Rangers Urged to Pursue $30 Million Golden Knights Champion
The New York Rangers are seeking to bolster their roster, particularly at the right-wing position, as they head into free agency on July 1. Analyst Dane Walsh of Forever Blueshirts has suggested that the Rangers target Vegas Golden Knights forward Jonathan Marchessault.
“It’s clear that the New York Rangers need one or two more pieces to elevate their game. One option worth exploring is unrestricted free agent forward Jonathan Marchessault of the Vegas Golden Knights,” Walsh wrote. “This may go against the idea that the Rangers need to get younger, bigger, and stronger, but Marchessault could be a game-changer as a top-six right wing, whether playing with Mika Zibanejad and Chris Kreider or in any new line configuration.”
Marchessault is set to enter the free-agent market on July 1, having been a key player for the Golden Knights since their inception in the NHL.
Walsh believes Marchessault’s experience and scoring prowess could significantly enhance the Rangers’ offensive lineup. However, there are financial risks the Rangers should consider if they pursue the forward in July.
Case for Rangers’ Pursuit of Jonathan Marchessault
Walsh contends that despite the Rangers’ recent focus on acquiring younger, bigger, and stronger players, adding Marchessault could be the key to overcoming their postseason struggles.
The Rangers had an impressive regular season, winning more games than any other franchise in 2024 and securing the Presidents’ Trophy. However, they were eliminated by Florida in the conference finals, failing to reach the Stanley Cup Final for the tenth consecutive year.
Marchessault, who had an outstanding 2024 season in Vegas with 42 goals, could provide the experience and playoff performance the Rangers need. He was the MVP of the 2023 Stanley Cup playoffs, leading the Knights to their first-ever title.
“Marchessault is coming off a 42-goal season with the Golden Knights, an NHL career-high in his 11th season. He finished with 69 points, just shy of his 75-point career best,” Walsh noted. “He’s a seven-time 20-goal scorer and has scored 30 or more three times. He’s durable and consistent and would be a big upgrade for the Rangers.”
Marchessault’s 69-point 2024 season was near a career high, just six points short of his best. In 102 career postseason games, Marchessault has scored 76 points and boasts a plus-37 rating.
“His lack of size does not deter Marchessault when the games get more difficult,” Walsh wrote. Marchessault scored 25 points in 22 postseason games during the Knights’ championship run in 2023, earning the Conn Smythe award.
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Marchessault’s Appeal as a Top-Tier Free Agent
Both Greg Wyshynski of ESPN and Peter Baugh of The Athletic have recognized Marchessault as a top free agent in separate reports.
Wyshynski categorizes Marchessault as a “Tier 1: Impact Player” free agent, defined as an “established player who can play key roles immediately for a team.”
“Marchessault has seen a roster of original Golden Misfits leaving Las Vegas due to age and salary cap considerations. He’s the leading scorer in Golden Knights history and won the Conn Smythe in their Stanley Cup championship season in 2023,” Wyshynski wrote.
Baugh discussed the Rangers’ options at right wing, emphasizing Marchessault’s high value on the market. However, he acknowledged that signing him might be challenging for the Rangers.
“Marchessault feels like a bit of a longshot. He is coming off a 42-goal season and the 2023 Conn Smythe Trophy, so he’d likely be expensive. The 33-year-old would certainly add to the Rangers’ roster if [GM Chris] Drury somehow made a deal work, and the veteran is a proven postseason performer,” Baugh wrote.
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Financial Risks and Possible Contract Demands
Walsh also highlighted the financial considerations and risks of signing Marchessault. He emphasized the importance of avoiding long-term commitments as Marchessault ages.
“If the Rangers are willing to pursue Marchessault, they must do so with caution,” Walsh wrote. “Overspending for the forward wouldn’t be wise, as his production will inevitably decline over time.”
Marchessault just completed a six-year, $30 million contract with an annual cap hit of $5 million. Walsh believes the Rangers could offer the veteran a “two- or three-year contract, even in the $7 million per year range,” which he considers a smart move.
The Rangers enter the offseason with $13.7 million in cap space following the San Jose Sharks’ claim of Barclay Goodrow on June 19.
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