Although some big names on the free agent market like Steven Stamkos, Elias Lindholm, and Jonathan Marchessault are off the board, some good players remain. The New York Rangers need precious cap space to hold on to more expensive players like Artemi Panarin, K’Andre Miller and Alexis Lafreniere. Here are some more affordable 2024 NHL Free Agent options they could take on.
Five Free Agents the Rangers Should Target
James van Riemsdyk, LW, UFA
Firstly, we have a figure of hockey history, van Riemsdyk was a second overall draft pick by the Philadelphia Flyers in the 2007 draft after Patrick Kane. This was the first time two players born in the U.S. made the top two. The now 35-year-old scored 11 goals and 27 assists in 71 games this past season with the Boston Bruins. The 2024 free agent had a $1M-cap hit in 2023-24 and may bolster scoring as a right-winger on the Rangers’ third line alongside left-winger Will Cuylle. Van Riemsdyk may also fit on the fourth with Jimmy Vesey and Sam Carrick. He would also be a good veteran presence.
Tyson Barrie, D, UFA
A 2009 pick, Barrie has had excellent seasons with the Colorado Avalanche, Toronto Maple Leafs, and Edmonton Oilers. He most recently played for the Nashville Predators. The 32-year-old Victoria, B.C. native is a shot-blocker. Barrie notched 47 in 41 games with Smashville this past season. He is a two-way blueliner with a goal and 14 assists. Barrie may be a good fit in the Blueshirts’ second or third defensive pairing. Sadly, he comes at a hefty price tag with a $4.5M-annual cap hit throughout his recent contract. A deal for the 2024 free agent may have to involve a third team or retaining some of his cap hit.
Kailer Yamamoto, RW, UFA NO QO
Next, this 25-year-old Seattle Kraken right-winger has a good record. His best offensively was in 2021-22 with the Oilers, reaching an NHL career-high 41 points, 20 goals and 21 assists in 81 games. Yamamoto is an accurate shot with a 13.1 shooting percentage this season with the Kraken. This year, he notched eight goals and eight assists in 59 games. Yamamoto still has great potential as a 25-year-old who has already shined bright. He could add depth to the Rangers’ forward lineups. Yamamoto had a cap hit of $1.5M in 2023-24. By June 30, 2024, the Kraken did not issue a qualifying offer to Yamamoto.
Nicholas Robertson, LW, RFA
If the Blueshirts hope to add forward depth, the Pasadena, California native may do just that. The 22-year-old Maple Leaf peaked offensively this season with 14 goals and 13 assists in 56 games. He was also on the OHL First All-Star Team in 2020.
However Robertson, a 2024 free agent, does not want to re-sign with the Maple Leafs and hopes for a trade, according to The Athletic and TSN NHL Insider Chris Johnston on X.
Robertson has a qualifying offer worth $813,750, and a 2023-24 cap hit of $796,667.
Kyle Okposo, RW, UFA
Finally, Okposo is coming off a season and playoff run culminating in a Stanley Cup with the Florida Panthers. The 36-year-old Minnesota native scored 12 goals and 10 assists in 61 games with the Buffalo Sabres this past season, followed by a brief stint with the Cats. The 2024 free agent has a long NHL resume including playing in the NHL All-Star Game in 2017. Okposo may bolster the scoring of the Rangers’ lower lines and be a good presence, especially having just won the cup. His 2023-24 cap hit was $2.5M.
Main Photo: Bob Frid-USA TODAY Sports
