The New York Rangers are anticipated to make a deep playoff run this season, as they got here up quick dropping within the Jap Convention Remaining final season. After profitable the Presidents’ Trophy with the most effective common season file, Rangers followers chalked up their season as a profitable one, regardless of being unable to win the Stanley Cup. With free company being a typical time for groups to exit and make a splash to enhance their crew, the Rangers opted to not go after any big-name free brokers and stored their crew as just like final season as doable. Whereas there have been rumors that they had been attempting to dump Jacob Trouba and his large contract, nothing ever got here to fruition.
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Whereas most groups within the NHL have to fret concerning the stability of their goaltending, the Rangers don’t have that challenge in any respect as Igor Shesterkin continues to solidify himself as an elite-level goalie each season. The place they do have a difficulty although, is their defensive depth on the best facet of the blue line. Everybody is aware of good right-hand defencemen are onerous to come back by on the NHL stage, as we’ve seen with the Edmonton Oilers’ struggles over the previous a number of seasons, and the Rangers may gain advantage from an improve. Whereas their depth chart isn’t unhealthy by any means, they certainly might afford to make a splash, particularly in the event that they determine to revisit buying and selling Trouba.
One defenceman who might discover himself dealing with a proposal sheet after an elite couple of seasons with the Oilers is Evan Bouchard. Whereas nothing has indicated the 2 sides don’t need to get an extension performed, the Oilers should pay him in an enormous technique to preserve him round long-term, which might result in negotiations dragging out. If Bouchard hits free company as a restricted free agent (RFA) then the Rangers ought to take into account hitting him with a proposal sheet. If the Rangers in the end transfer Trouba and avoid wasting cash within the course of, they need to be keen to spend huge and enhance their top-four defensive core.
Bouchard Has Norris Trophy Future Forward of Him, Rangers Ought to Pay
It might be foolish to say Bouchard can’t make a push for a Norris Trophy all through his profession. Whereas beating out Cale Makar, Adam Fox, and Miro Heiskanen shall be a tricky process each season, his offensive manufacturing final season confirmed indicators that he would possibly have the ability to discover one other step in his recreation. For the Rangers, bringing in an elite-level participant like Bouchard who can put up over some extent per recreation is one thing they need to be keen to pay for. Whereas a large seven-year contract, for instance, may cost a steep value to tug him away from the Oilers, the Rangers ought to use their further cap house and take a run at him.
It’s not on daily basis a participant like Bouchard turns into obtainable, whilst an RFA. If the Rangers can’t get it performed this season and discover themselves again at sq. one subsequent summer time, going after Bouchard to ship a message needs to be their primary objective. He’s the right alternative for Trouba and would doubtless create considered one of, if not the most effective defensive lineup within the NHL.
Now, sadly for the Rangers, the value goes to be steep. Realistically, the Oilers might have him priced above Darnell Nurse’s $9.25 million annual wage, however they’ll certainly try to discuss him down. To carry him in, the Rangers must at the very least supply near $10.25-10.75 million yearly and quit two first-round picks, a second-round choose, and a third-round choose as compensation. Nevertheless, he’s value it.
Bouchard has improved defensively each season and continues to be a implausible asset for the Oilers. If the Rangers need to make a push for his or her first Stanley Cup since 1994, bringing in an elite participant like Bouchard might be the reply to lastly getting over the hump and profitable a championship.
