Three Veterans Who The Rangers Could Target in Free Agency
Photo credit: The Hockey News
The 2024 veteran free agent market, has some expensive options and as the Rangers are cash-strapped there are some veterans available who could meet the needs of the Rangers. All the while, being affordable options.
These options could be used for leadership and to fill depth in offense and defense.
Kevin Shattenkirk
Shattenkirk played two seasons in New York already, in 2017-2018 and 2018-2019. A huge plus is being familiar with the team and atmosphere, which is a start to bringing Shattenkirk back.
Since his time away he's been around the league and helped win a Stanley Cup in Tampa Bay with the Lightning in 2020. He could be a great veteran presence in the locker room while being a sound defensive option. He put up 85 blocks and 63 hits in 61 games with the Boston Bruins in 2023-2024.
He's a great two-way defenseman, also in 2022-2023 with the Anaheim Ducks, scoring 27 points(4 G, 23 A) and 35 points( 8 G, 27 A) in 2021-2022 with the Ducks. He could fill many gaps in the holes in the defense for the Rangers, and with an affordable AAV of $1.05 Million last season, he could be a good defenseman to bring back.
Justin Schultz
The 34-year-old defenseman, who played with the Seattle Kraken this season, posted 68 blocks in 70 games. He was one of the depth pieces in 2016-2017, scoring 26 points( 7 G, 19 A) in the Pittsburgh Penguins Stanley Cup playoff run.
He also scored a career high 51 points( 12 G, 39 A) during the 16-17 regular season, while posting 116 blocks in 78 games. He would be a great option for the Blueshirts and is still available.
Schultz was also one of three Kraken players who scored 3 goals straight against the Dallas Stars on May 2nd, 2023. This was Game 1 during the 2nd round of the Western Conference playoffs. Followed by Oliver Bjorkstrand and Jordan Eberle, the team would win 5-4 in OT.
Schultz's contract in 2023-2024 was a $3 Million AAV cap hit. It's still affordable for the Rangers while discussing solid defensive depth.
Max Pacioretty is the former 2011-2012 Master Trophy Award winner, and Captain for the Montreal Canadiens from 2015-2018.
In 2014-2015 with the Habs, he scored 67 points(37 G, 30 A) in 80 games with the Canadiens.
This season has been a season of recovery for Pacioretty who has seen injury issues lately, scoring 23 points( 4 G, 19 A) in 47 games with the Capitals.
While he may not be Prime Pacioretty he could offer great offensive depth, and his last contract was $2 Million AAV in 2023-2024.
| POLL | ||
JUILLET 25 | 56 ANSWERS Three Veterans Who The Rangers Could Target in Free Agency Who should the Rangers sign? | ||
| Max Pacioretty | 29 | 51.8 % |
| Kevin Shattenkirk | 11 | 19.6 % |
| Justin Schultz | 16 | 28.6 % |
| List of polls | ||
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