Five NHL 2024 Free Agents the Rangers Could Target
Despite big names like Steven Stamkos, Elias Lindholm, and Jonathan Marchessault being off the market, there are still valuable players available. The New York Rangers need to manage their cap space carefully to retain key players such as Artemi Panarin, K’Andre Miller, and Alexis Lafreniere. Here are five affordable free agents they might consider for the 2024 season:
James van Riemsdyk, LW, UFA
A notable name in hockey, van Riemsdyk was the second overall pick by the Philadelphia Flyers in the 2007 draft, following Patrick Kane. He is 35 years old and scored 11 goals with 27 assists in 71 games for the Boston Bruins last season. With a $1M cap hit in 2023-24, he could strengthen the Rangers’ third line as a right-winger with Will Cuylle on the left. Alternatively, he could fit on the fourth line with Jimmy Vesey and Sam Carrick. His experience would be a valuable asset to the team.
Tyson Barrie, D, UFA
Barrie, a 2009 draft pick, has had strong seasons with the Colorado Avalanche, Toronto Maple Leafs, and Edmonton Oilers, and most recently played for the Nashville Predators. The 32-year-old is known for his shot-blocking, recording 47 in 41 games with Nashville last season. A two-way defenseman, Barrie scored one goal and had 14 assists. While he would be a good addition to the Rangers’ second or third defensive pairing, his $4.5M annual cap hit might require a deal involving a third team or retaining part of his salary.
Kailer Yamamoto, RW, UFA (No Qualifying Offer)
This 25-year-old right-winger from the Seattle Kraken had his best offensive season in 2021-22 with the Oilers, scoring 20 goals and 21 assists for 41 points in 81 games. Known for his accurate shooting, Yamamoto had a 13.1% shooting percentage this past season, with eight goals and eight assists in 59 games. With a cap hit of $1.5M in 2023-24, he could add depth to the Rangers’ forward lines. The Kraken did not issue a qualifying offer to Yamamoto by June 30, 2024, making him available.
Nicholas Robertson, LW, RFA
The 22-year-old forward from Pasadena, California, could add depth to the Rangers’ roster. Playing for the Maple Leafs, he recorded 14 goals and 13 assists in 56 games this season and was named to the OHL First All-Star Team in 2020. According to The Athletic and TSN NHL Insider Chris Johnston, Robertson does not want to re-sign with the Maple Leafs and is seeking a trade. His qualifying offer is $813,750, and his 2023-24 cap hit was $796,667.
Kyle Okposo, RW, UFA
Coming off a season with the Florida Panthers that culminated in a Stanley Cup, the 36-year-old Okposo scored 12 goals and 10 assists in 61 games with the Buffalo Sabres before a brief stint with the Panthers. His extensive NHL experience includes an All-Star Game appearance in 2017. Okposo, with a 2023-24 cap hit of $2.5M, could enhance the Rangers’ lower lines and bring valuable experience, especially as a recent Cup winner.
