The New York Rangers' 2023-24 season ended in heartbreaking fashion on June 1, 2024, when they lost 2-1 to the Florida Panthers in Game Six of the Eastern Conference Finals. The Panthers, who went on to capture the Stanley Cup, left the Rangers reflecting on what could have been. Since then, General Manager Chris Drury and his staff have been busy shaping the roster, making a series of moves that look to build on the team’s success and address its shortcomings. Here's a look at the Rangers' offseason moves, in chronological order.
The first significant transaction of the offseason came on June 19, 2024, when the Rangers placed center Barclay Goodrow on waivers. Goodrow, known for his gritty style, leadership, and versatility, had been a key part of the Rangers' bottom-six forward group. His physical play and ability to take on various roles made him a fan favorite. However, the decision to place him on waivers was largely motivated by salary cap concerns. Goodrow still had three years remaining on his contract with a cap hit of $3,641,667, so when the San Jose Sharks claimed the veteran forward, the Rangers saved a significant amount of cap space.
What made the move even more intriguing was that San Jose was on Goodrow’s no-trade list, yet the Sharks were still able to claim him off waivers. Goodrow spent the first six years of his NHL career with the Sharks, where he appeared in 268 games—more than his 241 contests with the Rangers or his 63 with the Tampa Bay Lightning. His departure not only provided the Rangers with significant cap relief but also allowed them greater flexibility to address other needs during the offseason.
Goodrow’s departure not only provided the Rangers with cap relief it which allows the team greater flexibility to make moves during the offseason, particularly in shoring up other areas of the roster. His exit also opened the door for younger players to step into his role and contribute in the upcoming season..
On June 27, 2024, the Rangers made an important organizational move, naming Grant Potulny as the new head coach of their AHL affiliate, the Hartford Wolf Pack. Potulny brings an impressive resume to the role. A former professional player, he was drafted by the Ottawa Senators in the 5th round (157th overall) of the 2000 NHL Entry Draft. He played two seasons in the United States Hockey League (USHL) with the Lincoln Stars, where he was named team MVP and helped lead them to the 1999-2000 Anderson Cup. Potulny then attended the University of Minnesota, where he captained the Golden Gophers for three years and played a key role in their back-to-back NCAA championships in 2002 and 2003.
After turning professional, Potulny played in the American Hockey League (AHL) for several teams, including the Binghamton Senators, Hershey Bears, Springfield Falcons, San Antonio Rampage, and Norfolk Admirals, before finishing his playing career in the Deutsche Eishockey Liga (DEL) in Germany. He retired following the 2008-09 season.
Following his playing career, Potulny transitioned into coaching, starting as an assistant coach for the Minnesota Golden Gophers men’s ice hockey team. His coaching credentials also include stints with Team USA at the World Junior Championships in 2013 and 2018, where he served as an assistant coach. In 2017, Potulny took over as head coach of the Northern Michigan Wildcats men’s hockey team, where he quickly made an impact. In his first season, he was named WCHA Coach of the Year after leading the Wildcats to a 19-7-2-2 record and a second-place finish in the conference. He signed an eight-year extension with Northern Michigan in 2018 and spent seven seasons with the program before stepping down in June 2024 to take the reins in Hartford.
Potulny’s experience in both player development and winning environments makes him an ideal fit for the Wolf Pack. His ability to nurture young talent will be crucial as the Rangers look to groom their prospects for NHL roles. With Potulny at the helm, Hartford’s young players are in good hands as they strive to reach their full potential and help contribute to the Rangers' future success.
On June 29, 2024, the New York Rangers completed a trade with the Nashville Predators that allowed them to move up in the draft. The Rangers swapped their 127th overall pick (a fourth-rounder) for Nashville's 119th pick, jumping up eight spots in the draft. To complete the deal, the Rangers also sent a 2026 seventh-round pick to Nashville. The reason for the trade became clear when the Rangers used the 119th pick to select Raoul Boilard, a promising forward prospect who had been ranked much higher on several draft boards.
