3 New York Rangers Not Expected Back in 2023-24

The New York Rangers are all in this season as general manager Chris Drury made a number of trades to try and improve his hockey club before the deadline. The Rangers will try to make another run at winning the Stanley Cup this spring and come summer, there's going to be a number of changes throughout the team. Let's just ahead, here's three players who aren't expected to be back next season:

Jaroslav Halak

37-year-old veteran netminder Jaroslav Halak is a pending unrestricted free agent this upcoming offseason and isn't expected to re-sign in the Big Apple. In his first season with the Rangers, he's gone 8-8-2 with a .900 save %. The team has a few young goaltenders in the system, however look for Drury to sign another capable veteran to back up Igor Shesterkin once again next season.

Niko Mikkola

It's still early, but all signs are pointing to defenseman Niko Mikkola just being a rental for the Rangers. He's an unrestricted free agent come summer and will hit the open market coming off a contract paying him $1.9 million per season. The 26-year-old will have a number of suitors, despite only recording five assists and zero goals in 63 games this season. 

Vladimir Tarasenko

Speaking of new additions, the Rangers only have $16 million in cap space for next season and will need to sign a backup goalie, at least one defenseman and a couple of depth forwards. This means Vladdy Tarasenko likely won't be back in New York next season. The 31-year-old has been great for the blue shirts so far, recording nine points in 13 games. If he ends up doing damage in the Stanley Cup Playoffs, perhaps Drury finds a way to get a new extension done.

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