One thing missing from the last two days has been an addition to the blue line to address the last Rangers defense spot. The Rangers traded Patrik Nemeth and didn’t re-sign Justin Braun, which created an opening with Braden Schneider on the third pair. The Rangers have a trio of internal options, or they could go with a low-cost option in free agency. It’s still July, so there are still options for the last Rangers defense spot.
Kids for the last Rangers defense spot?
The first thought for the last Rangers defense spot is to turn to the kids. The front runners here are Zac Jones and Nils Lundkvist, as they are the most NHL ready, the cheapest, and have the most upside. Both are also great complements for Braden Schneider, who is more of a defensive defenseman than a guy that will put up big points.
Jones would appear to have the inside track as both a lefty and a kid that has had prior success with Schneider in the AHL. The pair was easily the best the Wolf Pack had before Schneider was recalled. Lundkvist had some success in the AHL as well, and while Jones is likely more offensively inclined, Lundkvist is more well rounded. Lundkvist would be on his off-side though. It may be a battle between these two at camp.
In speaking with BSB prospect guru Will Wright, he mentioned that the solution for the last Rangers defense spot for this year doesn’t have to be the long term solution. It’s likely the Rangers won’t be able to keep both Jones and Lundkvist, so they may keep the battle going until one or both force a decision.
This is where Matthew Robertson comes into the picture. Robertson isn’t as NHL ready, or at least that’s the word from prospect people I trust. While Robertson isn’t as offensively gifted as Lundkvist or Jones, he’s just overall steady and is a big body that can skate. In talking with NYR prospect guru Sam Stern, Chris Drury, Glen Sather, and Jim Dolan are all old school hockey guys, so the big body may have the inside track long term over the smaller, offensively gifted defensemen.
While we don’t know if a kid will battle for the last Rangers defense spot, we know that this is the trio will be the kids fighting for it.
Low cost veteran?
With Nemeth and Braun gone, the Rangers may go a low cost veteran as insurance instead. Andy Greene has been mentioned a few times before, and he’s still available for what would likely be around $1 million. Zdeno Chara is also available for around that price. But both are very old and very not good anymore.
Calvin de Haan is another name that could be a decent fit, but he’d likely need the guarantee the Rangers will play him in the 6D spot. He’s not exactly an offensive play driver, but he’s still around league average in terms of possession metrics. There’s not much out there in terms of UFA defensemen.
Also, obligatory Frederik Claesson mention for Rob Luker.
A trade?
I’m not exactly sure what or who the Rangers would trade to acquire a 6/7D. Maybe this is where Julien Gauthier comes into play. Gauthier has minimal value right now and has his trade request in. This would be what most would call a “hockey trade,” as in a position player for position player. Instead of the usual prospects/picks.
Maybe Caleb Jones in Chicago? This is where we laugh, but no one knows what Chicago is doing right now.
Mark Borowiecki in Nashville? That would be the veteran I’m sure Drury would like, but he just re-signed in Nashville in February.
Carson Soucy in Seattle? That would be ideal for the last Rangers defense spot, but it’s unlikely Seattle will let him go for just Gauthier, plus Seattle would need to retain salary.
Anyone on Detroit? NO! Stop trading with Steve Yzerman!
Libor Hajek? Jarred Tinordi?
No.
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