Rob Grabowski-USA TODAY Sports
The New York Rangers are in desperate need of some tough forwards who can score on their third and fourth lines. They may have found a player to pursue this offseason in Bryan Bickell.
Bickell is currently with the Chicago Blackhawks, but his contract is up at the end of this season. He is having an amazing run in this year’s Stanley Cup Playoffs. In 16 games, he has eight goals and three assists for a total of 11 points. He has more goals than star forwards Jonathan Toews and Patrick Kane combined. He is also one of two players in this year’s playoffs with more than five goals and 40 hits.
The Rangers are going to need a big scoring threat on the third and fourth line. Bickell can even spot in on top lines with some star players as he is doing with the Blackhawks. With Brian Boyle struggling to score over the last two seasons, the Rangers need a big-time power forward to score and bolster up the bottom of their lineup.
Another area where Bickell can help would be the power play. A big body is necessary to put in front of goalies in the NHL. Most goalies are going to stop any shot they can see. The Rangers are in desperate need of a big body to stick right in front of the net. Bickell also has a good set of hands for a big guy which means he can quickly put in rebounds.
The Rangers should have enough cap space to make a move for a couple of players in free agency. Bickell is a player they must try to get.
