The Columbus Blue Jackets have some other moves coming after they get their RFAs figured out
Mark Scheig: Columbus Blue Jackets GM Don Waddell said on TSN 1050 in Toronto on Tuesday that they continue talks with RFA forward Adam Fantilli and that he has confidence that a deal will get done. Waddell said that they do have to wait on some other moves until after they get their RFA’s all figured out.
Forward Options for the New York Rangers
Vince Z. Mercogliano of The Athletic: The New York Rangers may not be done after they sign a couple RFAs, as they appear to be one of the teams still looking to make moves this offseason, especially adding help at forward.
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They could use a top-six forward, but could settle with a top-nine if they had to, and hopefully before the start of the season. Given their salary cap position, they might be able to squeeze in someone making $3 to $4 million.
Including Braden Schneider also can’t be ruled out, which opens up $5.5 million. They also have some depth players who are waiver eligible that may get squeezed out.
They could look to bring in an unproven center with upside or a right winger.
The Rangers looked at Anthony Mantha and Eeli Tolvanen, but the Oliver Bjorkstrand signing may have ended that. 28-year-old Patrik Laine could be one option, as he’s looking to bounce back and may take a one-year deal. Depending on what they’re looking for, Michael Bunting or Jonathan Drouin could be options, though they are similar to Bjorkstrand as well.
On the trade market, younger players like Kent Johnson (Blue Jackets), Shane Wright (Kraken) and Connor Zary (Flames) may want a change of scenery. Trade talk around Matthew Knies has quieted, and the cost would have been high.
On the veteran side of the trade market, options could include Brock Boeser (Canucks), Jake DeBrusk (Canucks) and Bryan Rust (Penguins).
Former Rangers and UFAs Patrick Kane and Vladimir Tarasenko are long shots.
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Anaheim Ducks and former Ranger Frank Vatrano might make sense. He wouldn’t cost much and played well with Mika Zibanejad. He has two years left at $4.5 million and may attach a sweetener to it.
The Rangers could ask the Ducks about Troy Terry. He’s got a $7 million cap hit, but they could offer the Ducks Schneider. The Ducks need defensive help.
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