Three players the Rangers could target in NHL free agency By Michael Blinn Published June 30, 2026, 6:31 p.m. ET Teddy Blueger of the Vancouver Canucks in action against the Edmonton Oilers. Getty Images Three players the Rangers could target when NHL free agency opens on Wednesday, July 1 at noon ET:
In need of a fourth-line center following Sam Carrick’s departure via trade last season, the Rangers could turn to a reliable two-way skater in Blueger. He would boost the penalty kill and the team’s faceoff percentage.
There has yet to be a better winger for Mika Zibanejad than Zuccarello, who played alongside the Swede for multiple years before the team entered a rebuild and he was traded to Dallas in February 2019. At 38, Zuccarello has proven he can still produce, and a one-year deal is feasible for the Rangers.
Minnesota Wild forward Mats Zuccarello (36) controls the puck against the Avalanche. Icon Sportswire via Getty Images Scott Laughton, Center/Wing With uncertainties surrounding their center depth, the Rangers could target a utility forward who can play both wing and center. Laughton certainly fits that bill and has proven capable of contributing offensively.
