The New York Rangers will be a very different-looking team next year as New York is likely to trade multiple key players of their core.
The Rangers have already traded Chris Kreider. New York could look to move the likes of Mika Zibanejad, Artemi Panarin, and K’Andre Miller, among others. However, New York will also look to add talent to their roster, and a third-line center is one of the team’s needs.
Ahead of free agency on July 1, Rangers insider Peter Baugh of The Athletic links New York to signing Pius Suter of the Vancouver Canucks.
“Suter might be too expensive for the Rangers because of their cap situation, but New York has created a bit of flexibility after the Chris Kreider trade,” Baugh wrote. “He’s a versatile player who would slot in perfectly at third-line center. Allowing the team to keep Mika Zibanejad on the wing. It might not be possible, but he’d be a good fit.”
Suter completed his two-year, $3.2 million deal with the Canucks, but will be in line for a bigger payday this summer. He would be a third-line center for the Rangers who plays well defensively, but can also add some depth scoring.
Suter recorded 25 goals and 21 assists for 46 points in 81 games last season with the Canucks. It was a career-high for goals and points for Suter.
Insider Expects Suter to Leave Canucks
Suter is coming off a stellar season with the Canucks and will be in line for a raise this offseason.
Due to his play and Suter getting more money in free agency, NHL insider Elliotte Friedman claimed the Canucks would likely let Suter walk.
“Everybody knows that they’re apart (in contract talks) on Suter. What the market looks like it can do for Suter, Vancouver doesn’t want to go there,” Friedman said on 32 Thoughts.
Suter is one of the top free agents available, as DailyFaceoff ranks him 20th in their latest free agent rankings. Using AFP Analytics, the outlet projects Suter to sign a four-year deal worth $5 million per season.
$5 million per season for a third-line center is fair. But whether or not the Rangers will want to pay it is to be seen.
Rangers Trade Kreider
New York made their first big move of the offseason by trading Kreider to the Anaheim Ducks.
The Rangers traded Kreider and a fourth-round pick in 2025 for prospect Casey Terrance and a third-round pick in 2025.
After the trade was announced, Rangers general manager Chris Drury issued a statement and thanked Kreider.
“We want to thank Chris Kreider for all of his contributions to the Rangers organization over his stellar career,” Drury said. “Chris has been an integral part of some of the most iconic moments in Rangers history. Including setting multiple franchise records and helping the team advance to the 2014 Stanley Cup Final.
“His leadership on the ice and tireless efforts in the community. Which he was recognized for as the inaugural recipient of the Rod Gilbert “Mr. Ranger” Award. Only add to his distinguished Rangers legacy. Chris will always be a Ranger and we wish him and his family all the best.”
New York enters the offseason with $14.9 million in cap space.
Insider Links Rangers to ‘Perfect’ Third-Line Center in Free Agency