There weren’t any big moves for the Rangers at last weekend’s NHL draft because the organization isn’t focused on picks or prospects, but rather on what their team will look like in 2024-25 — business suited for the first day of free agency on Monday.
July 1 was supposed to be the day Blueshirts president and general manager Chris Drury could begin to restructure the team in earnest, especially since that’s when captain Jacob Trouba’s no-trade clause would turn into the 15-team no-trade list.
In fact, the Rangers’ desire to fire their third captain in the last decade is reverberating around the NHL.
The story has been covered everywhere, with increasingly private details about the situation coming into public attention.
The Post’s Larry Brooks reported that Drury is working on a trade that would send Trouba to Detroit, which would allow the veteran defenseman to return to the state where he was born and raised and played one year of collegiate hockey.
Plus, his friend and former ranger, Andrew Copp, is there too.
While Trouba’s no-trade list could jeopardize any plans, it’s hard to imagine a better scenario for the 30-year-old.
Anything is better than staying in a place where you are no longer needed.
As the countdown continues until Trouba’s departure, the only player being heavily rumored to be a trade target is Kaapo Kakko, who agreed to a tradeable contract with a $2.4 million qualifying offer price last month.
If not, Monday will be all about the Rangers’ free agent market.
The Rangers lost a long-awaited reunion with Patrick Kane after the 35-year-old forward agreed to a one-year deal to remain in Detroit.
Kane’s second act on Broadway would have been a welcome one for a Rangers organization that was understandably not pleased with his initial showing in Manhattan for the second half of the 2022-23 season.
Still, Kane will be looking to help the Red Wings end their eight-year playoff drought next season.
Other notable forwards in whom the Rangers could be interested include the Lightning’s longtime captain Steven Stamkos and wingers Jake DeBrusk and Tyler Bertuzzi.
The Rangers would likely acquire DeBrusk, who can play both wing positions, but wouldn’t pay a high salary.
But if Trouba were to leave, Drury would have to make up for the loss of a player who played more than 21 minutes per game, saved penalties and provided a physical presence to the defence.
On top of that, they’ll probably also need to find a third-pairing defenseman to replace Erik Gustafsson, who is set to become an unrestricted free agent.
Left-handed defenceman Nikita Zadorov is an intriguing player to watch, having recorded four goals and four assists in 13 playoff games with the Canucks.
TSN’s Darren Dreger reported that the Canucks offered Zadorov as much as $5 million but that it wasn’t enough, so it’s hard to imagine the Rangers paying more than that, especially if they have to retain some of Trouba’s salary.
Everything will become clearer on Monday night.
That’s when the real business begins for the Rangers.
