New York Rangers Should Consider Offer Sheet to Evan Bouchard Next Offseason – Hockey Writers – New York Rangers

The New York Rangers are expected to make a deep run this season, as they suffered a loss 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, despite not being able to win the Stanley Cup. Since free agency is a common time for teams to go out and make some moves to improve their squad, the Rangers chose not to pursue any big-name free agents and kept their roster as similar to last season as possible. Although there were rumors that they were trying to release Jacob Trouba and his big contract, nothing ever came to fruition.

Related: Rangers & Flames: Assessing Odds of Blockbuster Huberdeau-for-Trouba Trade

While many teams in the NHL have to worry about the stability of their goalies, the Rangers don't have that problem at all as Igor Shesterkin continues to establish himself as a top quality goaltender every season. Where they have a problem is the defensive depth on the right side of the blue line. Everyone knows good defensemen are hard to come by at the NHL level, as we've seen with the struggles of the Edmonton Oilers over the past few seasons, and the Rangers could benefit from an upgrade. While their depth chart isn't bad by any means, they can certainly do something, especially if they decide to revisit the Trouba trade.

Another defenseman who could find himself facing an offer sheet after a couple of great seasons with the Oilers is Evan Bouchard. While there is no indication that either side wants an extension, the Oilers will have to pay him a lot of money to keep him around long-term, which could lead to negotiations dragging on. If Bouchard hits free agency as a restricted free agent (RFA) then the Rangers should consider hitting him with an offer sheet. If the Rangers end up moving Trouba and saving some money, they should be willing to spend big and improve their top-one defensive core.

Bouchard Has Norris Trophy Future Ahead of Him, Rangers Should Pay

It would be foolish to say that Bouchard can't make a push for the Norris Trophy throughout his career. While beating Cale Makar, Adam Fox, and Miro Heiskanen will be a tough task every season, his offensive production last season showed signs that he may be able to find another step in his game. For the Rangers, bringing in a quality player like Bouchard who can put up with more than a point per game is something they should be willing to pay for. While a seven-year max contract, for example, would cost a fortune to pry him away from the Oilers, the Rangers should use their extra cap space and make a run at him.

It's not every day that a player like Bouchard is available, even as an RFA. If the Rangers can get it done this season and find themselves in the starting lineup next summer, going after Bouchard to send a message should be their first goal. He is a great replacement for Trouba and could create one of, if not the best defensive system in the NHL.

Now, unfortunately for the Rangers, the price will go up. In fact, the Oilers may offer him more than Darnell Nurse's $9.25 million annual salary, but they will certainly try to land him. To bring him in, the Rangers would have to give up 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 as compensation. However, you deserve it.

Bouchard has improved defensively each season and continues to be a great asset for the Oilers. If the Rangers want to push for their first Stanley Cup since 1994, bringing in a quality player like Bouchard could be the answer to finally getting over the hump and winning a championship.