New York Rangers: What Will Be Their Next Move This Offseason?

So far the Rangers have made seven major acquisitions this off-season: Mats Zuccarello-Aasen, Martin Biron, Derek Boogaard, Steve Eminger, Alexander Frolov, Todd White, and Tim Kennedy. With the addition of Kennedy on Monday the Rangers own nine forwards with one-way contracts, and a total of 14 forwards on their roster who played in the NHL last season. A NHL team usually only holds a total of 12 forwards in the NHL, which means the Rangers are two forwards over the average limit.

On defense the Rangers have four players on one-way contracts, and six players that played in the NHL last season. The average amount of defenders on a NHL roster happens to be six, which means the Rangers are pretty much set for next season.

But there’s still time for the Rangers to change and improve their team this off-season, so why shouldn’t they?

According to cap-geek the Rangers are about eighty-five thousand dollars over the restricted cap limit; and they would still like to resign Marc Staal.

The Rangers will likely open cap-space by sending one or two veterans to the minors (thus opening cap-space), but Glen Sather can also move a few players through trade to make roster space for up-and-coming prospects, or other free agents he would like to sign (if there are any).

Possible trades/moves the Rangers could make

The Rangers are two forwards over the average limit, so Glen Sather may choose to move two or three forwards for a tough defenseman, or a top-line center (which is still much needed). Steve Zipay of Newsday suggests that the Rangers could send Matt Gilroy, Sean Avery, and a second round pick to Boston, in exchange for center Marc Savard (not bad).

The Rangers could also send a forward or two for some prospects or draft picks, thus opening cap-space and roster space.

But if Glen Sather does not want to make a trade, he can always simply waive a few veteran players with big cap-hits such as Wade Redden, Todd White, and Michael Rozsival.

Personally I’d like the Rangers to take the trading route to open roster and cap-space, because honestly that’s what Glen Sather is best at.

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