As the 2024-24 NHL season approaches, the New York Rangers find themselves at a crucial juncture in their journey toward championship contention. With a talented roster in place and a promising pool of prospects, the Rangers must navigate the intricacies of free agency, draft picks, and salary cap management to solidify their foundation for success.
This article delves into the approaching offseason of the New York Rangers, conducting an in-depth analysis of the team’s upcoming free agents, prospective draft picks, and available cap space. The aforementioned elements collectively shape the trajectory of the Rangers for the upcoming season and beyond. The front office of the Rangers faces critical decisions as they strive to assemble a roster capable of embarking on a deep playoff run and restoring the storied franchise to its former glory. Also Read: Watch: ‘Wild Bill’ William Karlsson appreciates fans for being there since “Day F*****g One”.
New York Rangers Free Agents – UFA and RFA
Unrestricted Free Agents
The Metropolitan side has seven Unrestricted Free Agents currently. In the context of the NHL (National Hockey League), an unrestricted free agent (UFA) refers to a player whose contract has expired, and they are free to sign with any team in the league. UFAs have no restrictions or obligations to their previous team and can negotiate contracts based on their preferences and offers from other teams. The UFAs of NYR are as follows:
- Patrick Kane, RW
- Vladimir Tarasenko, RW
- Niko Mikkola, D
- Jaroslav Halak, G
- Tyler Motte, C
- Ryan Carpenter, C
- CJ Smith, LW
Restricted Free Agents
A restricted free agent (RFA) is a player whose contract has expired, but their current team has some control over their future. Unlike unrestricted free agents (UFAs) who can sign with any team, RFAs have restrictions because their current team has the right to match any contract offer made by other teams. This gives the player’s team the chance to keep them by matching the contract terms. If the team decides not to match the offer, they may receive compensation from the signing team in the form of draft picks. NYR has ten RFAs. They are as follows
- Alexis Lafreniere, LW
- K’Andre Miller, D
- Brandon Scanlin, D
- Patrick Khodorenko, C
- Lauri Pajuniemi, RW
- Cooper Zach, D
- Libor Hajek, D
- William Lockwood, RW
- Timothy Gettinger, LW
- Wyatt Kalynuk, D
New York Rangers Draft Picks
New York Rangers, having placed 23rd in the 2022-2024 Stanley Cup would require to wait quite some time before they have the say. Given are the future picks of the Rangers
| 2024 Draft Picks |
| Round | Trade Details |
| 1 | 23rd Overall |
| 3 | 91st Overall, From Colorado Avalanche |
| 5 | 152nd Overall, From Edmonton Oilers |
| 6 | 178th Overall, From Winnipeg Jets |
| 6 | 183rd Overall |
In 2024, New York Rangers have 1st, 2nd, 4th, 5th, 6th, and 7th round picks. In 2025, NYR has 1st, 4th (from Dallas), 5th, 6th, and 7th round picks. Meanwhile in 2026, The Rangers have 1st, 3rd, 4th, 5th, 6th, 7th (from Canucks) and 7th round picks.
New York Rangers Cap Space
The Rangers have a current cap space of $11,762,918 and a similar projected cap space. The current roster contains 14 players, 6 short of the mandatory 20. The total cap hit is $71,737,083.
The Rangers need to sign 6 more players. Keeping the max tab also in mind, The Rangers have say, 9 signings more. If the Rangers do take in 23 players, the average per person on equal division is $1.31m. Similar circumstances with 20 players give the Rangers more space, i.e. $1.96m per person on equal division. Also, Read: Avalanche Leads the 2024 Stanley Cup Odds, Two Canadian Outfits Follow Avs
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