The New York Rangers have had a relatively quiet offseason. They made a few lowkey moves to improve their roster, but the anticipated blockbuster move never came to fruition. However, it might not be too late for general manager Chris Drury to make a splash.
If the Rangers are still intent on bringing in a star winger to improve the first line, they could explore a potential blockbuster deal with the Carolina Hurricanes for Martin Necas.
Could the Rangers trade Martin Necas?
Necas would be the big-time acquisition that fans of the Blueshirts were hoping for entering the offseason. The 25-year-old is currently a restricted free agent and could be eyeing a move away from Carolina. The Hurricanes are reportedly intent on extending Necas, but the possibility of him being traded instead exists.
It might not be likely that the Hurricanes trade Necas, but if he becomes available, the Blueshirts should be among his top suitors. They did little to fill the hole that plagues their first-line right wing this offseason, but Necas could be the solution to that problem.
In 2023, Necas totaled 53 points (24 goals and 29 assists) in 77 games played. He had 71 points (28 goals and 43 assists) the season prior. Necas is productive on the offensive end and would be an upgrade for nearly every top-six group across the NHL.
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Of course, after trading for Necas, the Rangers would need to be prepared to pay their new offensive weapon. Reports suggest his new deal could land in the range of $5.5-6 million AAV, likely on a one-year contract. With big paydays on the horizon, this might not be a deal that the Blueshirts could afford to hand out.
The Rangers are far more likely to wait it out until the trade deadline to make any moves to upgrade their roster. The lineup that they currently have is still among the best in the NHL. Sure, upgrades would be welcomed. But those are likely to come in the form of mid-season rentals at the trade deadline, rather than in the form of a blockbuster summer deal.
