The New York Rangers are aiming to move past a disappointing season and have already made some aggressive offseason moves. They traded K’Andre Miller to the Carolina Hurricanes and brought in defenseman Vladislav Gavrikov as his replacement. However, there’s still a clear need to improve their forward depth, particularly in the bottom six.
According to NHL analyst Josh Wegman from theScore, the Rangers could be a potential landing spot for former first-round pick Him.
“If the Rangers intend to keep Mika Zibanejad on the wing, as they did late last season, they’ll need another center,” Wegman explained. “He’s, one of the youngest free agents available, could fit that role.
Though he hasn’t met the high expectations set when he was granted exceptional status in the QMJHL and drafted in the first round by Detroit, he’s a physical player with strong defensive numbers in the NHL. Even without much offensive production, he might be a solid option for the Rangers at third-line center — likely an upgrade over Juuso Parssinen and Sam Carrick.”
Recently bought out by the Seattle Kraken shortly after being acquired, Veleno is expected to sign for a modest contract — likely around \$1 million — as he looks to rebuild his value after making \$2.275 million last season.
How Would Veleno Fit in With the Rangers?
Joe Veleno’s ability to play both center and wing makes him a versatile option to remain in the NHL.
At just 25 years old, there’s still potential for growth—especially considering he was once viewed as a top prospect, even if he hasn’t fully lived up to that billing yet.
If signed by the Rangers, Veleno would likely slot in as their third-line center, bringing some much-needed secondary scoring. He totaled 8 goals and 9 assists for 17 points over 74 games last season, split between the Blackhawks and Red Wings.
Defensively, Veleno is reliable, which could help him anchor a shutdown line—something the Rangers struggled with last year.
In the end, adding Veleno would be a low-risk move with the hope he can tap into his still-untapped upside.
Rangers Focused on Defense in Offseason
New York has made defense a top priority this offseason, focusing on reducing goals allowed.
The Rangers brought in Vladislav Gavrikov, one of the NHL’s premier shutdown defensemen, while parting ways with K’Andre Miller, who had difficulties in his own zone. General Manager Chris Drury made it clear heading into the offseason that strengthening the team’s defense was a primary objective.
“It all starts in our defensive zone,” Drury said when discussing Gavrikov and the team’s approach. “We need to be more solid in front of Igor (Shesterkin) and Quick. Gavrikov brings that mentality every day.
“His size, reach, compete level, and defensive instincts — plus how well he fits alongside a partner like Adam Fox or any of our right-shot defensemen — made him an obvious target. We’re thrilled to have him anchoring our blue line.”
On the offensive side, the Rangers’ only addition so far has been forward Taylor Raddysh, who signed a two-year contract.
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