NHL Rumors: 3 New York Rangers Not Expected Back Next Season

The New York Rangers fell to the Tampa Bay Lightning in six games during the Eastern Conference Final, however they showed to the hockey world development is much further along than some expected at the beginning of the season. The Rangers have some big decisions to make this summer, here's three players who aren't expected back with the hockey club next season:

Alexandar Georgiev

26-year-old pending restricted free agent Alexandar Georgiev is very likely getting traded this offseason as there's a ton of interest in the Rangers backup. With Igor Shesterkin the goalie of the future in the big apple, teams circled on Georgiev before the trade deadline this past season, however talks never materialized in a deal. Georgiev appeared in 33 games during the regular season, posting a 2.92 GAA and a .898 SV.%, while also making two appearances in the Stanley Cup Playoffs where he was stellar, recording a 2.02 GAA and a .935 SV.%. The Edmonton Oilers are expected to have some serious interest so perhaps we see something go down at the NHL Entry Draft.

Ryan Strome

The Rangers have a number of players hitting the free-agent market and Ryan Strome may be the most offensive gifted of the bunch. He's coming off a contract making $4.5 million per season and in 2021-22 the former first-round pick recorded 54 points in 74 games. New York only has roughly $14 million in cap space to work with and with a huge need for depth up front, Strome may price himself off of Broadway. He battled his ass off during the Stanley Cup Playoffs as he was not 100% healthy. Strome is going to have a ton of suitors this summer and look for the Seattle Kraken and Ottawa Senators to be very aggressive with their contract offers.

Looking back, it's crazy how much the Rick Nash trade is benefitting the Rangers today:

- Ryan Lindgren
- 2018 1st round pick (K'Andre Miller)
- Ryan Spooner (flipped for Ryan Strome)

That's a 2C and 2 top-4 D for a rental in Nash who only had 28 points in 60 GP at the deadline
— Harman Dayal (@harmandayal2) June 5, 2022

Justin Braun

Veteran defenseman Justin Braun was a nice addition for the Rangers down the stretch as the defensive defenseman was everything as advertised. Braun joined the Rangers at the trade deadline this season and is expected to test the free-agent market on July 13. The 35-year-old showed his footspeed is still NHL caliber and Braun's never shy to lay the body and block shots. Look for the blueliner to head back to the San Jose Sharks this summer to potentially finish out his career where it all started.

Photo credit: Mark Konezny-USA TODAY Sports