Montreal Canadiens Goaltender Sam Montembeault Discusses His Future
Montreal Canadiens goaltender Sam Montembeault, when questioned about his future with the team, stated, “I have one year left on my deal, I don’t make those decisions. All I can control is having a good summer.”
New York Rangers’ Potential Major Offseason Targets
New York Rangers General Manager Chris Drury is reportedly looking to be active this offseason. While making a significant acquisition might be challenging, here are some potential targets if the Rangers decide to make a big move:
Forward and Defenseman Options
For established top-six forwards and top-four defensemen, the Rangers could consider:
Potential Free Agent Targets
Alex Tuch could be a fit, offering size and scoring, but his age and role as a complementary player might make a large financial commitment questionable for the Rangers. Similarly, the Rangers might not be inclined to spend heavily on right-handed defenseman Darren Raddysh.
Trade Possibilities
The Buffalo Sabres might need cap space to re-sign restricted free agents Zach Benson and Peyton Krebs, and they possess an abundance of left-handed defensemen. This could lead to discussions about trading Bowen Byram (a UFA after next season) or Owen Power (under contract for five more years at $8.35 million).
The Dallas Stars, while likely re-signing RFA Jason Robertson, may need to make roster adjustments. Roope Hintz, with five years remaining on his $8.45 million contract and a no-movement clause, is a player some are curious about. Mavrik Bourque is an RFA with arbitration rights.
The San Jose Sharks might be open to trading their No. 2 overall pick, potentially dropping back in the draft to select a defenseman. The Rangers, holding the No. 5 pick and in need of a forward, could explore a trade. A swap involving Braden Schneider for William Eklund would be ideal, though the Sharks also have prospects like Filip Bystedt, Igor Chernyshov, and Quentin Musty.
The St. Louis Blues have Robert Thomas and Jordan Kyrou, both with contracts through 2031 at $8.125 million annually. The Rangers likely do not have the assets, such as their No. 5 pick, to interest the Blues in a trade.
Auston Matthews is considered a long shot. The Rangers are reportedly monitoring the situation with Toronto Maple Leafs forward Matthew Knies, who is 23 years old, recorded 66 points last season, and has a $7.75 million cap hit for five more years.
Other Potential Targets
The Rangers could target Vegas Golden Knights RFA forward Pavel Dorofeyev. To pursue him with an offer sheet, they would need to reacquire their 2027 second-round pick from the Pittsburgh Penguins. The Golden Knights might move Tomas Hertl and Adin Hill to create cap space. The Rangers could potentially leverage their cap space to absorb contracts like those of Hertl, William Karlsson, Nic Dowd, or Keegan Kolesar.
Should the Ottawa Senators ever make Brady Tkachuk available, the Rangers would likely express interest.
English Translation:
Montreal Canadiens Sam Montembeault on His Future
Marco D’Amico: Montreal Canadiens goaltender Sam Montembeault, when asked about his future with the team: “I have one year left on my deal, I don’t make those decisions. All I can control is having a good summer.”
Some Potential Targets If the New York Rangers Are Looking to Take a Big Swing
Vincent Z. Mercogliano of The Athletic: It sounds like the New York Rangers GM Chris Drury would like to be active this offseason, but it can be easier said than done. He may be willing to take a big swing at someone, but who is available that they’d consider?
The Rangers could look to move Vincent Trocheck, but that would likely be for a package of assets.
If they’re looking for an established top-six forward and top-four defenseman, here are some options.
UFAs – Potential Targets
Alex Tuch definitely fits the positional need, and he brings size and scoring, but does it really make sense to spend that kind of money on a 30-year-old who is more of a complementary player. Can’t see the Rangers wanting to spend big money on right-handed defenseman Darren Raddysh either.
Trade Targets
The Buffalo Sabres may need some cap room to re-sign Tuch, and RFA forwards Zach Benson and Peyton Krebs. They’re loaded with left-handed defensemen. Would they move Bowen Byram (UFA after next season) or Owen Power (five years left at $8.35 million)?
The Dallas Stars will likely re-sign RFA Jason Robertson, but may need to make some moves to fit his money in. Some people are curious about Roope Hintz, who has five years left at $8.45 million. He’s got a no-movement clause. Mavrik Bourque is an RFA with arb rights.
The San Jose Sharks may be willing to move their No. 2 pick, and maybe would consider dropping back a bit and selecting a defenseman. The Rangers own the No. 5 pick and could use a forward. The Sharks have some young forwards and could use a young defenseman. Would they be interested Braden Schneider for William Eklund would be ideal, but they have prospects like Filip Bystedt, Igor Chernyshov, Quentin Musty.
The St. Louis Blues have Robert Thomas and Jordan Kyrou, both at $8.125 million through 2031. The Rangers shouldn’t offer the No. 5 pick, and they don’t have much else that would interest the Blues.
Auston Matthews would be a long-shot. The Rangers are among the teams interested to see if Toronto Maple Leafs Matthew Knies is available. He’s only 23, put up 66 points last season and has $7.75 million cap hit for five more years.
The Rangers should be looking at Vegas Golden Knights RFA forward Pavel Dorofeyev. If they wanted to offer sheet him, they’d need to get their 2027 2nd round pick back from the Pittsburgh Penguins. The Golden Knights would likely move Tomas Hertl and Adin Hill to gain the cap space needed. Maybe the Rangers can use their cap space to take on a Hertl, William Karlsson, Nic Dowd or Keegan Kolesar.
If the Ottawa Senators ever made Brady Tkachuk available, the Rangers would be interested.
