New York Rangers: 10 Potential UFA Targets Not Named Zach Parise

"No." It seems as though potential unrestricted free agent Zach Parise of the New Jersey Devils is a man of few words. Or in this case, one word. According to a recent article at SI.com, that emphatic "No" was the answer he gave when asked if he'd leave the only NHL team he's ever played for to sign with the archrival New York Rangers.

But number nine didn't stop there. In the same article, Parise strung a few more syllables together with regard to the situation, when he proclaimed to reporters: "Don't try to get a headline out of this." 

Too late, Zach.

When the clock strikes midnight on Sunday, July 1, the Devils captain will become a UFA. At that point, any team in the NHL can try to get him to sign on their dotted lines for many years and subsequently, many dollars. Perhaps Parise will resign with the Devils. Perhaps he'll chase big money from teams like the Pittsburgh Penguins, Detroit Red Wings or Minnesota Wild.

Perhaps, it really doesn't matter to the Rangers what he does at all. Here's why.

There are a host of UFAs out there other than Zach Parise, who can join the Broadway Blueshirts. Players with the requisite speed, skill, strength and determination to help them take the critical next steps toward a Stanley Cup Championship.

These UFAs have the potential to become Ultimately Fantastic Additions.

According to Larry Brooks in the New York Post, Rangers General Manager Glen Sather had this to say: “I think we’re going to try to be as aggressive as possible in the free agent market.”

Well, Mr. Sather, if you're really ready to spend some cash this Summer, here are ten players who just may be worth it, starting with the forwards. 

Please note that Nashville Predators D-man Ryan Suter and University of Wisconsin phenom back liner Justin Schultz didn't make the list.

Player salaries courtesy of capgeek.com.

Player statistics courtesy of eliteprospects.com and NHL.com.

Big on Size, Big on Draws

Paul Gaustad, 30

Center

Nashville Predators

Current Salary-$2,300,000

The towering 6'5", 212-lb center would be an ideal fit on the Rangers fourth line. He's an absolute monster on faceoffs and would certainly help add plenty of growl and grit to the Blueshirts lineup. Players like Paul Gaustad come in handy when the going really gets tough in later rounds of the playoffs. 

Z Gets an "A" on Face-Offs

Zenon Konopka, 31

Center

Ottawa Senators

Current Salary-$700,000

Yes, that Zenon Konopka—the player who gave the Rangers fits in their hard-fought seven-game Eastern Conference quarterfinal series against the Ottawa Senators. Known as one of the best in the NHL at the faceoff dot, the 6-foot, 210-lb pivot also possesses the right amount of hate that you want on your side during the post season. 

The price will probably be right, too.

This Wing Can Bring It

Jiri Hudler, 28

Left Wing

Detroit Red Wings

Current Salary-$2,875,000

Jiri Hudler had a career-high 25 goals last season—50 points in total. Plus, he was raised in the Detroit Red Wings system and won a Stanley Cup there, so he knows what it takes to get through the gauntlet. Hudler's only 5'9" and 182 lbs, but he has the skill and the will to get the job done.

Could He Get an Encore on Broadway?

P.A. Parenteau, 29 

Right Wing

New York Islanders

Current Salary-$1,250,000

Former Ranger Pierre Alexandre Parenteau tallied 18 goals, had 49 helpers and piled up 89 penalty minutes this past season. Yes, the 5'11" winger has benefited from playing on the New York Islanders No. 1 line with John Tavares and Matt Moulson. But perhaps he's finally become a solid all-around player on his own merits. Plus, Parenteau's really good on the power play and in the shootout.

Plays the Game with Tons of Heart and Howl

Shane Doan, 35

Right Wing

Phoenix Coyotes

Current Salary-$4,550,000

Shane Doan is the consummate team player. The captain of the Phoenix Coyotes, he's more than tough enough to play for the demanding John Tortorella. Plus, he tallied 22 goals and had 28 assists in 2012. The 

The 6'2", 230 lb Doan would be a fine addition to the Rangers lineup. However, his price tag and his age could keep Glen Sather away.

Finished with the forwards. Now, let's run the data on the defensemen. 

The Dependable D-Man with Two First Names

Matt Carle, 27

Philadelphia Flyers

Current Salary-$3,437,500

Matt Carle is in the prime of his career at age 27. A steady contributor, the 6-foot, 205-lb blueliner played in all 82 regular season games for the Philadelphia Flyers this past season and scored four goals to to along with 34 assists. His price tag however, may be a bit too high for the Rangers liking. 

This Guy's Got a Gun from the Point

Jason Garrison, 27

Florida Panthers

Current Salary-$675,000

Florida Panthers back liner Jason Garrison scored 16 goals this past season and possesses a blistering shot from the point. 

The 6'2", 220-lb D-man would surely help the Rangers power play with his rifleman release. 

Dennis Could Be a Menace on Broadway

Dennis Wideman, 29

Washington Capitals

Current Salary-$3,937,500

Dennis Wideman played in all 82 games for the Washington Capitals during the 2012 campaign and scored 11 goals to go along with 35 assists. At 6'0" and weighing in at 200 lbs, Wideman's a smooth skater, excellent puck mover and can really crank 'em from the point.

He's another D-man that would help the Rangers on the man advantage. But his salary could be more than they'd like to spend here.

OK, so we've covered the forwards and the defensemen. Now, let's talk about the Goalies, particularly in light of the fact that the Rangers fine backup netminder, Martin Biron, could become a UFA on July 1 as well.

If Biron Is Cut Loose, Why Not Call Upon the Moose?

Johan Hedberg, 39

New Jersey Devils

Current Salary-$1,250,000

Perhaps the Rangers give Johan Hedberg the assignment of backing up 2012 Vezina Trophy Winner Henrik Lundqvist for next season. The price would more than likely be right for the 6'0", 185-lb goalie. Plus, during the 2012 season, he had a 2.23 goals against average and a .918 save percentage in 27 regular-season appearances. He wouldn't play that many games with the Rangers. 

But he could certainly be counted on when called upon.

Scott Could Bring a Lot as the King's Backup

Scott Clemmensen, 34

Florida Panthers

Current Salary-$1,200,000

In 30 appearances for the Florida Panthers last season, Scott Clemmensen had a 2.57 goals against average and a .913 save percentage. He wouldn't play that many games with the Rangers, but the 6'3", 215-lb netminder's statistics are more than adequate for the reduced role he would play.