3 Veteran Forwards New York Rangers Should Target to Strengthen Bottom Six in Free Agency

New York Rangers general manager Chris Drury and head coach Mike Sullivan have identified the bottom-six forward group as an area requiring improvement. The team needs players capable of contributing offensively while also helping on special teams to reduce the workload on their top performers. With Conor Sheary and Johnny Brodzinski unlikely to return, and younger players continuing to develop, the Rangers will need veteran presence to fill developmental gaps. This analysis examines three potential free agent acquisitions who could bolster the bottom six.

Boone Jenner

Boone Jenner has spent his entire 13-year NHL career with the Columbus Blue Jackets, currently serving as their captain. As a pending unrestricted free agent, Jenner may seek a contract the Blue Jackets are unwilling to offer, potentially ending his tenure in Columbus. For the Rangers, Jenner represents a logical candidate to pivot to third-line center if Vincent Trocheck is traded. In 67 games this season, Jenner recorded 13 goals and 38 points—the highest total of his past two campaigns. He has reached 20-plus goals four times during his career, providing the offensive punch the Rangers could utilize from their bottom six. Additionally, Jenner contributes on the penalty kill, a role the team will need filled if Trocheck departs.

At 33 years old, Jenner presents some risk, having not completed an 82-game season since 2016-17. However, the Rangers possess sufficient cap space to accommodate his potential asking price. Given their aspirations to return to the playoffs, Jenner could provide valuable veteran stability in the bottom six while contributing meaningful offense and special teams play.

Mason Marchment

Another Columbus Blue Jackets pending UFA, Marchment began the season with the Seattle Kraken before being traded mid-season. In 29 games with Seattle, he accumulated 13 points, then finished with 15 goals and 32 points in 39 contests with Columbus. Despite his effectiveness alongside the organization, the 31-year-old may test free agency if the financial terms don’t align with his expectations.

Marchment would address multiple Rangers needs simultaneously—he brings scoring ability, physical presence, and the toughness the roster currently lacks. His injury history is concerning, as he has not played a full season since 2023-24. The Rangers must weigh whether their nearly $27 million in cap space justifies a significant investment in a bottom-six contributor. While Marchment offers superior production compared to recent acquisitions like Barclay Goodrow, questions remain about whether his overall impact justifies a substantial contract.

A.J. Greer

Following the Florida Panthers’ Stanley Cup victory, Greer delivered the best regular season of his career during his contract year. In 78 games, he recorded 17 goals and 32 points—doubling his previous career highs. Elevated playing time due to Panthers injuries allowed Greer to showcase his capabilities, and now he will likely command a higher salary than anticipated on the open market. The Rangers could reasonably show interest, as Greer combines offensive production with a physical, intimidating style of play.

Despite potentially unsustainable production levels, Greer would introduce a new dimension to the Rangers’ gameplay. His presence alone could influence opposing teams’ willingness to engage physically. Additionally, his ability to contribute on the penalty kill would further distribute special teams responsibilities across the roster. While his contract demands may exceed his established track record, the rising salary cap landscape makes such investments increasingly common throughout the league.

While speculation suggests the Rangers might prioritize top-six reinforcement, addressing bottom-six depth remains crucial for sustained success. Sheary and Brodzinski provided minimal offensive contribution, and with developing young players still refining their NHL games, veteran leadership becomes essential for filling roster gaps. These three candidates may not represent headline-grabbing acquisitions, but they could meaningfully improve the team’s overall performance moving forward.

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