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5 Ways to Fix the New York Rangers This Offseason

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Adam Hunger - USA TODAY Sports

5 Ways to Fix the New York Rangers This Offseason

NYR
Adam Hunger - USA TODAY Sports

If the New York Rangers want to contend for a Stanley Cup once again in the 2015-16 season, these are the five things that must be fixed.

5. Acquire a scorer or via free agency or trade.

Soderberg
Rick Osentoski - USA TODAY Sports

The Rangers absolutely must improve their scoring depth. One attractive option at a reasonable price is the Boston Bruins’ Carl Soderberg, who finished third in scoring on the Bruins last season. He may come at a reasonable cap hit, but beware: he is very streaky.

4. Change the power play strategy.

Yandle
Kim Klement - USA TODAY Sports

Keith Yandle must be allowed to quarterback the power play the way he did for years in Arizona. In addition, the Rangers must adopt a shoot-first mentality at all times.

3. Bring Pavel Buchnevich over to the NHL.

Bettman
Kim Klement - USA TODAY Sports

The NHL is rumored to be close to a deal with the KHL that will allow players to transfer to-and-from both leagues. The Rangers’ top prospect, sniper Pavel Buchnevich, is under contract with his KHL club for next season. If available, the Rangers need to transfer him to the NHL ASAP. Buchnevich has drawn comparisons to players like the St. Louis Blues’ Vladimir Tarasenko, one of the league’s most feared snipers.

2. Trade Dan Boyle and bring in a big-bodied defenseman.

Boyle
Kim Klement - USA TODAY Sports

Let’s face it. Dan Boyle is not a good fit for the Rangers, and the Rangers need more size on the blue line, especially considering the injuries they suffered in the playoffs. The team should trade Boyle in exchange for a big body on the third defensive pair, or trade him to free up the cap space to sign one.

1. Find a way to acquire a number-one center.

Stepan
Reinhold Matay - USA TODAY Sports

Any Stanley Cup champion has a true No. 1 center. Kevin Hayes may step into that role in the future, and although Derick Brassard and Derek Stepan are capable, there are still question marks about them being truly elite. For now, the team needs to make a splash this offseason and get a proven top center, even if it means trading key pieces like Carl Hagelin or Kevin Klein, or using a potential Cam Talbot deal to get one.

Matt Stillwell is a writer for RantSports.
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