Rangers Departure Deemed a ‘Perfect’ Signing for Division Rival
Following their Presidents’ Trophy run last season, the New York Rangers have experienced several losses in NHL free agency. One such departure, forward/center Jack Roslovic, has been considered an “underrated” acquisition for the Carolina Hurricanes, who signed him at a budget-friendly rate.
“Jack Roslovic seems like the perfect Hurricanes free agent signing,” wrote Bleacher Report analyst Adam Gretz on July 11. “Under the radar, a good bargain at $2.8 million against the cap for one season, and a solid player who, while not flashy, will be a quality depth piece and middle-six forward contributing in various ways.”
Gretz highlighted Roslovic’s consistent production over the past three seasons, averaging 0.56, 0.57, and 0.53 points per game, respectively, which translates to a 45-point pace with an expected goal share of over 50% during the 2023-24 season.
Given the Hurricanes’ own significant free agent losses—including Jake Guentzel, Teuvo Teravainen, and Brady Skjei—Roslovic’s acquisition was deemed necessary. “While Roslovic may not be as flashy as Guentzel and Teravainen, he will be a very cap-friendly addition to their forward group,” Gretz concluded.
Manageable Free Agent Exits for the Rangers
Although Roslovic’s move to the Hurricanes seems beneficial for Carolina, he was not expected to return to the Rangers after his rental contract ended. Similarly, forward/center Alexander Wennberg left for the San Jose Sharks, and defenseman Erik Gustafsson joined the Detroit Red Wings after one season in New York.
From general manager Chris Drury’s perspective, these departures are manageable. The Rangers allowed these players to leave partly because they have younger prospects ready to step up. Brennan Othmann, their first-round pick in 2021, and Adam Edstrom, a 6-foot-7 prospect from the 2019 draft, could make their NHL debuts next season. Additionally, 2019 third-rounder Zac Jones is expected to get more ice time on defense, supported by depth pieces Connor Mackey and Brandon Scanlin.
The Rangers also traded for veteran Reilly Smith, a 500-point career scorer with Stanley Cup experience, who is expected to start as the right winger alongside centerman Mika Zibanejad and left winger Chris Kreider. Sam Carrick will fill in for the departed Goodrow.
Despite a slight hit to veteran depth, the Rangers’ youth showed promise last season, as demonstrated by Will Cuylle and Matt Rempe. It’s likely Drury will explore additional veteran skaters to provide injury insurance before the new season begins.
Rangers Ranked Just Behind Stanley Cup Finalists in Early Power Ranking
NHL.com’s early “super 16” power ranking placed the Rangers just behind the Stanley Cup finalists Florida Panthers and Edmonton Oilers, a notable position following their top-four finish last season.
“If we had done this ranking before July 1, I would have had them at No. 2,” admitted NHL.com Editor-in-Chief Bill Price. He reasoned that, despite the Oilers taking the Panthers to seven games in the Cup Final, the Rangers were the second-best team in hockey last season.
Price noted that the Rangers have had a quiet offseason, with the most significant move being the waiving of veteran forward Barclay Goodrow. He also mentioned ongoing speculation about Jacob Trouba’s future with the team, though reports suggest the Rangers captain could stay for another season. Additionally, extending goaltender Igor Shesterkin remains a priority.
“Still, this is a team that came within two wins of reaching the Stanley Cup Final and still has plenty of firepower,” Price stated. “However, other teams, notably the Predators, Oilers, and Bruins, have made moves to jump ahead, which is why I have the Rangers fifth in my own Super 16.”
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