Report: Rangers Could Pursue Big-Name Free Agent

Tuesday, December 17, 2024

ESPN’s Emily Kaplan speculated that the New York Rangers could make a major splash in free agency next summer, targeting star players like Mitch Marner, Mikko Rantanen, or Jack Eichel if they become available. 

Speaking on the New Ice City podcast, Kaplan said, “We know it’s in the nature of the New York Rangers and a James Dolan-owned team to always go after the big splashes. Any of these top names that you're going to see available this summer or next, whether it is Mitch Marner, Mikko Rantanen, Jack Eichel.” 

With the team’s recent decision to offload Jacob Trouba’s $8 million cap hit and the potential departures of Reilly Smith and Ryan Lindgren, the Rangers could have over $20 million in cap space for the 2025-26 season if the salary cap rises as projected.

General Manager Chris Drury appears to be positioning the team for a blockbuster move, similar to their 2019 signing of Artemi Panarin to a seven-year, $81.5 million deal. 

Kaplan believes the Rangers’ front office sees their current roster as a piece or two short of being a legitimate Stanley Cup contender, which could prompt aggressive action at the trade deadline or during the offseason. 

“I think the uploading is going to happen before the reloading,” Kaplan said, indicating that the Rangers have been preparing to make a bold acquisition for some time.

While there’s no guarantee players like Marner, Rantanen, or Eichel will reach free agency, extensions with their current teams have yet to materialize. 

The Rangers remain a team to watch, with their financial flexibility and history of pursuing top-tier talent indicating they could be in the mix for a marquee name to push them closer to cup contention.

Photo Credit: Timothy T. Ludwig-Imagn Images



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