After being eliminated in the Eastern Conference Final for the second time in three seasons, it is clear that the New York Rangers need one or two more pieces to reach the next level. One promising option is unrestricted free agent forward Jonathan Marchessault of the Vegas Golden Knights.
While some argue the Rangers should focus on getting younger, bigger, and stronger, Marchessault could be a game-changer as a top-six right wing. He could either play alongside Mika Zibanejad and Chris Kreider or fit into any new line configuration.
Marchessault is coming off a stellar season with the Golden Knights, scoring a career-high 42 goals in his 11th NHL season. He finished with 69 points, just shy of his 75-point career best. A seven-time 20-goal scorer, Marchessault has hit the 30-goal mark three times. He is durable, consistent, and would be a significant upgrade for the Rangers.
Moreover, Marchessault is a proven playoff performer. He won the Stanley Cup with the Golden Knights in 2023 and was named the Conn Smythe Trophy winner as MVP of the Stanley Cup Playoffs. In 102 career postseason games, Marchessault has amassed 76 points (36 goals, 40 assists) and boasts a plus-37 rating. His lack of size (5-foot-9, 185 pounds) does not hinder his performance when the games intensify.
During his Conn Smythe-winning playoff run, Marchessault notched 25 points in 22 games, maintained a plus-17 rating, and scored three game-winning goals. The Rangers could have greatly benefited from such a performance this postseason when they fell short again.
The Rangers could target free agent Jonathan Marchessault, but they must do so with caution. At 33 years old, New York needs to be careful with the contract’s term and avoid overspending, as his production will inevitably decline over time.
Marchessault’s expiring contract had a cap hit of $5 million, a bargain for his performance. He will seek a raise, and the amount will determine if the Rangers pursue him in free agency. A two- or three-year contract, even at $7 million per year, could be a smart move, especially with Igor Shesterkin and Alexis Lafreniere remaining on team-friendly contracts for one more season and the salary cap expected to rise in the coming years.
By moving on from Barclay Goodrow’s $3.6 million contract and with the salary cap increasing to $88 million next season, the Rangers have more financial flexibility. They are projected to have roughly $13.7 million in cap space, with decisions still to be made on restricted free agents Ryan Lindgren and Braden Schneider.
With one of GM Chris Drury’s biggest tasks being to secure a top-six right wing, signing a player like Marchessault could be a strategic move. While it carries some risk, it seems more feasible than signing other top forwards like Jake Guentzel or Sam Reinhart.
In conclusion, the Rangers need to make the right choice. They must find a reliable first-line player who can consistently produce. If they don’t, they risk falling short of the Stanley Cup once again next season.
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