Toronto native Ryan Strome among two important pieces reportedly preparing to leave NYC this summer
The New York Rangers are coming fresh off of a deep playoff run, making it to the Eastern Conference Finals, but coming up short to the Tamp Bay Lightning. Now that the offseason is under way, the Rangers could be looking at losing some key top six forwards.
Per Larry Brooks of the New York Post, center Ryan Strome and winger Andrew Copp have both revealed that they're looking to test free agency on July 13th. Both players make up the second line playing most commonly with Artemi Panarin during the postseason. Obviously, it goes without saying that losing two thirds of your 2nd line isn't exactly the ideal scenario if the Rangers are looking to improve upon a strong 2021-22 campaign.
Andrew Copp, 27, had 8 goals and 10 assists in 16 games played, with the Rangers after being acquired from the Winnipeg Jets. Ryan Strome, 28, had 21 goals and 33 assists for 54 points in 74 games played.
Replacing key players is never an easy task. It will be interesting to see how GM Chris Drury responds if both players leave. I'm not necessarily convinced that the Rangers have the pieces to fill those gaps interally, so they'll have their hands full this offseason trying to find a new 2LW and 2C. Although it's not guaranteed that Strome and Copp will leave, Drury should at least explore the market to see what their negotiating rights might be worth to avoid losing one or both for nothing.
| POLL | ||
JUILLET 1 | 348 ANSWERS Toronto native Ryan Strome among two important pieces reportedly preparing to leave NYC this summer Will the Rangers make the playoffs in 2022-23? | ||
| Yes, they still have their MVP (Shesterkin) | 193 | 55.5 % |
| No, they're going to have a hard time competing | 76 | 21.8 % |
| They'll be a bubble team one way or the other | 79 | 22.7 % |
| List of polls | ||
