New York Rangers should consider tendering Evan Bouchard next offseason – The Hockey Writers – New York Rangers

The New York Rangers should have a good run in the playoffs this season, as they fell short in the Eastern Conference Finals last season. After winning the Presidents’ Trophy with the best regular season record, Rangers fans considered their season a success, even though they failed to win the Stanley Cup. With free agency being a time when teams usually make a splash and make a splash to improve their team, the Rangers chose not to bring in big-name free agents and kept their team as similar as possible to last season’s. Although there were rumors that they were trying to get rid of Jacob Trouba and his massive contract, nothing ever came to fruition.

Related: Rangers and Flames: Studying the probabilities of a successful trade between Huberdeau and Trouba

While most NHL teams have to worry about goaltending stability, the Rangers don’t have that problem at all, as Igor Shesterkin continues to solidify himself as an elite-level goaltender each season. Their problem, however, is their defensive depth on the right side of the blue line. Everyone knows that good right-shot defensemen are hard to come by at the NHL level, as we’ve seen with the Edmonton Oilers’ struggles over the past few seasons, and the Rangers could use an upgrade. While their depth chart isn’t bad by any means, they could certainly afford to make a splash, especially if they decide to revisit the possibility of trading Trouba.

One defenseman who could find himself facing an offer after a few elite seasons with the Oilers is Evan Bouchard. While there is no indication that either side is unwilling to sign an extension, the Oilers will have to pay him a lot of money to keep him long-term, which could drag out negotiations. If Bouchard becomes a restricted free agent (RFA), the Rangers should consider making him an offer. If the Rangers ultimately move Trouba and save money in the process, they should be willing to spend big and upgrade their top-four defensive core.

Bouchard has Norris Trophy future ahead of him, Rangers expected to pay up

It would be ridiculous to say that Bouchard won’t be able to contend for the Norris Trophy throughout his career. While beating Cale Makar, Adam Fox and Miro Heiskanen is a tall order every season, his offensive production last season showed signs that he might be able to improve. For the Rangers, bringing in a high-end player like Bouchard, who can score more than a point per game, is something they should be willing to pay for. While a massive seven-year contract, for example, might be expensive to pry him away from the Oilers, the Rangers should use their extra cap space and try to get him.

It’s not every day that a player like Bouchard becomes available, even as a free agent. If the Rangers can’t get the job done this season and find themselves back where they started next summer, their number one goal should be to go after Bouchard to send a message. He’s the perfect replacement for Trouba and would likely create one of, if not the best defensive lineups in the NHL.

Unfortunately for the Rangers, the price tag will be steep. In reality, the Oilers could well price him above Darnell Nurse’s $9.25 million annual salary, but they’ll likely try to convince him to come down. To get him, the Rangers would have to offer at least $10.25-$10.75 million per year and give up two first-round picks, a second-round pick and a third-round pick in compensation. Still, he’s worth it.

Bouchard has improved defensively each season and continues to be a fantastic asset to the Oilers. If the Rangers want to contend for their first Stanley Cup since 1994, bringing in an elite player like Bouchard could be the key to finally turning the corner and winning a championship.