Why Brady Tkachuk Isn’t the Missing Link to the Rangers Retool
The Rangers are in dire need of a game-changing star. But is Brady Tkachuk really the one?
It’s clear that the New York Rangers need a game changer on their roster if they indeed want to avoid a full rebuild and pull off a successful retool. Many folks have been clamoring for Brady Tkachuk to be that player, and the rumors linking him to the Rangers have already begun to swirl. Whether it’s through free agency down the road or Tkachuk forcing his way here via trade—perhaps with some "soft tampering" by a former Team USA Olympic teammate who also happens to be the captain of the Rangers—it seems obvious to many that Tkachuk would be a perfect solution of sorts for this Rangers team.
For decades, the Rangers have been an organization that has no problem attracting big name players. Just go down the list of some of the NHL greats who have had stints on Broadway: Marcel Dionne, Phil Esposito, Luc Robitaille, Pavel Bure, Jaromir Jagr, Wayne Gretzky. What do all of those players—save for Jagr—have in common? They became Rangers well outside the window that was the prime of their career. To lesser extents, take Eric Lindros, Scott Gomez, Bobby Holik, and even Chris Drury as examples. These were players who, on paper, were great (and expensive) solutions who turned out to be disasters.
Brady Tkachuk would be no different.
Before I fully get into the reasoning, I’ll preface this by saying if Tkachuk really wants to come to New York, would waive his no-movement clause only for New York, and was able to be acquired in a Panarin-like trade (say E.J. Emery and a third round draft pick) then by all means, go for it. Any price higher than that is bound for disaster, especially one that would include the likes Alexis Lafrenière, Gabe Perreault, or any young player (or high draft pick) who could be a pivotal piece for the Rangers.
Now let’s talk about what Brady Tkachuk actually brings to the table as a player. There’s no denying he’s a top-six forward on practically any NHL roster. He’s a quintessential power forward who plays the game with a high level of tenacity, fire power, and physicality that is matched by a borderline-elite level of hockey skill. Across eight seasons in the NHL, he has averaged roughly 26 goals and 31 assists a season for a total of 463 points in 572 games played. Impressive for sure, but in itself, isn’t otherworldly enough to carry a team—especially one in the Rangers condition. For context, Panarin averaged about 30 goals and 57 assists in his seven seasons with the Rangers.