Boilard was viewed as a steal at 119th overall. He had been ranked 70th in consolidated rankings, 67th on EliteProspects’ list, and 85th in Bob McKenzie’s scout poll rankings. While some rankings had him pegged for the middle rounds, the consensus among scouting reports, particularly from sources like EliteProspects and Corey Pronman’s evaluations, was that Boilard offered an impressive skill set with no glaring weaknesses. At 6’1”, Boilard already has the size needed for the pro game, and his well-rounded abilities make him a potential long-term fit for a bottom-six role in the NHL.
The decision to move up in the draft showed how highly GM Chris Drury and the Rangers' scouting staff valued Boilard, and it seems the team got excellent value by selecting him where they did. While it may take a few years for Boilard to develop, he’s definitely a prospect to keep an eye on as the Rangers continue to build for the future.
On July 1, 2024, the New York Rangers made a notable offseason acquisition, trading a conditional fifth-round pick in the 2025 NHL Draft and a second-round pick in the 2027 NHL Draft to the Pittsburgh Penguins for veteran forward Reilly Smith. The 33-year-old winger brings a wealth of experience and proven production to the Rangers' lineup, adding depth and versatility.
Smith had a solid 2023-24 season with the Penguins, recording 13 goals and 27 assists for 40 points in 76 games. During the season, he reached several career milestones, including his 300th career assist, his 500th career point, and his 800th NHL game. Known for his consistent offensive contributions, Smith has scored 10 or more goals in 11 consecutive seasons, hit the 20-goal mark five times, and reached 50 points in six different campaigns. Since the start of the 2016-17 season, he has also been a valuable penalty killer, ranking tied for sixth in the NHL with 13 shorthanded goals.
Smith’s NHL career has spanned 13 seasons, during which he has accumulated 513 points (213 goals, 300 assists) in 840 regular-season games. He’s played for several teams, including the Dallas Stars, Boston Bruins, Florida Panthers, Vegas Golden Knights, and Penguins. Smith was a key part of the Vegas Golden Knights’ run to the Stanley Cup in 2023, contributing 26 goals and 53 assists for 79 points in 106 career playoff games.
One of the reasons this trade works so well for the Rangers is the financial aspect. Smith has one year remaining on his current contract, a three-year, $15 million deal he originally signed with Vegas in 2022. Pittsburgh is retaining 25 percent of his salary, so Smith will only count $3.75 million against the Rangers' cap for the 2024-25 season. This move by GM Chris Drury allows the Rangers to add a player with championship pedigree and consistent production while maintaining salary cap flexibility.
Smith’s veteran presence and ability to contribute in all situations make him a valuable addition to the Rangers, especially as they aim to take the next step toward contending for a Stanley Cup.
On July 2, 2024, the New York Rangers bolstered their depth by signing forward Benoit-Olivier “Bo” Groulx and defenseman Casey Fitzgerald to two-way contracts.
Benoit-Olivier Groulx, a former second-round pick of the Anaheim Ducks, comes with solid junior and AHL experience. After being a standout in the QMJHL, where he captained the Halifax Mooseheads and won the Guy Carbonneau Trophy for best defensive forward, Groulx turned pro with the San Diego Gulls. He has NHL experience with the Ducks but spent much of the 2022-23 season in the AHL. At 6’2”, Groulx’s strong two-way play and size make him a promising depth forward. He signed a one-year deal with a cap hit of $775,000, providing cost-effective value for the Rangers.
Casey Fitzgerald, a former third-round pick of the Buffalo Sabres, brings defensive grit and playoff experience. After a solid NCAA career at Boston College, Fitzgerald debuted with the Sabres in 2021 and was later claimed by the Panthers, where he made his Stanley Cup Playoff debut in 2023. Known for his physical play and reliability, Fitzgerald’s two-year, $1.55 million contract adds defensive depth to the Rangers’ blue line. Additionally, Fitzgerald is the son of Tom Fitzgerald, who serves as the President of Hockey Operations and General Manager for the Metropolitan Division rival New Jersey Devils. This connection adds an extra layer of intrigue to Fitzgerald’s move to the Rangers.
Both players are under-the-radar signings who could provide valuable depth as the Rangers push for a strong 2024-25 season.
On July 12, 2024, the New York Rangers signed veteran defenseman Chad Ruhwedel to a one-year, $775,000 contract. This deal includes $775,000 guaranteed and carries an average annual salary and cap hit of $775,000.
