The New York Rangers have an opening in their bottom six after veteran forward Barclay Goodrow was claimed off waivers this Thursday. While attention centers around who the Blueshirts might target this summer to upgrade their attack in the top six, they will also need to find a quality upgrade to replace Goodrow.
However, New York may not have to look far to find their new addition in the bottom six. According to Vince Mercogliano of Lohud, the Rangers are high on Adam Edström and they could view him as a solution in the bottom six.
Adam Edström could play a key role for the Rangers in 2024
The Rangers have been developing Edström in their prospect pool for several years now after selecting him in the sixth round of the 2019 NHL Draft. He was with the Blueshirts during their 2024 postseason run as a healthy scratch, however, he spent the majority of the regular season with their AHL affiliate, the Hartford Wolf Pack.
In 40 games with the Wolf Pack, Edström totaled 16 points (11 goals and five assists). The lefty also appeared in 11 games with the Rangers during the regular season, totaling two points, which were both goals.
Edström is a physical forward with size, traits which the Rangers “covet for their bottom six,” per Mercogliano. Goodrow was typically the Blueshirts’ fourth-line center last season, but that role could be taken over by Edström next season.
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Where could Edström fit in the Rangers’ lineup?
He could also earn a larger role on the third line depending on what the Rangers wind up doing with Kaapo Kakko. Despite signing the former second-overall pick to a qualifying offer, New York could still trade their third-line winger this offseason.
Edström has the versatility to play both as a center and as a winger. This should give him extra opportunities to see the NHL ice during the upcoming 2024-25 season.
