Rangers' Roster Surplus: Why New York Must Leverage Expendable Veterans Now
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With several expiring contracts on the books, the Rangers have a window to turn short-term depth into long-term assets before the trade deadline.
The New York Rangers are currently navigating a precarious recovery. As Sports Illustrated first reported, after a staggering collapse that saw them plummet from a franchise-record 55 wins and 114 points just two years ago to a last-place finish in the Eastern Conference with 77 points, the organization has spent the offseason aggressively upgrading its talent. However, while the team is positioned to challenge for a playoff spot in the Metropolitan Division, they aren't yet viewed as true Stanley Cup contenders.
To bridge that gap, the front office needs to stop playing it safe and start viewing their current roster through the lens of the trade deadline. Specifically, there is a goldmine of expendable talent currently on expiring contracts that could be flipped for the draft capital or prospects necessary to raise the team's ceiling.
According to Vincent Z. Mercogliano of The Athletic, as cited by Sports Illustrated, the Rangers have three specific NHL forwards on expiring contracts who could serve as trade chips: Oliver Bjorkstrand, Taylor Raddysh, and Joe Veleno. Because these players are slated to become unrestricted free agents next offseason, their value is highest now.
**Opinion: The Case for Aggression**
While the Rangers currently possess available cap space—meaning they aren't forced to clear money—staying stagnant is a mistake. Trading pending free agents for long-term assets is the only way to ensure the team doesn't simply plateau as a playoff participant, but evolves into a championship threat.
Oliver Bjorkstrand represents the most significant offensive chip. Signed to a one-year deal to boost the team's scoring, Bjorkstrand brings a resume featuring six seasons of 20+ goals and double-digit production in every one of his eight full-time NHL years. Sports Illustrated notes that Bjorkstrand would be an ideal target for any team looking to upgrade their power play, even if his two-way play is less pronounced.
Then there is the bottom-six depth. Taylor Raddysh, who signed a two-year deal last summer, has proven himself as a reliable performer. In 68 games, Raddysh tallied 19 points (nine goals, 10 assists) and tied Adam Fox for the team's highest plus/minus ratio at +5. His consistency makes him a viable asset for a contender needing stability.
Finally, Joe Veleno's tenure in New York may be tied to the growth of the next generation. Signed to a one-year deal and currently serving as the No. 4 center, Veleno's roster spot is directly linked to the development of prospect Cole Beaudoin. As Sports Illustrated reports, if Beaudoin is deemed ready for the NHL, Veleno becomes the logical piece to move.
If the Rangers are serious about returning to the heights of two seasons ago, they cannot afford to let these assets walk for nothing in free agency. The move is simple: identify who isn't a long-term piece of the puzzle and trade them for the future.