5 Free Agents the New York Rangers Should Target in 2015 NHL Offseason

5 Free Agents the New York Rangers Should Target in 2015 NHL Offseason

By Nick Villano

June 29, 2015

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5 Free Agents the New York Rangers Should Target in 2015 NHL Offseason

New York Rangers Bench — The New York Rangers were one of the busiest teams during draft weekend, trading away Cam Talbot, Carl Hagelin, Ryan Haggerty and bringing in backup goalie Antti Raanta. They made these moves to clear some salary space, on top of gaining some extra picks in a deep draft. Now, they have enough space to make some moves in free agency. They need to still spend wisely thanks to the five restricted free agents they need to look into.

The New York Rangers were one of the busiest teams during draft weekend, trading away Cam Talbot, Carl Hagelin, Ryan Haggerty and bringing in backup goalie Antti Raanta. They made these moves to clear some salary space, on top of gaining some extra picks in a deep draft. Now, they have enough space to make some moves in free agency. They need to still spend wisely thanks to the five restricted free agents they need to look into.

5. Patrick Kaleta

Patrick Kaleta

5. Patrick Kaleta

Patrick Kaleta — One area they need to target in free agency is some depth on the third line. They are very top heavy when it comes to their forward lines. The Sabres made a flurry of moves on draft night, and they could feel they could move on from Kaleta if a deal cannot be made. He could move across state and play in the Big Apple.

One area they need to target in free agency is some depth on the third line. They are very top heavy when it comes to their forward lines. The Sabres made a flurry of moves on draft night, and they could feel they could move on from Kaleta if a deal cannot be made. He could move across state and play in the Big Apple.

4. Matt Beleskey

Matt Beleskey

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4. Matt Beleskey

Matt Beleskey — Matt Beleskey was the subject of rumors throughout draft day. The Ducks received the Rangers' Hagelin, who could theoretically replace Beleskey in their lineup. Could the Rangers circle back and try to replace Hagelin with Beleskey?

Matt Beleskey was the subject of rumors throughout draft day. The Ducks received the Rangers' Hagelin, who could theoretically replace Beleskey in their lineup. Could the Rangers circle back and try to replace Hagelin with Beleskey?

3. Peter Harrold

Peter Harrold

3. Peter Harrold

Peter Harrold — The Rangers are as good as can be on defense. They spent roughly million per season on the six defensemen they own. They need a cheap option who could be a healthy scratch most nights. Peter Harrold showed he is able to sit as long as 30 games and then play the next 15 on all three defensive lines. With injury concerns on the blue line, the Rangers could definitely use him.

The Rangers are as good as can be on defense. They spent roughly million per season on the six defensemen they own. They need a cheap option who could be a healthy scratch most nights. Peter Harrold showed he is able to sit as long as 30 games and then play the next 15 on all three defensive lines. With injury concerns on the blue line, the Rangers could definitely use him.

2. Tomas Kopecky

Tomas Kopecky

2. Tomas Kopecky

Tomas Kopecky — One player the Rangers desperately need is the swiss-army knife type of player. Tomas Kopecky could fit into any role that Alain Vigneault asked him to. He could be a checking forward or a scoring forward. It is surprising that Florida is letting him go, as they should know more than anyone how actually valuable he is.

One player the Rangers desperately need is the swiss-army knife type of player. Tomas Kopecky could fit into any role that Alain Vigneault asked him to. He could be a checking forward or a scoring forward. It is surprising that Florida is letting him go, as they should know more than anyone how actually valuable he is.

1. Daniel Winnik

Daniel Winnik

1. Daniel Winnik

Daniel Winnik — For those of you who love advanced stats, Daniel Winnik is a Corsi machine, at least for his time with Pittsburgh. He proved to make Sidney Crosby and Chris Kunitz extremely better when he was on the ice. He could do wonders for players like Rick Nash and Mats Zuccarello.

For those of you who love advanced stats, Daniel Winnik is a Corsi machine, at least for his time with Pittsburgh. He proved to make Sidney Crosby and Chris Kunitz extremely better when he was on the ice. He could do wonders for players like Rick Nash and Mats Zuccarello.

Nick Villano is the NHL feature writer for Rant Sports. He also adds to the site’s NBA, MLB and NFL content. You can follow him on Twitter or add him to your Google circle.

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