Back in early October, NHL teams were still operating under the premise (or hope) that the 2020-21 season would operate under somewhat normal circumstances. The Rangers signed Jack Johnson and Anthony Bitetto on the first day of free agency with the explanation that the organization’s defensive depth was thin and the coaching staff needed veteran options available in case the team felt their prospects were not up to snuff.
The Rangers may not be in the throes of a rebuild for much longer, but this is still very much a long-term project. The debate for the team’s decision-makers would not be a direct evaluation of, for instance, Johnson versus K’Andre Miller.