The New York Rangers made a significant move by sending Barclay Goodrow to the San Jose Sharks through waivers. Goodrow, who is entering the fourth year of a six-year contract with a $3,641,667 cap hit, did not live up to expectations during his time with the Rangers. Despite claiming to be built for the playoffs, he only managed to score four goals and 12 assists in 80 games.
The departure of Goodrow has opened up opportunities for the Rangers to strengthen their roster. With an estimated $4 million to $4.75 million in cap space available after his exit, the team is in a position to acquire a top-six forward. Potential free agent signings like Vladimir Tarasenko, Anthony Duclair, or Viktor Arvidsson could be on the horizon.
In addition to finding a replacement for Goodrow on the fourth line, the Rangers will also need to add a seventh defenseman to their lineup. This could involve making tough decisions about current players, such as potentially moving Jacob Trouba to free up cap space. Ryan Lindgren’s future with the team is also uncertain, as his recent performance raises questions about his long-term viability.
Furthermore, the Rangers may consider trading Kaapo Kakko, despite signing him to a one-year contract extension. Kakko’s potential could be leveraged to address other roster needs, such as acquiring a first-line winger. As the team continues to navigate the offseason, more changes to the roster may be on the horizon to improve their competitiveness in the upcoming season.