For years, Jakob Chychrun seemed like a long-shot dream for the New York Rangers. It started when the defenseman was on the trade block with the Arizona Coyotes and resurfaced last summer when the Ottawa Senators made him available.
More recently, there was hope that the Washington Capitals would allow the 29-year-old to hit free agency this summer, giving the Rangers a chance to clear enough cap space to sign the top-pair defenseman.
That hope was crushed on Tuesday when news broke that the Capitals signed Chychrun to a massive eight-year, $72 million contract, paying him $9 million annually.
As mentioned, the idea of Chychrun joining the Rangers always felt far-fetched. Now, it’s officially off the table.
With several high-profile defensemen already locked up by their current teams this summer, the question remains — who’s left for the Rangers to target? If Chris Drury and his staff are looking to bolster a defense corps that has already seen significant changes this season, let’s explore some potential names and fits.
Top NHL Defensemen Hitting Free Agency: Potential Fits for the Rangers
Vladislav Gavrikov – Los Angeles Kings
At 29 years old, Vladislav Gavrikov has established himself as a top-pair left-shot defenseman, anchoring the Los Angeles Kings’ blue line. Standing 6-foot-3 and weighing 220 pounds, he’s durable, skilled defensively, and capable of contributing offensively. Averaging over 23 minutes per game, Gavrikov could command a hefty contract in free agency — if he even makes it there. Should he become available, he’d be one of the best options on the market and a tempting addition alongside Adam Fox on the Rangers’ top pair.
Ivan Provorov – Columbus Blue Jackets
Ivan Provorov is another highly coveted left-shot defenseman set to hit free agency. At 28, he logs top-pair minutes (23+ minutes per game) and has proven his offensive capabilities, with 30 points in 70 games this season — including a career-high 41 points in a previous campaign. The Blue Jackets held onto him at the trade deadline and are working to re-sign him, but if he tests the market, he’s bound to land a lucrative deal.
Dante Fabbro – Columbus Blue Jackets
Dante Fabbro has been a pleasant surprise for the Columbus Blue Jackets after being acquired from the Nashville Predators. Once considered a disappointing former first-round pick, Fabbro has thrived in Columbus, recording 117 blocked shots in 51 games — an impressive 6.27 blocks per 60 minutes. He also boasts a solid plus-18 rating with 17 points. As a right-shot defenseman, he could be an intriguing option for the Rangers if they choose to move Braden Schneider to the left side. He won’t break the bank but will likely see a raise from his current $2.5 million AAV.
Neal Pionk – Winnipeg Jets
A reunion with Neal Pionk may be unlikely, but the former Rangers defenseman has had a strong season for the Winnipeg Jets. Despite currently being sidelined with an undisclosed injury, the 29-year-old has 37 points, ranking second among Jets defensemen, along with 97 blocked shots and 109 hits. While he could be a solid second-pair option if Schneider shifts to the left, his return to New York feels more like a case of “been there, done that.”
Dmitry Orlov – Carolina Hurricanes
Dmitry Orlov may be approaching 34, but he remains a reliable defenseman for the Carolina Hurricanes, averaging just under 20 minutes per game. He fits well in a second-pair role and could be a short-term option for the Rangers. If Orlov joins the lineup, K’Andre Miller could move up to the top pair with Fox — or potentially be traded.
Aaron Ekblad – Florida Panthers
Aaron Ekblad is one of the biggest names on the free-agent market, but he’s unlikely to be a fit for the Rangers. Despite his elite two-way talent, recurring injuries and a 20-game suspension for performance-enhancing drugs have diminished his value. Additionally, with Fox already holding down the top right-shot role, Ekblad’s services may not be necessary.
Matt Grzelcyk – Pittsburgh Penguins
Matt Grzelcyk has quietly put together a strong season with the Pittsburgh Penguins. At 31, he’s averaging over 20 minutes per game for the first time in his career and has tallied 34 points — second among Penguins defensemen. He also ranks third on the team with 90 blocked shots. Grzelcyk could be an affordable, reliable second-pair option if Miller shifts to the top pair with Fox.
Brent Burns – Carolina Hurricanes
At 40 years old, Brent Burns may no longer be the All-Star he once was, but he remains remarkably durable with a consecutive games streak exceeding 900. He continues to log over 21 minutes per game and can still unleash a heavy shot from the point. While a reunion with former teammate Tony DeAngelo seems unlikely, the idea of Burns on the second pair behind Fox is at least intriguing — and he’d certainly bring some personality to the team photo.