BREAKING: Rangers To Trade for Low-Cost Defensive Defenseman on Deadline day
During the 2021-22 and 2022-23 seasons, Chris Drury, the team president and general manager of the New York Rangers, made significant moves by acquiring prominent forwards during the trade deadline. However, he also bolstered the team’s defense by acquiring two defensive-minded defensemen: Justin Braun two seasons ago and Niko Mikkola last season.
Both Braun and Mikkola played crucial roles for the Rangers in the latter parts of the 2021-22 and 2022-23 seasons. Consequently, the team should aim to acquire a similar player during this season’s trade deadline.
The Importance of Braun and Mikkola
In the 2021-22 season, the Rangers executed trades for forwards Andrew Copp, Frank Vatrano, and Tyler Motte, alongside acquiring Justin Braun from the Philadelphia Flyers in exchange for a third-round pick. During this time, Braden Schneider was paired with Patrik Nemeth on the team’s third defensive line.
Despite Nemeth’s struggles in the regular season, then-coach Gerard Gallant persisted with him alongside Schneider. When Braun saw playing time, he showcased solid defensive skills, tallying one goal and one assist in eight regular-season games.
Braun’s role expanded during the playoffs due to Ryan Lindgren’s injury in Game 1 against the Pittsburgh Penguins. Despite Nemeth’s presence, he made significant errors, leading to Gallant benching him in favor of Braun when Lindgren returned for Game 6. Braun’s steady performance stabilized the third defensive pair, proving to be an improvement over Nemeth. His contribution aided the Rangers in a comeback victory over the Penguins, ultimately leading to an Eastern Conference Final appearance. Braun concluded the season with one assist in 19 games before becoming an unrestricted free agent and rejoining the Flyers.
In the subsequent season, the Rangers made notable trades for star wingers Patrick Kane and Vladimir Tarasenko, as well as reacquiring Tyler Motte. As part of the Tarasenko deal, they acquired Niko Mikkola, a gritty defenseman who bolstered the team’s third defensive pair and seamlessly filled in on the top line during Lindgren’s absence due to an upper-body injury.
Mikkola’s physical attributes, including size, reach, and speed, made him a valuable asset on the blue line. Despite posting modest offensive stats with one goal and two assists in 31 games, his consistent performance carried into the postseason, where he contributed two assists in seven games. However, the Rangers fell short in the first-round series against the New Jersey Devils. Mikkola subsequently entered free agency, securing a three-year deal with the Florida Panthers.
The Rangers’ Situation on Defense This Season
The New York Rangers boast a formidable top-four defensive lineup comprising Ryan Lindgren, Adam Fox, K’Andre Miller, and Jacob Trouba. However, Lindgren’s recurring injuries over the past three seasons, along with occasional absences from all four defensemen this season, have highlighted the team’s need for depth.
While the third defensive pairing has shown inconsistency in recent seasons, Braden Schneider and Erik Gustafsson have provided reliable performances. Schneider brings size, agility, and physicality to the ice, while Gustafsson’s offensive prowess is evident with five goals and 21 assists this season. Zac Jones serves as the team’s seventh defenseman, adding offensive flair to the lineup.
Despite Gustafsson’s solid contributions, his history of being scratched in crucial games, coupled with defensive lapses this season, raises concerns. In the event of playoff struggles, having a reliable defensive defenseman to step in becomes essential.
Furthermore, Jones has yet to validate his NHL starter status, making him a risky option if injuries occur during the postseason.
The Rangers don’t necessarily require a star addition but could benefit from a seasoned veteran like Joel Edmundson. Standing at 6-foot-5 and aged 30, Edmundson brings stability and experience, having played 75 postseason games and clinched the Stanley Cup with the St. Louis Blues in 2018-19. Although his modified no-trade clause presents a hurdle, the opportunity to join the Metropolitan Division’s top team might entice him, especially considering his impending unrestricted free agency.
Alternatively, Erik Johnson, a 6-foot-4, 35-year-old defenseman currently with the Buffalo Sabres, offers another veteran option. While no longer a top-four defenseman, Johnson’s adept penalty-killing skills and steady third-pair performances this season make him a valuable asset. With a Stanley Cup win with the Colorado Avalanche in 2021-22 and playoff experience, Johnson brings a wealth of postseason knowledge to the table.
For the Rangers Moving Forward
In the 2021-22 season, Braun proved instrumental for the Rangers, while Mikkola similarly made significant contributions last season, particularly in stabilizing the third defensive pair. Adding a player of similar caliber such as Edmundson, Johnson, or a comparable defenseman could be immensely beneficial for the Blueshirts this season.
Despite the team’s evident needs at right wing and center, addressing the lack of a defensive defenseman should also be a priority at the trade deadline. By bolstering the defensive line, the Rangers can enhance their overall defensive stability and fortify their roster for the challenges ahead.