Alter: Rangers must deal at deadline to put aging roster over the top
The NHL is undergoing a youth movement. As teams continue to get younger, the older ones must get results now.
The New York Rangers have been consistent, missing the playoffs only once (2009-10) in the salary cap era. Last season, they won the President's Trophy, awarded to the team that finishes with the best regular-season record. The season before that, New York fell to the Los Angeles Kings in the Stanley Cup Final.
Currently sitting second in the Metropolitan Division, the Rangers are destined for another playoff run.
But they have to make it count. With the Kings and Chicago Blackhawks setting the bar over the years, the Rangers must find a way to put their existing roster over the top.
At an average age of 28.9 years, the Rangers are the oldest team in the league. Simply put, they need to win now - the window will close.
Biggest need: Help up front
The Rangers could use another physical forward. With Rick Nash sidelined since late January with a mysterious leg injury, New York is in need of an experienced forward who can put up some points.
In addition, the Rangers could be looking to add some insurance in goal. Antti Raanta, their current backup, has a less than impressive 4-4-2 record and .902 save percentage in 13 games. The Rangers have relied heavily on Henrik Lundqvist, who has dressed in 48 of 57 games. Reducing the mileage on their star goaltender should be a priority as the team heads into the spring.
Maneuverability
The way the Rangers' roster is constructed, New York has roughly north of $1 million available in salary cap space if it were to keep its team unchanged at season's end. As of Thursday, New York has slightly shy of $4 million in cap space to take on salary. On trade deadline day, that number moves up to just under $5 million. The Rangers are in position to take on an expiring contract with little risk.
Candidates
Eric Staal
A perennial centre, Eric Staal's versatility and experience could provide a mutual benefit to both player and team. The Rangers would get a player who has an ability to produce, and has something many of his teammates don't have: a Stanley Cup ring. Although Staal's production has dipped, the Rangers can hope a win-now environment would give him the boost he desperately needs. Los Angeles made a similar bet with Vincent Lecavalier (who is four years older). Staal's $8.25-million cap hit is a lot to take on, so some salary and/or roster players would need to be sent the Carolina Hurricanes' way.
Andrew Ladd
If the Winnipeg Jets are unable to agree to a contract extension with their captain, New York should target the physical winger. He can be plugged into Nash's regular spot and despite his age (30) and dip in production, he could be a potential building block for the Rangers going forward. The issue for New York is the Jets' asking price, thought to be massive. Likely a first-round draft pick, a prospect, and a roster player.
Chad Johnson
With Robin Lehner back in control of the Sabres' net, Chad Johnson could net Buffalo a decent return from a Rangers team that can use a backup goaltender it can rely on. With a $1.3-million cap hit, the Rangers would still have room to add while giving Lundqvist some needed rest down the stretch.
James Reimer
A long shot for the Rangers to acquire, but one that could make sense. James Reimer is used to splitting his role in Toronto, and although he is looking for a starter's job, his numbers would improve while playing in front of a better New York defence. A short-term move and some insurance for New York in case Lundqvist gets hurt.
All-in
There are other players the Rangers could target, but few would put New York over the top. Adding Radim Vrbata or another fringe forward may help marginally, but wouldn't put the club ahead of other Stanley Cup contenders.
The Rangers need to go over the top. The only way to do that is to land players who improve their chances immediately. They aren't getting any younger. It's time to make a splash.
*Salary cap numbers courtesy of generalfanager.com