The New York Rangers are looking to bolster their right-wing depth heading into free agency on July 1, with several options available. Analyst Dane Walsh from Forever Blueshirts suggested that targeting Jonathan Marchessault, a forward currently with the Vegas Golden Knights, could be a strategic move.
According to Walsh, the Rangers are in need of additional pieces to elevate their performance. Despite the preference for younger, larger, and stronger players, Marchessault, as an unrestricted free agent, offers valuable experience and scoring prowess that could make a significant impact. Walsh proposes Marchessault as a potential top-six right wing, envisioning him alongside Mika Zibanejad and Chris Kreider or adapting to new line configurations.
Marchessault, an original member of the Vegas Golden Knights, will be available in the free-agent market following his tenure with the team since their inception into the NHL.
While Walsh sees Marchessault’s potential to enhance the Rangers’ offensive capabilities, he also acknowledges associated risks that the team should weigh carefully before pursuing the forward in July.
Case for Rangers’ Pursuit of Jonathan Marchessault
Walsh contends that despite the Rangers’ recent emphasis on acquiring younger, larger, and more robust players, the addition of Marchessault could be the catalyst that propels New York beyond its postseason struggles.
In the 2024 season, the Rangers achieved the highest number of regular-season victories among all franchises, securing the Presidents’ Trophy. However, their postseason journey took a different turn as they were defeated by Florida in the conference finals, marking their tenth consecutive year without reaching the Stanley Cup Final.
Marchessault, who had an outstanding 2024 campaign with Vegas, scoring 42 goals, brings with him extensive playoff experience and a proven track record. Walsh argues that the winger’s addition could significantly bolster the team. Marchessault notably earned the Conn Smythe Trophy in 2023 as the MVP of the Stanley Cup playoffs, pivotal in securing the Knights’ first-ever title.
Your Conn Smythe winner, Jonathan Marchessault 👏 pic.twitter.com/5VdCXPNMPG
— B/R Open Ice (@BR_OpenIce) June 14, 2023
Walsh highlights Marchessault’s recent achievements: “Marchessault is coming off a career-high 42-goal season with the Golden Knights, his best in 11 NHL seasons. He totaled 69 points, just shy of his career-best 75 points,” Walsh wrote. “He’s a consistent seven-time 20-goal scorer with three seasons of 30 or more goals. Known for durability and consistency, he would be a substantial upgrade for the Rangers.”
In postseason play, Marchessault has proven his mettle with 76 points in 102 career games and a commendable plus-37 rating. Walsh underscores his ability to perform under pressure: “Marchessault’s effectiveness in the playoffs is evident, despite his smaller stature,” Walsh noted. In 2023, he contributed 25 points in 22 postseason games en route to winning the Conn Smythe award and the championship.
By adding Marchessault to their roster, Walsh believes the Rangers could gain the critical edge needed to overcome their playoff challenges and potentially contend for the Stanley Cup.
Marchesault’s Appeal as a Top-Tier Free Agent
Greg Wyshynski of ESPN and Peter Baugh of The Athletic both highlighted Marchessault as a top free agent in separate June reports.
Wyshynski places Marchessault in the “Tier 1: Impact Player” category, describing him as an “established player who can play key roles immediately for a team.”
“Marchessault has witnessed the departure of several original Golden Misfits from Las Vegas due to age and salary cap issues during his tenure with the franchise. As the leading scorer in Golden Knights history and the Conn Smythe Trophy winner during their 2023 Stanley Cup championship season,” Wyshynski wrote.
Jonathan Marchessault scores for the second straight game to get the game's opening goal. pic.twitter.com/KO8AUJNU9C
— Golden Knights Radio (@VGKRadioNetwork) January 19, 2024
Baugh analyzed the Rangers’ options at right wing, underscoring Marchessault’s high market value but noted the difficulty of signing him.
“Marchessault seems like a bit of a longshot. After a 42-goal season and winning the 2023 Conn Smythe Trophy, he’d likely command a high price. The 33-year-old would undoubtedly enhance the Rangers’ roster if Drury could somehow secure a deal, and the veteran has a proven postseason track record,” Baugh wrote.
Financial Risks and Possible Contract Demands
Walsh emphasized the importance of considering the financial implications and risks associated with signing Marchessault. The analyst believes the Rangers should avoid long-term contracts that may not be beneficial as Marchessault, now 33, continues to age.
“Should the Rangers decide to pursue Marchessault, they need to exercise caution,” Walsh wrote. “Overspending on the forward would be unwise, as his performance is likely to decline in the coming years.”
Marchessault has just finished a six-year, $30 million contract with a $5 million annual cap hit. Walsh suggests the Rangers could offer the veteran a “two- or three-year contract, possibly in the $7 million per year range,” which he considers “a great move.”
Entering the offseason, the Rangers have $13.7 million in cap space after the San Jose Sharks claimed Barclay Goodrow on June 19.
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