$31 Million Winger Named As The New York Rangers Next Best Target As UFA List Continues To Decrease
Photo credit: Gareth Patterson/AP
General Manager Chris Drury has played his hand too conservatively and let multiple potential UFAs slide out of his grasp. Different NHL superstars have decided to re-up with their teams, leaving the Dallas Stars with one remaining target to sign in 2026.
With the New York Rangers' hopes of a 2025-26 Stanley Cup playoff run in the future, the team will need to use the trade deadline to its advantage.
With the news of Connor McDavid and Kyle Connor re-signing with their teams again, the free agency class at this point is slim pickings.
However, one pending RFA remains in the Dallas Stars lineup in Jason Robertson. He was originally a trade target this offseason, but GM Jim Nill and the team never made an attempt to move him.
NHL Analyst Rob Ellis of NHL Trade Rumors believes he's the Rangers' best target:
«The Rangers' core is aging. Key players like J.T. Miller, Mika Zibanejad, and Vincent Trocheck are all 32,» Ellis wrote. «While still productive, the window to win a Stanley Cup with this group is narrowing. Compounding this is the situation with Artemi Panarin. The «Breadman» is approaching 34, and while his offensive prowess is undeniable, a long-term, high-value contract carries significant risk. This is where a player like Robertson becomes an intriguing and, frankly, necessary target.
«At 26, he is just entering his prime and has already established himself as one of the league's premier scoring threats,» Ellis added. «His offensive creativity and goal-scoring ability would not only replace Panarin's production but also align perfectly with the team's timeline for sustained success.»
«At 26, he is just entering his prime and has already established himself as one of the league's premier scoring threats,» Ellis added. «His offensive creativity and goal-scoring ability would not only replace Panarin's production but also align perfectly with the team's timeline for sustained success.»
Jason Robertson's Future With the Dallas Stars
Robertson is in the final year of his $31 million deal signed with the Stars during the 2022-23 postseason.
His name was buzzing in trade talks this summer, but nothing manifested for either Robertson or the team. The Stars could end up moving the star forward as a means of recouping assets and reclaiming cap space for moves that set them up for a future Stanley Cup run.
And with the constant turmoil with Artemi Panarin going on, he might be the next best replacement for the Russian forward who rejected a team-friendly deal with the Rangers.
Previously on NY Rangers Insider
TRENDING NOW
