Jeff Gorton made it clear that the New York Rangers were to target free agents with character, and according to reports are heavily interested in Leo Komarov out of Toronto.
The New York Rangers have been in talks with forward Leo Komarov on a multi-year deal. Sounds like it's getting to that point. Wouldn't be surprised to see deal finalized on Sunday.
— David Pagnotta (@TheFourthPeriod) June 28, 2018
The New York Rangers, according to reports, are interested in bringing in free agent Leo Komarov from the Toronto Maple Leafs.
If the Rangers are truly interested in this player, they may want to look up the definition of the word “character” in a dictionary because this player is someone who is definitely lacking in that department.
At his best, Komarov is a pest-type player who’s capable of scoring 15-20 goals in a season, if he’s riding shotgun with some upper-end players. He’s an energy player at this point in his career: someone who isn’t afraid to be physical, can kill penalties and can frustrate the opposition’s top players.
But his history on the ice speaks volumes, and this isn’t someone Vitaly Kravtsov, Lias Andersson or Filip Chytil need to be learning from.
Unreal that Leo Komarov wasn't penalized for this hit that injured Shayne Gostisbehere pic.twitter.com/Jp8i0DIdgW
— Flyers Nation (@FlyersNation) October 29, 2017
Listen, the Rangers are a team that has been historically pushed around and will continue to be pushed around with the number of young skill guys coming up through the pipe. Yes, it is necessary to have someone who can protect them.
#GottaSeeIt – Leo Komarov was handed a major penalty for this hit to the head of Ryan McDonaghhttps://t.co/O1LvbLym33
— Sportsnet (@Sportsnet) February 19, 2016
There has to be someone else available. Doesn’t matter what line he’s on. He just shouldn’t be someone guiding the new wave of New York Rangers.
The New York Rangers are desperate for a gritty player who can score goals and stick up for his teammates. That is certainly the type of player Komarov is.
#Leafs Leo Komarov is the only player in the NHL with 10+ goals & 100+ hits. pic.twitter.com/rO26keQiOu
— Sportsnet Stats (@SNstats) December 2, 2015
Come on, Jeff, let’s pass on this guy and look elsewhere. There’s plenty of grit and character guys available this free agency. James Van Riemsdyk (a childhood Rangers Fan), or even lesser known names like Tommy Wingels and Patrick Maroon (a big-bodied power forward with some scoring touch) are all much better options.
