The New York Rangers have less than two weeks until free agency begins on July 1st. General Manager Chris Drury still needs to finalize several in-house deals, such as extending defensemen Ryan Lindgren and Braden Schneider. However, his primary goal this offseason is to secure an elite winger for the team’s top line.

As free agency nears, rumors abound about potential signings to pair with Mika Zibanejad and Chris Kreider. This decision could be one of the most pivotal in Drury’s tenure as GM.

Jonathan Marchessault is set to enter free agency on July 1st

Jonathan Marchessault, a standout winger for the Vegas Golden Knights, will become an unrestricted free agent this summer. The 33-year-old won the Conn Smythe Trophy during Vegas’ 2023 Stanley Cup run, making him a top-tier player on the market.

Since joining the Golden Knights in their inaugural 2017 season, Marchessault has thrived, nearly averaging a point per game in his first year and consistently excelling as one of their key forwards. Known for his skilled hands and puck abilities, his championship experience could make him an ideal fit for the Rangers.

“Don’t be surprised if the Blueshirts show interest in the 2023 Conn Smythe winner,” noted Vince Mercogliano of Lohud.

One potential concern with signing Marchessault is his size; at 5’9” and 185 pounds, he is one of the smaller forwards in the league. The Rangers might prefer a bigger, more physical player for their top line, but Marchessault’s skill set could persuade Drury otherwise.

Can the Rangers afford Marchessault?

Marchessault’s previous contract was a six-year deal with an average annual value of $5 million. He concluded the 2023-24 season with his highest point total since 2017-18, proving he remains an elite producer at 33. If he doesn’t stay with Vegas, he will likely seek a multi-year deal to end his career elsewhere.

Given his league-wide popularity, many teams will likely vie for Marchessault’s services, potentially sparking a bidding war. However, the Rangers could still land him if he prioritizes joining a contender. A three or four-year contract worth around $5-6 million annually is feasible, allowing Drury enough flexibility to address other offseason priorities.