The New York Rangers are in the middle of a major reset after missing the playoffs last season. One of the biggest changes they’ve made is bringing in Mike Sullivan as the new head coach, a move that signals the front office is serious about turning things around. But while the team is focused on this upcoming season, there’s growing speculation that the real game-changer might come next summer.
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Connor McDavid, one of the best players in the NHL, is entering the final year of his contract with the Edmonton Oilers. There’s been chatter that he could test free agency if the situation in Edmonton doesn’t meet his expectations. If that happens, the Rangers are already being mentioned as a possible destination.
CONNOR MCDAVID!
What in the world?! 😳 #NHLFaceOff pic.twitter.com/OmV5JONXWK
— NHL (@NHL) October 18, 2023
Bleacher Report’s Adam Gretz recently named New York as a strong landing spot for McDavid. He pointed out that the league would probably welcome the idea of its biggest star playing in one of the league’s biggest markets. From the Rangers’ perspective, adding a player like McDavid would be a dream scenario that could re-energize fans and the franchise alike.
“The NHL would love to see its biggest star playing in its biggest market, and the Rangers would undoubtedly love to have a franchise-changing player at the top of their lineup,” Gretz said. “It would go a long way to kick-start excitement in Manhattan, especially after everything went so far off the rails during the 2024-25 season.”
McDavid would give the Rangers the kind of elite talent that changes everything, both on the ice and at the box office. His arrival would instantly boost the team’s profile and give them a legitimate shot at contending for the Stanley Cup.
Does the Money Work?
Financially, the timing might work out for New York. Several contracts are set to expire after this season, potentially freeing up the kind of cap space needed to make a run at McDavid. A player of his caliber is going to command a massive salary, and there will be no shortage of teams lining up to make their pitch. Still, the allure of New York, the spotlight of Madison Square Garden, and the promise of being the face of the Rangers could be a compelling combination.
There’s still a lot of hockey to be played between now and next July, and a lot can change. But if McDavid does decide to move on from Edmonton, the Rangers will almost certainly be in the mix.
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