Montreal Canadiens Goaltender Sam Montembeault on His Future
When asked about his future with the Montreal Canadiens, goaltender Sam Montembeault stated, “I have one year left on my deal, I don’t make those decisions. All I can control is having a good summer.”
Potential Targets for the New York Rangers’ Big Swing
New York Rangers GM Chris Drury is reportedly looking to be active this offseason, but finding the right “big swing” target can be challenging. The Rangers might consider moving Vincent Trocheck, likely in exchange for a package of assets. If they are seeking established top-six forwards and top-four defensemen, here are some potential avenues:
Free Agent Options (UFAs): Alex Tuch could fill a positional need with his size and scoring ability, though his age (30) and complementary player status might deter a significant financial commitment. Similarly, spending big on right-handed defenseman Darren Raddysh may not be a priority.
Trade Targets:
- Buffalo Sabres: The Sabres may need cap space to re-sign RFAs Zach Benson and Peyton Krebs. They possess an abundance of left-handed defensemen, leading to speculation about the availability of Bowen Byram (UFA after next season) or Owen Power (five years remaining at $8.35 million).
- Dallas Stars: While likely to re-sign RFA Jason Robertson, the Stars might need to make roster adjustments. Roope Hintz, with five years left at $8.45 million and a no-movement clause, is a name of interest. Mavrik Bourque is an RFA with arbitration rights.
- San Jose Sharks: The Sharks might be open to trading their No. 2 overall pick, potentially dropping back in the draft to select a defenseman. The Rangers hold the No. 5 pick and are in need of a forward. A potential ideal trade could involve Braden Schneider for William Eklund, though the Sharks also have prospects like Filip Bystedt, Igor Chernyshov, and Quentin Musty.
- St. Louis Blues: With Robert Thomas and Jordan Kyrou each earning $8.125 million through 2031, the Rangers’ No. 5 pick might not be enough to entice the Blues, who have few other assets that would interest them.
- Toronto Maple Leafs: Auston Matthews is considered a long shot, but the Rangers are among the teams monitoring the availability of Matthew Knies. The 23-year-old forward posted 66 points last season and has five years remaining on his contract with a $7.75 million cap hit.
- Vegas Golden Knights: The Rangers could consider offering sheet RFA forward Pavel Dorofeyev, which would require acquiring Vegas’ 2027 second-round pick from the Pittsburgh Penguins. The Golden Knights might move Tomas Hertl or Adin Hill to free up cap space. The Rangers could leverage their cap space to take on players like Hertl, William Karlsson, Nic Dowd, or Keegan Kolesar.
- Ottawa Senators: Should Brady Tkachuk become available, the Rangers would reportedly be interested.
