Rangers lost out on this opportunity. NHL unrestricted free agent
With little space under the salary cap, general manager Chris Drury of the New York Rangers has tried his hardest to fix roster gaps throughout the last two offseasons.
The 2023 offseason saw a variety of one-year contracts with League minimums. Before the previous season was even finished, the Rangers re-signed the three-time Stanley Cup winner Jonathan Quick to a contract extension because they felt they had found their backup goalkeeper. As a third-pair defenseman, Erik Gustafsson was a wise addition. Furthermore, Blake Wheeler was a well-liked captain even if, before to suffering a major knee injury, he played with less effectiveness.
Retired bottom-six forwards Nick Bonino and Tyler Pitlick were promptly replaced after failing to live up to expectations.
The Rangers’ major offseason acquisition was Reilly Smith, who they acquired via a trade with the Pittsburgh Penguins since they were unable to finance any of the expensive right wings that were available in free agency. Following the San Jose Sharks’ claim of Barclay Goodrow off waivers, Sam Carrick was signed to center the fourth line.
They also signed Chad Ruhwedel as the eighth defenseman after deciding not to re-sign Gustafsson. As a result, Zac Jones will almost certainly start on the third pair, taking Gustafsson’s spot in the lineup for the first time.
Logic like that is difficult to disagree with. Jones has paid his dues, appearing in just 69 NHL games over the last four seasons, and is reasonably priced given his entry-level deal. Due in large part to injuries suffered by Adam Fox, Jacob Trouba, Ryan Lindgren, and Gustafsson, the 23-year-old shown development last season, appearing in an NHL career-high 31 games. The Rangers must ascertain whether Jones possesses the necessary skills to be a regular in the NHL and what precisely they have in him.
