The New York Rangers aim to bolster their right-wing depth and have a plethora of choices as they approach the July 1 free agency period.
Dane Walsh, an analyst for Forever Blueshirts, suggested that the Rangers should look into acquiring Jonathan Marchessault, a forward from the Vegas Golden Knights.
“It’s evident that the Rangers require one or two additional pieces to elevate their performance. One intriguing possibility is unrestricted free agent Jonathan Marchessault from the Vegas Golden Knights,” Walsh stated. “This suggestion contradicts the belief that the Rangers should prioritize youth, size, and strength. However, Marchessault has the potential to make a significant impact as a top-six right winger, partnering either with Mika Zibanejad and Chris Kreider or with a new line combination.”
Marchessault, who joined the Knights as one of the founding members when they originally joined the NHL, will be available as a free agency on July 1.
Marchessault’s versatility and ability to score goals, in Walsh’s opinion, could greatly improve the Rangers’ attacking lineup. If the Rangers want to pursue the forward in July, they should be aware of the minor risks associated with this idea.
Case for Rangers’ Pursuit of Jonathan Marchessault
Walsh contends that despite the New York Rangers’ recent emphasis on acquiring younger, larger, and more robust players, adding Marchessault could be the catalyst needed to propel the team past their postseason challenges.
In 2024, the Rangers boasted the best regular-season record in the league, clinching the Presidents’ Trophy. However, their postseason performance painted a different picture. New York was eliminated by Florida in the conference finals, marking their 10th consecutive year without reaching the Stanley Cup Final.
Marchessault, who had a remarkable 2024 season with Vegas, scoring 42 goals, would, according to Walsh, bring invaluable experience and a proven track record in the playoffs to the Rangers. The winger had previously earned the Conn Smythe Trophy as the MVP of the 2023 Stanley Cup playoffs, guiding the Knights to their inaugural championship.
“Marchessault just finished his 11th NHL season with a career-high 42 goals with the Golden Knights. Walsh said, “He finished with 69 points, just short of his career best of 75 points. He has scored 20 goals or more seven times and has scored 30 goals or more three times. He would be a significant improvement for the Rangers because he is reliable and strong.
Marchessault came only 6 points short of a career high with 69 points in 2024. Walsh noted that Marchessault has scored 76 points with a plus-37 rating in 102 postseason games over his career.
In reference to the playoffs, Walsh noted, “His lack of size does not deter Marchessault when the games get more difficult.” Marchessault won the 2023 championship and the Conn Smythe award, amassing 25 points in 22 postseason contests.
Marchesault’s Appeal as a Top-Tier Free Agent
In separate stories from June, Greg Wyshynski of ESPN and Peter Baugh of The Athletic identified Marchessault as a top free agent.
Marchessault fits Wyshynski’s definition of a “established player who can play key roles immediately for a team” when he is categorized as a free agent under his “Tier 1: Impact Player” category.
During his tenure with the team, Marchessault has witnessed a number of the original Golden Misfits depart Las Vegas owing to age and salary cap issues. In 2023, Wyshynski wrote, “He won the Conn Smythe in their Stanley Cup championship season and is the leading scorer in Golden Knights history.”
Baugh talked about the Rangers’ selections at right wing, highlighting Marchessault’s strong market value. Still, the reporter conceded that the Rangers might find it difficult to sign him.
Marchessault seems like a distant favorite. He would probably be pricey because he just finished with a 42-goal season and the 2023 Conn Smythe Trophy. If Drury could work out a deal, the 33-year-old would undoubtedly improve the Rangers’ squad given the veteran has experience playing in the postseason, Baugh wrote.
Financial Risks and Possible Contract Demands
Walsh emphasized the importance of caution regarding the financial implications and risks associated with signing Jonathan Marchessault. He underscored that while Marchessault’s current performance is commendable, the Rangers should be wary of committing to a long-term deal that may not yield returns as Marchessault ages beyond his current 33 years.
“If the Rangers decide to pursue Marchessault, they must proceed with prudence,” Walsh advised. “It would not be prudent to overspend on the forward, considering that his productivity is likely to decline in the coming years.”
Marchessault recently concluded a six-year, $30 million contract with an annual cap hit of $5 million. Walsh suggested that a shorter-term contract, such as two or three years in the range of $7 million per year, could be a favorable option for the Rangers. He viewed this as a potentially beneficial move for the team.
The Rangers have $13.7 million in cap space heading into the offseason after Barclay Goodrow was claimed by the San Jose Sharks on June 19.