Are These Two Superstars the Best Answer for the Rangers Right Now?
As the NHL season has officially concluded, there’s nothing to do but pay attention to the offseason now. The New York Rangers are looking to make moves this Summer, leading into what may be a complete reset for some time. Rangers GM Chris Drury has already been active since the season's end, sending Chris Kreider to Anaheim, as well as locking in Matt Rempe for two years, but plenty more moves await. Looking to get creative after last season's embarrassing end, trade talks have begun, and two big names have surfaced. Drury has reportedly been in talks with these two big stars, players that fans will no doubt welcome with open arms into MSG, but is it what’s best? Plenty of fans would assume it’s time to rebuild after a complete change to the coaching staff, meaning a chance to watch their younglings develop through the next few seasons, so are these two what’s best for New York during this time?
Martin Nečas
A familiar face in the postseason, Martin Nečas began this season in Carolina, soon finding a new home in Colorado. Seeming unhappy in Colorado, it doesn’t look like Nečas will re-sign, especially after they re-signed Brock Nelson. With around $1.2 million cap space available, it would be a good way to get back some money and save it for someone wanting to play in Colorado. Playing 49 games total with both Carolina and Colorado, Nečas earned himself 55 points through 16 goals and 39 assists. A great addition to New York, no doubt, but is it the right time for a player like him? The 26-year-old has just scratched the surface of his NHL career. Perhaps he could be a key part in developing some of their younger assets, thus keeping the future bright, for them and himself.
Jason Robertson
A big offseason is ahead for the Dallas Stars, with only $455K cap space left. After signing Matt Duchene for $4.5 AAV, someone’s gotta be moved to save a big chunk, that person possibly being Jason Robertson. With a cap hit of around $7.75 million AAV, this move would save a significant amount of money, though it’s safe to say he’ll be a prime target for most teams and a good reason. Robertson is a former 40+ goal scorer in back-to-back seasons, scoring 35 just last season; he’d most definitely be welcomed to New York. Like Nečas, another young asset, along with the cap space to acquire, plus helping them stay competitive during their potential rebuild. Looking most definitely to be a more challenging acquisition than Nečas, the 25-year-old would be a key part of this new Rangers team. Let’s hope Drury is up to the challenge.
For a team going into a potential rebuild, it's always the time to be smart when it comes to trade talks. As the Rangers look to reset completely, they’ll need to make sure the young assets outweigh the veterans. The delight of Nečas and Robertson is their highlights, and yet, still being so young, they are such a key fit to help New York remain hopeful for the future. Young assets like them need to keep them competitive, yet remaining out of the postseason would do wonders for developing young players like Alexis Lafrenière and Will Cuylle. Both are young, and both have postseason experience already; even just one of them would be great to include on this New York roster. Looks like a new beginning awaits the New York Rangers. Let’s see if Drury can get creative with some new faces and turn these youngsters into a new future.
