The more I think about it the more the decision of HAVING TO FIND A 2C will become a detriment to the team long term. In the short term it will be nice to have, but almost all of the options include a commitment that will force the Rangers to have holes in other areas of the roster. They went through this for years making big free agent signings.
Now maybe there is a sneaky option out there through trade that remedies that, i dont know. Of course you want to improve your 5 on 5 scoring ability if you want to take the next step in the playoffs. I'd argue that 5 on 5 defense is just as important especially since you have an All-Worl vezina winner to focus the roster build around.
Maybe the best option is to do nothing and let Chytil take the spot and see whats on the market at the deadline/next summer when you may have a little bit of a clearer picture. I'd guard against any fools gold this team acquired with their great playoff run.
Drury made some great moves that fit into this team well, and they were all impact players. Its very possible that all 4 wont be back, in addition to Strome so thats a big chunk of the starting lineup that wont be back. So I think the smart thing to do is reassess and continue building in a smart manner. While its nice to think the next step is the Cup final, this is still a very young team and even if they had those 5 players returning, there is no guarantee they'll get back to that spot. They were very close to losing in the first round.
Dont over-extend for a 2C, whoever it may be and it may be best to wait.
