The New York Rangers are gearing up for significant changes to their roster with the upcoming free agency market opening on July 1st. Among the notable names connected to the Rangers is Patrick Kane. However, another high-profile target could be Steven Stamkos, who, according to Pierre LeBrun, will remain a free agent after his contract with the Tampa Bay Lightning expires.
Steven Stamkos, the long-time captain of the Lightning, brings elite shooting skills and a wealth of experience to any team he joins. At 34, he’s still performing at a high level, having averaged over a point per game in seven of his last eight seasons. Stamkos’ potential addition to the Rangers would be significant but would also come with a hefty price tag given his previous contract’s annual value of $8.5 million.
Stamkos’ value isn’t just in his regular-season performance. His championship pedigree, with three Stanley Cup wins and five Finals appearances, adds a layer of much-needed playoff experience to the Rangers. The team has struggled in the postseason, often faltering when it matters most. Stamkos’ leadership and proven track record in the playoffs could provide the stability and guidance the Rangers have been lacking.
For Rangers General Manager Chris Drury, the challenge lies in creating enough cap space to sign Stamkos. Given the competition for Stamkos, securing his services would be a significant coup for the Rangers, showcasing Drury’s ability to make bold moves.
In addition to Stamkos, the Rangers could also pursue Patrick Kane in free agency. Kane, a three-time Stanley Cup champion, had a brief stint with the Rangers after being traded from the Chicago Blackhawks in 2022. Unfortunately, his time with the team was marred by a hip injury, leading to underwhelming performances and an early playoff exit.
Despite this, there is optimism surrounding a potential reunion with Kane. He recently had a strong season with the Detroit Red Wings, scoring 47 points (20 goals and 27 assists) in 50 games. Kane’s playoff experience and near point-per-game production at 35 make him an attractive addition for the Rangers, potentially giving them the offensive boost they need.
Financially, signing Kane would be more feasible than Stamkos. Kane’s expected contract would be less than $5 million annually, a more manageable figure for the Rangers. Additionally, rumors suggest Kane prefers New York, possibly allowing Drury to negotiate a more team-friendly deal.
However, Kane’s return wouldn’t address the Rangers’ need for more size and physicality, a factor contributing to their playoff struggles. Therefore, Drury would need to complement Kane’s signing with other moves to balance the roster and enhance the team’s overall physical presence.
If the Rangers were to sign both Stamkos and Kane, it would necessitate some roster adjustments. The team’s first line, currently featuring center Mika Zibanejad and left wing Chris Kreider, would need reconfiguration. Adding both Kane and Stamkos might push Kreider to the third line, a move that, while surprising, could be strategically beneficial.
In this new lineup, Stamkos could remain at center, with Zibanejad moving to the left wing to utilize his one-timer shot effectively. This Zibanejad-Stamkos-Kane line would combine speed, skill, and scoring prowess, offering a significant upgrade over the previous season’s first line.
Kreider, on the third line, would still be playing alongside quality forwards. Filip Chytil is expected to start as the third-line center, with Vincent Trocheck firmly established in the top six. The third-line right wing spot remains uncertain, but options like Kaapo Kakko, Jimmy Vesey, or Will Cuylle could fill the role effectively.
While Kreider might initially be unhappy with a demotion, the potential of a new, dynamic top line could justify the decision. Overcoming the financial hurdles to sign both Stamkos and Kane would be challenging, but if Drury can manage it, the Rangers could transform into a formidable Stanley Cup contender.
