New York Rangers: Jordan Staal and 4 Other Players to Target This Offseason

"Freedom lies in being bold." - Robert Frost

One of the great American poets of the 20th century, Frost may or may not have been a New York Rangers fan. However, his powerful quote readily applies to what General Manager Glen Sather and his staff must do this offseason in order for the Broadway Blueshirts to take the next critical steps in their pursuit of the Stanley Cup.

The team that fell just six wins short of hoisting the Holy Grail this past season needs to add more firepower up front, and a D-man to run their anemic power play. In short, the Rangers need to do something big, something brave, something bold.

Rumors have been circulating for months that the Rangers are in on Rick Nash—and perhaps they are (via SI.com) But if the team is going to part with some of its treasured young assets for a game changer or two, they may do best to look elsewhere than Columbus, Ohio.

Here are five fantastic players who could help take the Rangers to the top of the mountain. 

Contract status and salaries according to capgeek.com.

His Staal-Ing Tactics Would Be Welcomed

Jordan Staal 

UFA in 2013

Current salary: $4 million

This multi-talented 23-year-old has skated in the shadows of Sidney Crosby and Evgeni Malkin for far too long. A player with Stanley Cup pedigree, the 6'4" forward be a tremendous addition to the New York Rangers. Staal would play monster minutes in all situations for coach John Tortorella, and brother Marc Staal would help to ease his transition to Broadway.

Is it possible that a player of this magnitude could be dealt? 

Dave Molinari wrote in the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette: 

"

While it is conceivable that Staal, the team's No. 3 center, might want to play elsewhere so he can fill a more offense-oriented role, he apparently has not said anything of the sort to the Penguins. Asked if any of the top three centers had expressed a desire to move, Penguins General Manager Ray Shero responded, "Absolutely not."

"

Perhaps Glen Sather can change his mind.

He'd Make His Point from the Point

Shea Weber

RFA in 2012

Current salary: $7.5 million 

For years, the Rangers have needed a dominant D-man with a powerful shot from the point. Shea Weber, 26, would fill the bill. The smooth-skating, 6'4" back liner can control the flow of a hockey game with everything from punishing hits to game-breaking goals. There aren't too many players in the NHL that can bring all the tools to the ice that Weber can. 

According to Ryan Porth at his Smashville 24/7 Blog: 

"

Complete-package defensemen like Weber don’t grow on trees.

Weber brings a certain wow factor that simply cannot be replaced. On the ice he hits like Scott Stevens and shoots like Al MacInnis. Off the ice he’s the most marketable player and a fan favorite.

The Predators have to lock up Weber long-term, and it has to happen this summer. There are no ifs, ands or buts about it.

"

We'll see.

Perry Good at Getting Goals

Corey Perry 

UFA in 2013

Current salary: $5.325 million 

The Rangers are in desperate need of goals—particularly with resident sniper Marian Gaborik out with a should injury (and subsequent surgery) that could keep him on the shelf until November.

Perry, 27, is a former NHL MVP and 50-goal scorer who can light the lamp with the best of them. It's a major long shot for sure, but Glen Sather should absolutely kick the tires here, especially in light of what Collin Insley of The Hockey Writers had to say:

"

Take, for instance, the Anaheim Ducks, who, during the 2011-12 season, despite having a Stanley Cup winning coach in Randy Carlyle, and arguably the best forward line in the league in Ryan Getzlaf, Corey Perry, and Bobby Ryan, not only missed the playoffs all together, but also canned Carlyle midway through the season, after yet another slow start. What happened? Who’s to blame? And specifically, who’s head will roll, should the 2012-13 season get off to a similar start?

"

Perhaps the Rangers can start the head rolling, by prying the 6'3" Right Wing out of Orange County.

Get P.K. for the PP

P. K. Subban

RFA in 2012

Current salary: $875,000 

P.K. Subban is one of the more exciting young defensemen in the NHL. With the Rangers in need of a point man who can run the power play, the often controversial Canadiens back liner could possibly be a trade target. 

Not only that, there's been chatter about moving Montreal moving him. According to Fan Nation from SI.com:

"

The offseason, such as it is, won't much begin in NHL front offices for another few weeks. With the draft coming up on Friday, there's a lively debate over whether the Canadiens should try to move up -- or down -- from their No. 3 position. Given the talent available this year, No. 3 appears to be a good spot. ...

No matter which way the Canadiens go, the one thing they shouldn't do is trade defenseman P.K. Subban. I'm sure this idea isn't being thrown around when Marc Bergevin assembles his braintrust, but the idea seems to have some traction on fan websites and there are a few folks in the media who feel this would be a better team without Subban. Subban's critics say he's arrogant, that he's uncoachable, that he talks too much."

"

Nothing John Tortorella couldn't take care of. 

Kane Is Able and Could Be on the Table

Evander Kane

RFA in 2012

Current salary: $3.1 million 

According to Renaud Lavois of RDS, an unnamed Winnipeg Jets player has allegedly suggested that Kane doesn't want to negotiate a new deal with the Jets.

At 20 years of age, Kane is already the prototypical power forward who would thrive in the Eastern Conference playing for John Tortorella.

He can provide the punch—with 30 goals this past season—and he can punch too, which would suit him perfectly for the team that led the NHL in fighting majors in 2012. He loves to go to the "dirty" areas of the ice to create traffic and havoc in front of the net.