The New York Rangers are off to somewhat of an unexpected start. While the club is 2-2 after its first four games, the results haven’t been overwhelming. The two wins have been substantial, but the two losses have been shutouts.
That situation means the Rangers must do something to bolster their offense. So, why not target an impending free agent who’s unlikely to extend with their current team?
That impending UFA is Martin Necas of the Colorado Avalanche. The prevailing thought at this point is that Necas has priced himself out of Colorado, particularly with the extensions to Kyle Connor and Jack Eichel.
So, the Avalanche could move Necas to get out from under a potentially complicated contract situation. That situation could set up a perfect opportunity for a 1-for-1 swap between the Rangers and Avalanche.
Here’s a look at the move:
Rangers get:
Martin Necas, F
Avalanche get:
Alexis Lafreniere, F
Landing Necas would turbocharge the Rangers’ top six. They would have both Necas and Artemi Panarin roaming the ice. That amount of high-end scoring could just be what the Blue Shirts need to get more out of their offensive game.
As for Lafreniere, the Rangers would be moving on from their former first-overall pick. Judging from the numbers alone, Necas would be a major upgrade over Lafreniere.
Rangers Would Still Have to Pay Necas
So, the biggest issue for the Rangers would be paying Necas. It’s likely the 26-year-old gets a deal similar to the one Kyle Connor got. The Rangers would have no qualms about signing Necas. The problem may lie with the club’s cap space.
The easiest way out would be to let Panarin walk and use his cap hit to cover Necas. But there might be a way for the Rangers to keep both. Assuming Panarin would take a slightly lower cap hit than his current one, and signing Necas to a $12 million cap hit or so, the deal could be doable.
The Rangers don’t have any major UFAs beyond Panarin hitting the market this summer. So, the rising cap ceiling, plus a move here or there, could free up enough cap space.
It’s also worth pointing out that the Rangers could be unloading Lafreniere’s $7.45 million cap hit. So, even signing Necas at $12 million AAV means only an additional $5 million or so. That’s something that the cap increase could cover.
Lafreniere to Colorado Makes Sense
As for the Avalanche, they’ll be looking to replace Necas in their top six. The Avalanche already have a top-line winger in Artturi Lehkonen. So, adding Lafreniere makes sense on their second line.
Plus, Lafreniere offers something important for Colorado: Cost certainty. The 24-year-old is entering the first year of a seven-year contract. His $7.45 million cap is much more palatable as the club has been adamant about not signing anyone close to or above Nathan MacKinnon’s $12.6 million cap hit.
Under those criteria, Lafreniere would be a perfect fit. Lafreniere can offer top-six scoring, especially away from the pressure and bright lights of New York. This deal could be the answer both sides have been looking for.
Rangers New 1-for-1 Trade Idea Lands High-End Scorer