**Rangers Departure Called ‘Perfect’ Signing for Division Rival**
The New York Rangers have faced several losses in NHL free agency following their Presidents’ Trophy run last season. One notable departure is forward/center Jack Roslovic, who signed with the Carolina Hurricanes at an affordable rate.
Bleacher Report analyst Adam Gretz praised the move, calling Roslovic “the perfect Hurricanes free agent signing.” He described Roslovic as an under-the-radar, budget-friendly ($2.8 million cap hit for one season) addition who will be a quality depth piece and middle-six forward. Gretz highlighted Roslovic’s consistent production over the past three seasons, averaging 0.56, 0.57, and 0.53 points per game, equating to a 45-point pace and an expected goal share of over 50% during the 2023-24 season.
Given the Hurricanes’ significant free agent losses, including Jake Guentzel, Teuvo Teravainen, and Brady Skjei, Roslovic’s signing was crucial. While he may not be as flashy as Guentzel or Teravainen, Roslovic is a cap-friendly addition to Carolina’s forward group.
**Rangers Free Agents Exits Have Been Manageable Thus Far**
Despite Roslovic’s potential fit with the Hurricanes, his return to the Rangers was never anticipated after his rental contract last season. Other departures include forward/center Alexander Wennberg to the San Jose Sharks and defenseman Erik Gustafsson to the Detroit Red Wings. These exits were manageable for general manager Chris Drury, who also offloaded veteran center Barclay Goodrow’s contract.
The Rangers allowed these players to leave partly due to the readiness of younger prospects to step up. Brennan Othmann, a 2021 first-round pick, and Adam Edstrom, a 6-foot-7 prospect from the 2019 draft, could debut next season. Defenseman Zac Jones, a 2019 third-round pick, is also expected to see more ice time, supported by depth pieces Connor Mackey and Brandon Scanlin.
Additionally, the Rangers traded for veteran Reilly Smith, a 500-point scorer with Stanley Cup experience, expected to start as the right winger alongside Mika Zibanejad and Chris Kreider. Center Sam Carrick will replace Goodrow.
While the Rangers’ veteran depth has slightly decreased, the performance of their youth, like Will Cuylle and Matt Rempe last season, will be crucial. Drury might still seek one or two experienced players for injury insurance before the new season begins.
**Rangers Place Just Behind Stanley Cup Finalists in Early ‘Super 16’ NHL Power Ranking**
In an early “super 16” power ranking by NHL.com on July 9, the Rangers placed just behind the Stanley Cup finalists Florida Panthers and Edmonton Oilers. Editor-in-Chief Bill Price noted that the Rangers, despite a quiet offseason, remain a strong team with plenty of firepower, having finished in the top four last season.
Price acknowledged that the Rangers’ offseason moves have been limited, with waiving veteran forward Barclay Goodrow being the most notable. He also mentioned ongoing speculation about Jacob Trouba’s future and the need to extend goaltender Igor Shesterkin’s contract.
Despite these challenges, Price emphasized that the Rangers came within two wins of reaching the Stanley Cup Final and remain a formidable team. However, other teams, including the Nashville Predators, Oilers, and Boston Bruins, have made significant moves, leading to the Rangers’ placement at fifth in Price’s Super 16 ranking.
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