New York Rangers Encouraged To Secure Top Defenseman Who's Familiar With Mike Sullivan Before it's Too Late
Photo credit: NHL.com
The New York Rangers should consider signing defenseman Matt Grzelcyk, who is the top defenseman free agent left in the league. The defenseman is a former 40-point defenseman and recently suited up for the Blackhawks with a PTO. His connection to Mike Sullivan through the Pittsburgh Penguins might be ideal to utilize.
The New York Rangers' blueline could always use some help.
That's why website heavy.com is proposing that the New York Rangers and GM Chris Drury sign free agent Matt Grzelcyk. Grzelcyk was recently in Chicago with a PTO, a professional tryout offer, but hasn't signed a contract yet.
As a former 40-point (1-39) defenseman in the NHL, he'd be the perfect low-risk, high-reward signing for the team after moving on from K'Andre Miller.
It's Been 2 Weeks Since the Blackhawks Provided an Update on Matt Grzelcyk
The New York Rangers could utilize the Blackhawks' failure to sign Grzelcyk to a deal and offer the best UFA defenseman a contract. A deal with the Blackhawks isn't certain, nor is it tentative, as Jeff Blashill last provided an update that the team would sign the veteran to a deal if their prospects weren't ready for the NHL.
That means he's still available for new and better opportunities, and wouldn't he love one to play for a contending team like the Rangers?
ESPN's Grey Wyshynski rated Grzelcyk the best UFA defenseman available right now
«There's always a home for power-play creators in the NHL,» Wyshynski wrote. «Grzelcyk had one goal and 39 assists last season with the Pittsburgh Penguins, with 15 of those power-play helpers. It was easily his best NHL season on special teams, getting an opportunity he didn't always have in Boston.»
He'd be a great upgrade over Urho Vaakanainen on the team's bottom-four, and give the team more offensive upside on the blueline.
Not only that, but his connection to Mike Sullivan, while it may have been short and sweet, could be renewed in New York, for a bargain bin price, if Drury is quick to make an offer.
He could find a spot on the team's 2nd power-play unit and give the team more flexibility, possibly pushing Carson Soucy out of the lineup.
Previously on NY Rangers Insider
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