The New York Rangers' lineup may look quite different next season following an Eastern Conference Finals appearance in 2022.
The Blueshirts kicked off their retooling early in the offseason by trading backup goalie Alexandar Georgiev to the Stanley Cup champion Colorado Avalanche for a trio of draft picks. The move will prove to be the first of many the Rangers will make this offseason.
New York's forward group will likely look the most different on opening night, as not only is longtime center Ryan Strome hitting unrestricted free agency, but so is trade deadline acquisition Andrew Copp. Strome and Copp, both of whom played on a line with star winger Artemi Panarin throughout the playoffs, are seeking big paydays this offseason, and the cap-strapped Rangers won't be able to give them the contracts they desire.
Copp provided a much-needed boost to the Rangers' offense after coming over from Winnipeg at the trade deadline. The 28-year-old forward scored eight goals and 10 assists in 16 regular-season games with New York.
He then notched six goals and eight assists in 20 playoff games. However, he struggled to produce in the Eastern Conference Finals, notching just two assists in New York's six-game loss to the Tampa Bay Lightning.
Despite his struggles down the stretch of the postseason, there will be many suitors for the talented forward. Let's look at three teams that could make a push for the former Jet and Ranger and how well he would fit in.
Andrew Copp 2022 NHL Free Agency Destinations
3. Columbus Blue Jackets
Columbus is in a similar spot to Detroit in that both are looking to jump into the playoff picture after being on the outside for consecutive seasons. Both teams even have the same average age of 26.
Much of what would make Andrew Copp a great fit in Detroit also applies to Columbus. He fits in with the Jackets' timeline as a younger forward, and he can bring some extra punch to a team that finished in the middle of the pack in scoring last season.
However, Copp could compete for the top-line center spot in Columbus. While he scored one less goal than the Jackets' current No. 1 center, and former Jets teammate, Jack Roslovic, he notched nine more assists. Even if he doesn't make the top line, he would be an excellent fit on the second line with players such as Oliver Bjorkstrand and Gustav Nyquist.
The Jackets have nearly $17 million in cap space to work with this offseason, but they still need to sign restricted free agent, and another former Jet, Patrik Laine. However, they would still have plenty of space to sign Copp even after locking up Laine.
If the Jackets want to make their return to the postseason after two years outside the playoff picture, adding Copp to an already talented lineup would go a long way.
2. Nashville Predators
Nashville already accomplished its main goal of the offseason by signing star forward Filip Forsberg to an eight-year extension. Re-signing Forsberg indicates that the Predators still want to compete, and adding Andrew Copp would help them do just that.
The Predators have been a defense-first team for years, but their offense took a noticeable jump last season, going from 2.7 goals per game to 3.2. Both Forsberg and Matt Duchene had major bounce-back seasons with 42 and 43 goals, respectively, and Roman Josi led all defensemen with 96 points on the season.
Copp would likely find himself on the wing in Nashville, as the Predators have solid center depth already. He could play alongside Ryan Johansen on the second line to boost the group's scoring ability. Alternatively, he could fit in on the third line opposite Tanner Jeannot to spread out the scoring a bit.
The one snag with this fit is Nashville's cap situation. While the Predators have over $9 million to work with this offseason, they have many players signed to long-term deals with high cap hits, including Forsberg, Duchene and Josi. With Jeannot and Dante Fabbro hitting restricted free agency after next season, signing Copp would come with some risk for Nashville.
However, if the Predators decide to roll the dice on Copp, he could reward them greatly with his scoring ability and two-way game.
Detroit appears to be the clear frontrunner to acquire Andrew Copp, according to TSN's Darren Dreger. If Copp does end up with the Red Wings, he would fit in perfectly.
The Wings are looking to emerge as a playoff contender after years of rebuilding. Adding Copp would inject another young, talented forward into Detroit's lineup, joining the likes of Dylan Larkin, Tyler Bertuzzi and Jakub Vrana. The Red Wings also have over $31 million in cap space, the second-most in the league, so they could easily afford his services.
Copp would likely slot in on Detroit's second line, much like he did in New York. He could center a line with Vrana and Filip Zadina, pushing Pius Suter down to the third line for some help on the bottom six, or he could find himself on the wing like he did with the Rangers.
Copp's presence would instantly elevate the Red Wings in the league's hierarchy, and they would be thrilled to have him.
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