Physical free-agent winger may be on Rangers’ ‘radar’ after freeing up new salary space.
The New York Rangers now have some additional salary cap space to work with following the “ruthless” departure of veteran forward Barclay Goodrow. The Blueshirts will now focus on the forthcoming free agency period, considering a list of potential targets to reinvest budgetary space and improve their team.
A veteran free agent has reportedly appeared on the Rangers’ “radar” ahead of free agency. Elliotte Friedman, an NHL Insider, commented on an edition of 32 Thoughts: The Podcast that he “could see [Tyler] Toffoli being a guy that’s on the Rangers radar with the money they got (from Goodrow waive).”
The Rangers likely have Tyler Toffoli on their radar.
The Rangers’ expressed interest in Toffoli is fascinating. The 32-year-old Winnipeg Jets winger has been a fan favorite heading into the offseason as a potential boost for New York. He will be an unrestricted free agent this summer after a successful season with the New Jersey Devils and Winnipeg Jets.
Toffoli had 55 points in 79 games this season, including 33 goals and 22 assists. He has scored 30 or more goals in each of the last two seasons, demonstrating that reaching the 30-year-old milestone has not slowed him down just yet.
Toffoli is apparently looking for a long-term contract to close out his career. His AAV is expected to be around $5 million or higher, making him a somewhat pricy target for the Blueshirts. However, with the additional cap space provided by the Goodrow release, they may be able to fit Toffoli under the cap.
Adding Toffoli to the lineup would offer the Rangers an extra scorer to complement Chris Kreider and Mika Zibanejad on the top line. If general manager Chris Drury can make the financials work, the Rangers should explore signing Toffoli in free agency this summer as they prepare for another Stanley Cup push next season.
