3 Players Entering Final Season With New York Rangers

The New York Rangers are Stanley Cup contenders, but have to make the right moves quickly before their window closes for now. There were some changes this offseason and there are going to be more whether the team makes it all the way or not next playoffs. These are three Rangers entering their final season with the team.

Reilly Smith

Reilly Smith was acquired this offseason by the Pittsburgh Penguins and is a solid second line or even middle-6 winger, especially for a team like the Rangers this season. He is able to produce even though he had a down season. There are better players to play with in New York and he should have a better season. Regardless of that, he is going to require a raise from what the Rangers are paying him this season and the team won’t be able to afford it. The team will be looking to fill holes internally where they can because money will continue to be tight.

Kaapo Kakko

This could very likely be the last season in New York for Kaapo Kakko. Alexis Lafreniere has proven to be on a much higher trajectory and Kakko is seemingly stuck in a third line role for the Rangers being very inconsistent. He is a RFA after the season and there is a good chance the Rangers just trade him for something average that can help them win now or a piece that can be moved to upgrade at a later date. Kakko has had many chances, but at a certain point it is time to part ways and give him a fresh start.

Jacob Trouba

Jacob Trouba was in the rumor mill this offseason as the Rangers tried to free up space and get someone more effective. He still has two years left on his $8 million AAV deal, but it goes from a 15-team no-trade clause to a 12-team after the season. Whether the Rangers can trade him or buy out the final year of the deal, something happens because the captain has become a liability on the ice at times and New York needs cap space to sign other valuable younger players.