Free Agency is set to begin on Saturday, July 1.
As the NHL is preparing for their Free Agency to begin, the rumors of where players may end up have intensified. Social media and digital sports outlets all have their opinions, so let’s take a look at a few that involve the New York Rangers.
The most talked about free agent and a sure target for the Rangers, defenseman Kevin Shattenkirk, has been linked to one of the team’s cross-river rivals, the New Jersey Devils.
Losing out to the Devils in the race to sign Shattenkirk would be a dagger in the hearts of all Rangers fans.
Center Nick Bonino is said to have about 10 teams interested in his services. It is believed that Bonino may be looking for a four-or-five-year deal, something that may be too long for the Rangers to consider him a real option.
The Rangers have been interested in future Hall of Famer Joe Thornton for some time, but they aren’t the only team that could be in the mix. Recent reports link the Los Angeles Kings, Nashville Predators and Toronto Maple Leafs with the veteran center.
One of the premier goal scorers of his generation, Ilya Kovalchuk may not be making his return to the NHL after all.
Adding Kovalchuk was always a longshot for the Rangers, as he was still property of the Devils and would have to be acquired via trade. It’s likely the Devils would have put a high price on the winger, especially for one of their rivals.
The King Will Be Ready For The Start Of The Season
Larry Brooks of the New York Post reports that Henrik Lundquist’s knee isn’t as badly injured as previously feared and that he will be ready for the start of the regular season.
Lundqvist, you may remember, injured his knee while leading Team Sweden to Gold at the World Championships and it was announced earlier this month that he would be out 4-6 weeks as a result.
Other New York Ranger News
- In another piece, Brooks talks about the difficulty that Lundqvist is having with the Rangers changes.
- Elite Sports NY’s Daniel Federico delves into what it would mean to have Joe Thorton as a Ranger.