Rangers Eye Vegas Golden Knights’ Free Agents for Offseason Moves
As the Stanley Cup Final continues, NHL general managers are busy preparing for the offseason. Amid trades, waiver claims, and buyout rumors, the New York Rangers have been particularly active. Recently, they placed veteran Barclay Goodrow on waivers, with the San Jose Sharks claiming him. This move, necessary for creating cap space, has set the stage for the Rangers’ offseason strategy.
Goodrow’s departure frees up approximately $3.6 million annually, contributing to the Rangers’ $12.8 million in cap space. This financial flexibility is crucial as the team looks to address roster needs, including securing a first-line right wing and negotiating new contracts for key players like Braden Schneider and potentially Ryan Lindgren.
Across the country, the Vegas Golden Knights present a prime opportunity for the Rangers. With limited cap space and several players needing new contracts, Vegas’s roster is a potential goldmine for New York’s needs.
Key Free Agent Forwards from the Golden Knights
The Golden Knights have used long-term injured reserve (LTIR) to their advantage in past seasons. However, after recent moves, they have less than $1.2 million in cap space, leaving several notable players unsigned. Here are some options the Rangers might consider:
Jonathan Marchessault, RW
An original member of the Golden Knights, Jonathan Marchessault has been instrumental to the team’s success, including winning the Conn Smythe Trophy as postseason MVP in 2023. Despite his smaller stature (5’9″), his scoring ability is undeniable. Marchessault scored 42 goals in the 2023-24 season and is coming off a six-year, $5 million annually contract. He could fill the Rangers’ right-wing void, though his 49.26 Corsi-for percentage (CF%) might not address the team’s even-strength production issues.
Anthony Mantha, LW/RW
Anthony Mantha offers a combination of size and skill, standing at 6’5″. His last contract was with the Detroit Red Wings before being traded to the Capitals and then the Golden Knights. While his production hasn’t always matched his $5.7 million average annual value, he scored 58 points this season. Mantha’s puck possession stats (54.41 CF% with Vegas, 50.47 CF% with Washington) suggest he could be a valuable addition to the Rangers’ first line, despite some inconsistency.
Chandler Stephenson, C/LW
Chandler Stephenson, another player with ties to both the Capitals and Golden Knights, is a versatile forward. At 30 years old and with a $2.75 million annual salary, he may be due for a pay raise after consistent 60-point seasons, despite a slight dip to 51 points in 2023-24. Stephenson is strong in faceoffs (52.6% win rate) and versatile across the lineup. He could provide depth and solidify the Rangers’ bottom six, especially if Filip Chytil faces another injury-prone season.
Role Players Available from the Golden Knights
With Goodrow gone, the Rangers might seek external help for their fourth line. William Carrier and Michael Amadio are reliable depth options from Vegas.
William Carrier
Carrier has been a steady presence in the Golden Knights’ bottom six, known for his size (6’2″, 220 lbs) and defensive reliability. Despite an injury-shortened season with only 39 games played, his five-on-five metrics (53.89 CF%) are solid.
Michael Amadio
Emerging during his three seasons with Vegas, Amadio has scored 27 points in his past two seasons. Standing at 6’1″, he offers a veteran presence and additional depth, with 16 and 14 goals in recent seasons.
Both Carrier and Amadio would be affordable additions, bolstering the Rangers’ fourth line and overall roster depth.
With several intriguing options from the Golden Knights, Rangers GM Chris Drury has the opportunity to enhance the team’s forward lines, particularly on the right side, setting the stage for a promising 2024-25 season.
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