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New York Rangers reportedly emerge as a frontrunner to acquire most notable defenseman in free agency

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Hunter Bowman
June 5, 2025 (12:30)

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New York Rangers reportedly emerge as a frontrunner to acquire most notable defenseman in free agency this offseason as they look to add some solid depth to their defensive end.

According to reports back in November the New York Rangers are one of the few teams that are interested in adding veteran defenseman Ivan Provorov to their roster this offseason

On Nov. 21, TSN's Pierre LeBrun suggested Provorov would be the top defenseman available by the March 7 NHL trade deadline.

The Athletic's Chris Johnston has Provorov sitting atop his NHL Trade Board while Daily Faceoff's Frank Seravalli has him at No. 4 on his Nov. 20 list of Trade Targets.

Provorov is a pending UFA, with a cap hit of $6.75 Million, which the Blue Jackets paid handsomely for( a 1st round pick that became Oliver Bonk).

Ivan Provorov is pending Unrestricted Free Agent this offseason, and carries a cap hit of $6.75 million. However, the New York Rangers desperately need to add some depth to their defensive end as they traded away Jacob Trouba and Ryan Lindgren last season.

GM Chris Drury looking to add a player like Ivan Provorov to his defensive end

Ivan Provorov has been know to be a player who can play both sides of the ice, something the New York Rangers lack. Provorov has played two full season with the Blue Jackets, which is 164 games, with a total of 65 points (12 G, 53 A).

Provorov could significantly impact the Rangers blueline in a positive way, as they've missed secondary scoring, along with several other key opponents. Do you think GM Chris Drury should make a strong push to acquire Ivan Provorov this offseason? Let us know in the poll down below.

Previously on NY Hockey Insider

New York Rangers reportedly set to hire 3 big name coaches to join Mike Sullivan: Per Elliotte Friedman

Former New York Rangers head coach set to return to the organization following latest announcement

New York Rangers Metropolitan Rival signs hefty contract that sends a clear message to GM Chris Drury

POLL
JUIN 5 \| 770 ANSWERS New York Rangers reportedly emerge as a frontrunner to acquire most notable defenseman in free agency Do you think GM Chris Drury should make a strong push to acquire Ivan Provorov this offseason?
Yes	500	64.9 %
No	270	35.1 %
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