Here are three possible free agents the Rangers should look to target this offseason.
I hope that Rangers boss Chris Drury appreciates the fact that The Maven is about to make some trades for him. Alright, already, "suggest" trades for the maestro.
Mind you, I never would do this alone so – at great personal expense – I imported Solon Mihas who would have a Ph.D in "Rangers Studies," if such a course existed.
We huddled, did an absolute minimum of analytics and did our other homework. That said, we shall immediately get into the trading business of helping the G.M. with three possibilities:
1. TYLER BERTUZZI: A fugitive from the failing Maple Leafs, Bert is an unrestricted free agent with a name I like; from 'way back. He plays left wing with grit and an edge which is a healthy one-two combo. At 29, he's got plenty of hockey in him; plus there's an offensive upside. And he can strut his stuff from either wing. I can see him with Mika and Kreider; on the assumption that they'll still be around.
2. ALEX TUCH: I liked this guy the first time I saw him in action and, frankly, I'm convinced there still is more to be squeezed out of AT's talent bank. He's a versatile right hander who could play either wing. Some insiders believe that the Blueshirts tried to wangle him away from Buffalo at the trade deadline but that's ancient history. Tuch is a solid playmaker who had multiple 20-plus goal seasons. This is another potential partner for The Z Man and Kreider.
3. NIKITA ZADOROV: Let's not kid ourselves; we overrated the Rangers defense. By the time Florida got through with the Blueshirts it was apparent that at least one new D-man should be sought. Most recently Zadorov played for Calgary and then Vancouver. He's now an unrestricted free agent who would be a top four defender if the Rangers can nab him. He'd be the perfect replacement for Jacob Trouba should Drury deal or buy out the captain. (And the GM should do one or the other.)
Naturally, if Drury trades, he'll have to give up someone(s) of value. Best we close this exercise with a short list of "Untouchables."
It starts with Igor – but you knew that – then Big Al Lafreniere, Vincent Trocheck and Adam Fox. After that – and for now at least – all bets are off for the rest.
Yeah, Matt Rempe as well!
