With NHL free agency just around the corner, the New York Rangers find themselves in a familiar position: looking to augment their roster for another Stanley Cup run. One area where they could use an upgrade is at the center position, particularly on the third line. If head coach Mike Sullivan intends to keep Mika Zibanejad on the wing, a reliable and effective third-line center becomes a necessity. While the free agent market isn't overflowing with top-tier centers, there are still a few intriguing options that Chris Drury and the Rangers' management could consider.
One potential target is Trent Frederic. Frederic brings a physical edge and a scoring touch that could be valuable to the Rangers' bottom-six. At 27 years old, he's developed into a solid two-way center capable of contributing offensively, as evidenced by his near 20-goal seasons. His physicality would also add a different dimension to the Rangers' forward group. Frederic is currently playing for the Edmonton Oilers, offering GMs across the league a good look at his abilities as he plays his best hockey. He's playing in all playoff games, providing valuable hits and a few points.
Another name to watch is Adam Gaudette. Gaudette is coming off a breakout season where he scored 19 goals in 81 games. He also contributed in the playoffs, demonstrating his ability to perform in crucial situations. Gaudette's previous contract was a league minimum, so he should be an affordable option that could provide excellent value. His offensive capabilities and potential for further growth make him an appealing target for the Rangers.
Mikael Granlund is also a player who could interest the Rangers. After a tough stint with the Pittsburgh Penguins, Granlund found his game again with the San Jose Sharks, where he tallied 60 points in 69 games. He continued his strong play after being traded to the Dallas Stars, further solidifying his value as a productive offensive player. Granlund's playmaking abilities and experience could be a good fit on the Rangers' third line.
Ultimately, the Rangers' approach to the free agent market will depend on their budget and overall strategy. They have several restricted free agents to re-sign, which will eat into their available cap space. Trading away players like Chris Kreider or Carson Soucy could free up more room, providing greater flexibility in pursuing free agents. The Rangers also have internal candidates, such as Jonny Brodzinski, Juuso Parssinen, and Noah Laba, who could potentially fill the third-line center role. However, if the Rangers are looking for a proven NHL player to solidify their center depth, exploring the free agent market is a worthwhile endeavor.
