a big fish.