Rumors, rumors, and more rumors for the New York Rangers as the offseason heats up and free agency is now only three days away.
The rumors swirling the New York Rangers are alive and well as the offseason continues. With free agency looming, there are many names the fans continue to hear.
Obviously, the biggest is Kevin Shattenkirk.
Speculation is swirling around this potential marriage as its widely known Shattenkirk wants to play for the Rangers and the Rangers are in dire need for his services. However, the Rangers brass may be unwilling to dole out a long term high salary contract to a player that’s almost 30. Only time will tell on this one, and I won’t believe it until it’s officially announced.
As you'd think, lots of interest in Shattenkirk. Believe TOR, NYR, NJ, BUF, LV, TB among teams who reached out. He's reviewing options today
— David Pagnotta (@TheFourthPeriod) June 28, 2017
If NYR don't sign shattenkirk. What do they plan on using the 20m in cap space for? Maybe a couple Vets? Saturday will be interesting in NY
— NHL News/Rumors (@NHLNews_Rumors) June 29, 2017
I do not think he will sign with the #NYR https://t.co/K6tjH0cR2O
— Jim Cerny (@JimCerny) June 28, 2017
Other names that have been linked to the Rangers include veterans Joe Thornton and Patrick Marleau, formerly of the San Jose Sharks. Both would bring veteran leadership and strong voices to the young locker room. However it appears at least Thornton is looking for a three-year deal, and I would say that’s something the Rangers should be wary of. Marleau is coming off a more resurgent 27 goal season last year. He’s played the majority of his career on the wing, though.
The #Rangers need a short-term solution at C. Joe Thornton may be the perfect fit @EliteSportsNY https://t.co/qdiJdcvIlm
— Dan Federico (@RealDanFederico) June 28, 2017
The Rangers might have interest in Patrick Marleau https://t.co/zAmLNAgtWu
— Adam Rotter (@AdamRotter) June 27, 2017
Lots of interest in Patrick Marleau coming off 27-goal season. Toronto, Anaheim, NYR, SJ, Carolina, Nashville, LA all in the mix.
— Craig Custance (@CraigCustance) June 27, 2017
Another centerman linked to the Rangers is Penguins center Nick Bonino. Bonino was a part of the famous “HBK” line in Pittsburgh with Carl Hagelin and Phil Kessel. The trio formed a dynamite line and sparked the Pens to the Cup in 2016. Bonino would fill more of a third line role given the current roster. My feeling is he will be overpaid but he is a valuable player who can score, kill penalties, check top opponents lines, and block shots.
I don't think Radulov. I'd think Bonino is an option at center. I do know from source that Bonino is very interested in Rangers https://t.co/lcyQ8B0tOI
— Jim Cerny (@JimCerny) June 28, 2017
In other news, the Rangers Prospect Development Camp continued on, with yesterday being the first scrimmage. Rangers’ first-rounder Filip Chytil scored twice, and also had a hand in setting up linemate Ty Ronning for Team White, who won the scrimmage 4-1. Lias Andersson scored the lone goal for Team Blue.
Regulation ends. White takes it 4-1. Chytil with 2 goals, @liasandersson and @TyRonning7 with one each. #NYRPDC
— New York Rangers (@NYRangers) June 28, 2017
Check out highlights from today's #NYRPDC scrimmage, including goals from Chytil, @liasandersson and @TyRonning7. #NYR pic.twitter.com/mytqRay2oL
— New York Rangers (@NYRangers) June 28, 2017
The prospects were also treated to a tour of Madison Square Garden and dinner in Manhattan. Scrimmages will continue today at the Rangers training facility.
The #NYR prospects have arrived @thegarden! #NYRPDC pic.twitter.com/mUk5l4UwyJ
— New York Rangers (@NYRangers) June 28, 2017
Jed Ortmeyer talks to #NYRPDC players in the #NYR locker room. pic.twitter.com/0EUrqWY23I
— New York Rangers (@NYRangers) June 28, 2017
NHL.com’s Dan Rosen was in attendance yesterday at the Rangers prospect development camp. It appears the feeling around the organization is that prospects Sean Day and Neal Pionk are on the verge of really challenging for roster spots.
Pionk plays a similar style to that of Kevin Shattenkirk in which he is an undersized puck moving right-handed defenseman who was almost a point per game at the elite Division I college level.
Day was the Rangers third round pick in ’15 and has massive upside despite falling to the third round. Let us not forget the KHL free agent signing Alexei Bereglazov, a lefty defenseman who would bring a nice blend of size and mobility to the top six and also played a ton on the right side overseas.
Chatted w/ NYR dir. player personnel Gordie Clark. Feeling is D Pionk, Bereglazov, Day can push to make team. Opening depends on free agency
— Dan Rosen (@drosennhl) June 28, 2017
Other Rangers News, Stories:
- For more on Sean Day, check out my scouting report on him here.
- For details on Brendan Smith re-signing, check out Frank Curto’s article here.
- For some news and notes on the current situation at the center position, check out Larry Brooks’ article in the NY Post here.