Ruhwedel, who was acquired from the Pittsburgh Penguins in early March 2024, made a notable impact during the Rangers' playoff run, appearing in five games as the team reached the Eastern Conference finals. Over the course of the season, he contributed a goal, three assists, 90 hits, and 44 blocked shots in 52 games.
General Manager Chris Drury's decision to re-sign Ruhwedel adds experience and depth to the Rangers' defensive corps. With veteran Erik Gustafsson departing for the Detroit Red Wings in free agency, Ruhwedel’s presence offers competition for a spot on the team’s third pairing, potentially challenging 23-year-old Zac Jones for playing time. Ruhwedel’s familiarity with the team and his reliable, physical style and his ability to slot into the lineup when needed and provide reliable play in high-pressure situations makes him a valuable depth option, especially as injuries inevitably arise during the long NHL season.
Just one day later, on July 13, 2024, the New York Rangers signed defenseman Braden Schneider to a two-year contract with an average annual cap hit of $2,200,000. This deal will keep Schneider under contract through the end of the 2025-26 season, by which time he will be 24 years old.
The short-term nature of this contract is consistent with the Rangers' recent strategy of offering bridge deals to young players. This approach helps the team retain flexibility under the salary cap while evaluating their players' development. If Schneider performs well, he could command a higher salary in his next contract, but for now, his $2.2 million cap hit represents a manageable investment for the team.
Schneider, alongside Adam Fox and Jacob Trouba, forms a key part of the Rangers' right-handed defense corps. On the left side, the team will rely on Ryan Lindgren, K’Andre Miller, and Zac Jones, with Chad Ruhwedel, Ben Harpur, Connor Mackey, and the newly signed Casey Fitzgerald providing immediate depth. Prospects such as Victor Mancini, Matthew Robertson, and Brandon Scanlin are also in the mix for future roles. The Rangers' defensive lineup thus combines experienced veterans with promising young talent, reflecting a truly balanced approach to team building.
On July 15, 2024, the New York Rangers signed defenseman Matthew Robertson to a one-year contract worth $775,000. This deal guarantees him the full $775,000, with an average annual salary and cap hit of $775,000.
Robertson, 23, spent the 2023-24 season with the Hartford Wolf Pack of the American Hockey League (AHL), where he played 68 games and notched four goals and 17 assists for 21 points. He was a key player on the Wolf Pack blue line, ranking second in games played, third in both assists and points, and tied for third in goals among Hartford defensemen. His strong performance was highlighted by leading the team in shots on goal with 131.
Originally drafted by the Rangers in the second round (49th overall) of the 2019 NHL Draft, Robertson has now played three seasons with the Wolf Pack. Over 190 games, he has accumulated 55 points (10 goals, 45 assists) and added an assist in 10 Calder Cup Playoff games. He set AHL career highs in the 2022-23 season with five goals, 18 assists, and 23 points.
Robertson's re-signing reflects the Rangers’ confidence in his potential and his role in providing depth on the blue line. His solid performance in the AHL and his continued development make him a promising candidate for a future spot on the Rangers’ NHL roster.
Finally, on July 30, 2024, the Rangers ensured that another crucial member of their defense corps would remain in the fold, agreeing to a one-year deal with Ryan Lindgren. Lindgren, known for his fearless shot-blocking, physical play, and leadership, signed a one-year, $4.5 million contract that includes a $500,000 signing bonus. His base salary for the 2024-25 season will be $4 million, with a cap hit of $4.5 million.
Lindgren has been a fixture alongside Adam Fox, forming one of the league’s most formidable defensive pairings. His heart-and-soul style of play, combined with his defensive reliability, makes him invaluable to the Rangers' blue line. The one-year contract allows the team to maintain salary cap flexibility while keeping one of their most important players in the fold for another season. Lindgren will become an unrestricted free agent at the end of the 2024-25 season, giving him the opportunity to test the market at age 27 heading into the 2025-26 campaign.
While none of these moves are the headline-grabbing transactions Rangers fans have grown accustomed to, they represent important building blocks for the team. With a mix of experienced veterans and promising young talent, the Rangers are laying a solid foundation for future success. The question remains: will these strategic adjustments be enough to propel the Rangers to their first Stanley Cup victory since the 1993-94 season, a 30-year drought? Only time will tell..
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