Rangers Appear To Have 2 Top Trade Targets In Mind

The New York Rangers appear far from done this offseason as they are looking to make some bigger changes after missing the playoffs. This is a team that can absolutely be a Stanley Cup contender once again, even if they don't do too much. But it has been reported that the Rangers have called the Dallas Stars about Jason Robertson and talked with the Colorado Avalanche regarding Martin Necas.

These are two interesting younger players who could provide a huge boost to the Rangers' lineup, but would also cost a better player with a higher cap hit in return unless New York has something else lined up to clear cap space and can find value in other assets. What's interesting about both Robertson and Necas is they each have one year left on their deals. Robertson is a RFA in 2026 and Necas is a UFA.

The Stars are in some trouble with $50,000 in cap space with an 18 player roster after Matt Duchene was just re-signed. Robertson's name has come up in trade rumors to clear some cap space as he has a $7.75 million AAV cap hit. He will be just 25 years old and has put up at least 79 points in four consecutive seasons. The Stars would like to avoid trading him if they can, but the other players they would need to move to free up space aren't as easy to ship off.

The Avalanche also aren't in the best cap position this summer. They have 12 forwards, five defensemen, and two goalies signed while having $1.2 million in projected cap space. Moves have to be made and Brock Nelson's $7.5 million AAV extension made things difficult. When the Avalanche acquired Necas, it was with no guarantee that he would re-sign. Reports were that he didn't necessarily enjoy his time in Colorado this season. Moving him before he just leaves in free agency is an option the Avalanche have to consider if it's serious.

Necas has a $6.5 million AAV cap hit, but if the Rangers are looking to acquire him, it should be with a contract extension. Some of the older players will either continue to be moved out or leave. The Rangers have to get younger and Necas is a perfect piece to help do that. His skill level is very high and New York seems to be a place many players want to live. The Rangers will hopefully excite this offseason with a big and more unexpected move.