With the likes of defenseman Erik Karlsson, Drew Doughty, and Oliver Ekman-Larsson highlighting the free agent class of 2019, Rangers blueliner Ryan McDonagh has largely flown under the radar. However, his deal is also up at that time and he’s sure to garner plenty of interest on the open market if he makes it there. Accordingly, Larry Brooks of the New York Post suggests that the team will soon need to make a decision on McDonagh’s future in New York. Do they look to re-sign him at a rate that will certainly be considerably higher than his current $4.7MM cap hit or is he best served as a trade chip in the months to come, either at the trade deadline or the draft? Given his importance to the team, one thing is certain – they can’t afford to lose him for nothing in free agency so the call on his long-term future with the team will need to be made before long.
More from the Metropolitan:
- Flyers goaltender Michal Neuvirth is expected to be ready to suit up following the holiday break, notes Tom Dougherty of NBC Sports Philadelphia. He has been out since December 6th due to a leg injury and Brian Elliott has logged all of the playing time since then. Assuming Neuvirth gets the green light to return, Alex Lyon will be sent back to Lehigh Valley of the AHL where he will be looking to rebound from a rough start to his second professional season.
- While the Islanders were hoping that their goalie tandem of Jaroslav Halak and Thomas Greiss would be a strength this season, the opposite has been the case. They have combined for a save percentage of just .895, 17 points below the league average. Newsday’s Arthur Staple assesses the potential trade market and notes that GM Garth Snow’s opportunities to improve that position via trade are somewhat limited. Despite their struggles in goal, the Isles are currently holding down a Wild Card spot but if they can find a way to improve (or Halak/Greiss turn it around), they could become a much bigger threat in the division.
McDonagh had that one season and playoff run in 2014 where he looked like he was in the same tier as Doughty and Keith. Unfortunately he never got back to that level. He’s not going anywhere this year even if the Rangers are a lottery team by the deadline though.
Even as a Rangers fan, I have to unfortunately agree. He’s been inconsistent and has suffered multiple injuries both reported and not, that have effected his game. The “C” also has been an anchor around his neck, while Gorton/Sather change up core players each year.
It’s difficult to say, but if he could bring a great haul in return, it might be time to turn the page :(
What My New York Islanders Goalies Really Need Is Stronger Protection In Front Of Them & I Am Suggesting That Thomas Hickey & Maybe A Draft Pick,Along With A Player In Our System,Like Maybe Devon Toews,Be Traded To The Minnesota Wild For Ruan Suter & Matt Dumba.
My New York Islanders Goalies Really Need Stronger Protection In Front Of Them & I Am Suggesting That Thomas Hickey & Maybe A Draft Pick,Along With A Player In Our System,Like Maybe Devon Toews,Be Traded To The Minnesota Wild For Ruan Suter & Matt Dumba.