Rangers Rumor Roundup: Komarov, Bernier Speculation
As we get closer and closer to July 1, the rumors are going to intensify, and here are some of the latest ones.
Leo Komarov
There had been some speculation about the Rangers going after the veteran Maple Leafs forward, but it appears that a deal is close to getting done.
The New York Rangers have been in talks with forward Leo Komarov on a multi-year deal. Sounds like it's getting to that point. Wouldn't be surprised to see deal finalized on Sunday.
— David Pagnotta (@TheFourthPeriod) June 28, 2018
Komarov would be an excellent addition to the Rangers bottom-six. A versatile player that can play both on the wing and down the middle, Komarov is a good skater that will grind it out in the corners and get under the opponent’s skin. Signing Komarov to a two-year deal would be good for the organization as the next crop of Rangers forward learns the NHL game.
Jonathan Bernier
Getty Images
Backup goaltender Jonathan Bernier is a free-agent this summer as he comes off of a solid season in Colorado. And while the Rangers don’t have an “experienced” back-up for King Henrik, they certainly have a lot of options at their disposal.
That being said, Cat Silverman of The Athletic notes that it wouldn’t shock her if the Rangers take a run at the 29-year-old goaltender.
The Athletic
For me, this is not a move Jeff Gorton should look to make. Alexandar Georgiev certainly proved he has what it takes to be Henrik Lundqvist’s understudy. More than that, top Rangers goalie prospect Igor Shestyorkin can come over to the United States after this season, and Bernier wouldn’t get more than a one-year deal. The Rangers aren’t expected to make a lot of noise this season, so bringing in a veteran backup when you have a kid within the organization that can do the same job, doesn’t make sense to me.
Editor’s Note: For more on the rumors surrounding Michael Grabner and Justin Faulk, click here.
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