BREAKING: Rangers Names options to replace Barclay Goodrow after center claimed
The New York Rangers secured an early offseason win by shedding $3.6 million from their salary cap over the next three seasons, thanks to the San Jose Sharks claiming Barclay Goodrow off waivers on Wednesday. This adjustment raises New York’s projected cap space to $13.695 million, giving general manager Chris Drury more flexibility for offseason maneuvers.
Further roster adjustments may follow. Jacob Trouba’s contract could be bought out, saving $4 million against the cap for the next two seasons, though it would incur penalties in the subsequent seasons. Trades are also possible, as Drury mentioned that everything is on the table this offseason.
The Rangers need to secure a top-six right wing and a 6th/7th defenseman, while also re-signing defensemen Braden Schneider and Ryan Lindgren, who will become restricted free agents on July 1. Lindgren, who has arbitration rights and is one year away from unrestricted free agency, might require a significant contract.
Now that Barclay Goodrow is off the payroll, the #NYR need to replace him in the lineup.
Breaking down the internal and external options here ⤵️https://t.co/RhD8QoXiU3
— Jim Cerny (@JimCerny) June 20, 2024
Additionally, with Goodrow no longer on the team, the Rangers need to fill his role as a fourth-line center and a key member of the penalty-killing unit.
Rangers options to replace Barclay Goodrow
After the Stanley Cup Playoffs, Drury stated that he will investigate both internal and external possibilities for filling roster vacancies. At the moment, it appeared he was talking about right wing and defense. However, the same is true for the fourth-line center position.
Jonny Brodzinski among internal options
Replacing Barclay Goodrow’s leadership and championship experience, having won the Stanley Cup twice, will be challenging. Known for his exceptional penalty-killing abilities and effectiveness as a checking center, Goodrow’s departure leaves a notable gap.
Despite a lackluster regular season, Goodrow found his stride in the playoffs, scoring six goals in 16 games. The Rangers have several internal candidates to replace him, all more affordable than the 31-year-old’s salary.
Barclay Goodrow claimed by Sharks as Rangers get rid of contract https://t.co/xMBtrjfnJ4 pic.twitter.com/C83KwV1eKd
— New York Post Sports (@nypostsports) June 19, 2024
Jonny Brodzinski, who played an NHL career-high 57 games last season, contributed six goals and 19 points while splitting time between the third and fourth lines. Coach Peter Laviolette appreciates his speed and energy, although Brodzinski only participated in three postseason games. His recent two-year contract extension, with a modest $787,500 cap hit, and Laviolette’s endorsement give the 31-year-old an advantage.
Another option is Matt Rempe. The 6-foot-8 forward, although a natural center, has often played as a wing. It’s uncertain if Laviolette will trust the 21-year-old to play 8-12 minutes per night as the fourth-line center, but Rempe aspires to fill that role and contribute to the penalty kill in the near future.
Breaking down #NYR options to replace Barclay Goodrow in the lineuphttps://t.co/HyHFb8TDue
— Forever Blueshirts (@4EverBlueshirts) June 20, 2024
Jake Leschyshyn, 25, a former second-round pick of the Vegas Golden Knights, has 77 NHL games under his belt. He spent most of last season in the AHL with the Hartford Wolf Pack and might be seen as a ‘tweener’—not quite an NHL regular but potentially in the mix during training camp.
Adam Sykora, turning 20 on September 7, has predominantly played left wing recently due to his young age in men’s leagues. Projected to be a solid two-way center with strong intangibles, Sykora scored eight goals and had 23 points in 66 games as a rookie pro with Hartford last season. While he still needs to bulk up, his intelligence and defensive commitment could see him stepping into the fourth-line center role sooner than expected.
Kevin Stenlund among external options
Considering the Rangers’ need for an affordable option to fill the fourth-line center spot—similar to Erik Gustafsson’s $825,000 cap hit on the third defense pair last season—their choices in free agency might be limited. While general manager Chris Drury could explore trading for a fourth-line center, this remains speculative at the moment.
One intriguing free-agent option is Florida Panthers center Kevin Stenlund. The Rangers observed his performance during the Eastern Conference Final. Stenlund is a sizeable player (6-foot-5, 215 pounds), adept at winning puck battles, defensively responsible, and plays with an edge, evidenced by his 62 penalty minutes this season. He’s also proficient in the face-off circle, winning 51.4 percent of his draws this season and 53.2 percent in 2022-23 with the Winnipeg Jets.
Stenlund, who turns 28 before training camp, achieved NHL career highs with 11 goals and 15 points with the Panthers and earned $1 million this season. Even with a modest raise, he could still represent good value for the Rangers.
Yakov Trenin, another potential option, is a physical center (6-foot-2, 201 pounds) who enters free agency at 27 years old. Trenin scored 17 goals two seasons ago with the Nashville Predators and 12 goals this past season with the Predators and Colorado Avalanche. He registered 207 hits, ranking in the Top 30 in the NHL, and would have been second-most on the Rangers behind Will Cuylle (249).
However, Trenin’s face-off skills are a concern. He is coming off a two-year, $3.4 million contract with an AAV of $1.7 million, which might be a bit steep given the Rangers’ cap situation.