Would you take a chance on...

With the bulk of free agency over, there remains a handful of possible last-minute additions for any club seeking depth.

The Rangers are looking at just that as August looms.

Here are a few free agents the Rangers could target to fill out their roster prior to training camp:

DEFENSE: The Rangers have four solid starters in Wade Redden, Michal Rozsival, Marc Staal, and Dan Girardi. However, the remaining three spots on defense could be a myriad of youth or veteran talent depending on which direction the Rangers take. Bobby Sanguinetti, Matt Gilroy, Corey Potter, and Mike Sauer may all have an opportunity to jump up, but the Rangers still need a veteran player to lead them.

• Chris Chelios, 47 years old : Has made it known he wants to be a Ranger. However, his age and lack of playing time over the past couple seasons would warrant him more likely as a 7th defenseman than anything else. Could be a good presence in the locker room.
• Marc-Andre Bergeron, 28 years old : A little surprising he hasn't signed. The former Islander has been a decent scorer from the backend and played to a +5 last season with Minnesota. While there may be some questions about his own-zone play, he is a potent presence and young enough to warrant a look.
• Patrice Brisebois, 38 years old : Like Chelios, Brisebois' best years are behind him. Yet, in a 6/7 spot, could provide some good leadership and a calming influence on the younger players.
• Matheiu Schneider, 40 years old : The New York native has always wanted to return to the Rangers and still managed 32 points in splitting time between Atlanta and Montreal. Will always help the power play.

OFFENSE: With Friday's arbitration looming for Nik Zherdev and Brandon Dubinsky suspiciously still un-signed, the Rangers still have some work to do up front. While a speedy center is certainly a must to play alongside Marian Gaborik, some mid-level wingers could also provide a spark.

• Mats Sundin, 38 years old : Almost a Ranger last year, the large Swedish center can still provide some offense and help to anchor a power play. Wasn't afraid to mix it up last season and managed a little less than a point a game.
• Taylor Pyatt, 27 years old: Although his brother Tommy was recently traded away from the Rangers, Taylor could be a useful versatile winger. Young enough to take a chance on, Pyatt has shown the ability to be a responsible forward and put up 15+ goals a season.
• Robert Lang, 38 years old: Jaromir Jagr always wanted him as the Czech center has good puck possession skills. Prior to a major injury last season, Lang was a consistent 20 goal player.
• Jason Williams, 28 years old: Williams has bounced around a bit, but has been able to find the net no matter where he went. Last year he accrued 48 points and can play both center and wing. 
• Mike Peca, 35 years old: Peca wanted to be a Ranger a couple seasons ago before signing with Columbus. His style of play makes him an old 35, but he can mix it up in the crease and provide some play making ability. Scored 18 points last season.

Other names such as Sergei Zubov and Alex Tanguay have been previously discussed so we will refrain from repeating ourselves.

In all likelihood the Rangers will want to move forward with youth and any further transactions will take place via trade rather than free agency.

However, it is not completely unforseen for the Rangers to add a player or two in August.

The commets section is open for debate!

Comments

[jack]

I like Pyatt. He is a big strong kid who went through hell last year...he is worth a shot.

I also like williams for his versatility.

No to everyone else.

[NYRFAN9]

NOne of the above....other than maybe Zubov.
Chelios? Are you kidding me? maybe once he turns 50!

[idov]

Schneider proved he can still bring it on the PP. If they think they have that fixed, no. Otherwise, maybe yes. I think given the fragility of Gaborik, I'd bring in Bertuzzi to ride shotgun on him. If Dubinsky can handle the first line, they don't need Lang. If he can't, he may be required.

[i]

sather needs to suck it up and sign Z after the arbitration. Send Redden to Siberia.

[Laramie]

Simply adding another possibility: Tampa Bay reportedly intends to waive or buy out Vinny Prospal.

[Denver Frank]

Someone not mentioned in your post was Petr Sykora. He was a Ranger once, is 32 I think and has always had the ability to find the net. Not sure if he's a center or a wing but he's quick enough to fit into Tort's system and, if converted to center, could possibly be a good center for Gaborik. Comments?

Denver Frank

[Bones]

We need a centre for sure and Sundin can still play but he will command too much money. If we coukd sign him for 3 mil for 1 year I'd do it,not otherwise. He'd be good with Gaborik for sure. The others--nyet!

[HockeymanRangers]

It's about time BB updated their sight. I understand news is slow, but come on man us hockey fans need our hockey fix THROUGH OUT the summer.
My Opinion we do not need any more big buck old men signing. Lets move on someone younger We don't need wiser we need speed PLEASE.

[Koffy]

Sundin and/or Chelios and/or Zubov and/or Bergeron (for the pp) for one year are all fine with me ... Sauer, Sanguenetti, Potter all need to start playing some NHL minutes though....

[Free0717]

I might take a chance on Chelios as my 7th defenseman, if he plays for minimum and has a good attitude about sitting out. I really want a 7th defenseman and I have a problem with a young defenseman not getting ice time.

[kwill]

I think Sundin lacks the speed to play in torts system and definitely lacks the speed to play with Gaborik. Something tells me the idea is gabby and lisin on the first line with dubi, grachev or AA depending on who can keep up. Let them all walk, I would rather see the youth play and if injuries happen then we can call up more youth there are a bunch of players close to or are ready in the minors time to give them a shot. Hell we can't do much worse than a 7th seed.

[Liam]

I was putting some lines together for next year and on offense the rangers are pretty solid, I don't think they need more.
First Line- Higgins, Duby, Callahan
Second Line- Grachev, Anisimov, Gabs
Third Line- Avery, Drury, Kotalik
Fourth Line- Brashear, Boyle, Lisin
Although I would love to see Betts resigned, I doubt that will happen.

Defense, I say go with the youth have confidence in them. Look at Staal and Girardi, they were put into major minutes when they entered the league and handled it fine. It would be interesting to see how the others handle it

[The Nick]

Dude, Gabs is def on the first line...

1: Cally - Duby - Gabby
2: Higgins - Drury - Kotalik
3: Avery - AA - Lisin
4: Brash - Boyle - Voros
Grachev stays down for now

Staal - Girardi
Redden - Roszy
Gilroy - ???