By
Once again, the New York Rangers came up short of hockey’s ultimate goal. Despite winning the President’s Trophy with a franchise record 114 points, looking unstoppable to start the playoffs by winning seven straight games and taking a 2-1 series lead over the Florida Panthers, the blue and white got eliminated in game six of the Eastern Conference Finals for the second time in three seasons.
The Blueshirts will now ponder what if and enter the offseason looking to bolster their lineup for another run at the trophy that has eluded them since 1994. While many of the Rangers faithful are hoping for a move to acquire some more star power, the blue and white have been linked to a former All-Star chasing his first career Stanley Cup.
The Rangers are expected to show interest in Max Pacioretty
According to Peter Baugh of the Athletic (h/t Cole Shelton of Heavy), the Rangers are expected to show interest in pending unrestricted free agent forward Max Pacioretty.
“If New York goes the cheaper route, Washington Capitals unrestricted free agent Max Pacioretty could be an option. The Rangers were among the teams that inquired about him at the deadline, but he decided not to waive his no-trade clause at that point,” Baugh said.“After missing all but four games in 2022-23, the 35-year-old had four goals and 23 points in 47 regular-season games with the Capitals, then one assist in four playoff games against the Rangers. Like Drury, he’s from Connecticut.”
The 35-year-old is a five-time All-Star and has scored 330 goals alongside 338 assists across 902 regular season games. Pacioretty has appeared in 78 playoff games, scoring 25 goals and registering 25 assists.
Where would Pacioretty fit in the Rangers’ lineup?
The Connecticut native would work as a Swiss army knife of sorts for head coach Peter Laviolette. Pacioretty could be on any of the top three lines on the left side and add a world-class level shot alongside the ability to be a playmaker when needed. The 35-year-old could fit comfortably on either of the Blueshirts powerplays.
Time will tell if Pacioretty inks a deal with the blue and white, but with the five-time all-star still chasing a cup and the Rangers expressing interest, the fit for both sides is there.
