On the Jake Debrusk to the Rangers rumors

In case you missed it, Jake Debrusk has requested a trade out of Boston. Almost immediately, the Jake Debrusk to the Rangers rumors started, thanks in large part to Darren Dreger on TSN.

The Rangers need a winger, they have the cap space, and they likely have the assets to make this work. Thus, the Rangers are interested. That’s usually how these things work. The one thing we do know, however, is that Chris Drury plays things close to the vest, so unless that leak came from Boston, it’s safe to say this is more of educated spitballing.

Jake Debrusk to the Rangers does fill a need

Whether the fit is ideal or not, Jake Debrusk to the Rangers does fill a need, at least in the short term. The Rangers are in search of a winger, even though Dryden Hunt is doing well in the second line role. Insurance, especially top six insurance, is a need for the Rangers. Debrusk provides that.

His RAPM charts, which are more isolated for individual impact, show a familiar story that Ranger fans should be used to seeing. Debrusk, over his career, has been hampered by poor team shooting while he’s on the ice, which can signal playing with lesser talent. He drives offense at even strength, but the scoring isn’t there. This suggests one of two things (or both): 1) He’s getting unlucky/playing with inferior talent, or 2) The raw skills just aren’t there.

Defensively, he’s taken a big step forward, so there’s that.

When looking at his xGAR vs GAR, we see the same story as the RAPM, signaling a change of scenery might be best. He’s produced expected results, but they aren’t translating to on-ice points. This year he’s tanked a bit. His most common linemates are Craig Smith and Eric Haula, not exactly a murderer’s row of talent. Good players, don’t get me wrong, but on the Rangers he’d be on a line with better players. For comparison’s sake, over the last three seasons he’s spent most of his ice time with David Krejci and Charlie Coyle.

Short term fix or long term solution?

Debrusk is a skilled middle six winger that would look good in New York. But he’d likely be a short term fix instead of a long term solution. Debrusk’s current contract expires this year, and he will be an RFA. His cap hit is $3.675 million, but his qualifying offer is $4.85 million. That’s a lot of money for a guy who is having two down years.

Given the cap situation for the Rangers, and their impending cap crunch in 2023-2024, can they afford to spend another $5 million on a “maybe”? Perhaps on a one year deal, which would make Debrusk more of a 1.5 year rental, something I am much more amenable to than a pure rental. In that sense, this may work. The Rangers do have the space next year.

But if Jake Debrusk to the Rangers is a real thing, and the Rangers view him as a 1.5 year rental, then why not try to see what they have in their kids? This again goes to the plan Chris Drury has for the Rangers. He clearly has one, even if it’s as clear as mud. If the plan is taking a flier on him as a 1.5 year rental, then by all means, go for it. But if it’s more, then where is the cap offset coming from?