I wrote recently about the easier-said-than done, yet not-altogether-too-difficult way in which we can clear some space on defense this offseason both in terms of cap space and roster spots. Still, that’d leave the Rangers in something of a pickle because the best defenseman left would be … Brady Skjei? Not exactly a top-pair guy, and certain won’t do the trick if we want to be a surprise, dark-horse, last-into-the-playoffs-but-sneaky-tough contenders next year (I’m still convinced we totally could be and that anything is possible, but your mileage may vary). Even if we’re not however, there’s a need there, that’s for sure, because our recently-drafted defensive prospects are a bit far away.
The Search for a Top Defenseman: A Comparison
