Unexpected defenseman has reportedly emerged has the New York Rangers prime offseason target

The New York Rangers have traded forward Chris Kreider to the Anaheim Ducks for a prospect (Carey Terrance and a 2025 draft pick). The team has cleared $6.5 million and has more space to work with during free agency, which is fast approaching.

According to reports from Marco D'Amico of TSN, the team is interested in adding an LHD and could be poised to make offers to Vladislav Gavrikov and Ivan Provorov.

One former Blue Jacket, now a Los Angeles King, and the other now a Columbus Blue Jacket.

Vladislav Gavrikov is due a raise with his next contract, and could find himself on the hunt for a new team in July, if the Kings don't make an offer.

Ivan Provorov would be a suitable replacement for the Rangers' left-side defense, which is lacking in top-four talent.

GM Don Waddell has yet to tender an offer to the Russian defenseman who was making $6.75 million AAV this past season.

Provorov could stand to make $7.5 million AAV on his next deal, according to Spencer Lazary of The Hockey News back in January.

With this last move, GM Chris Drury has ensured the team has enough money to sign more talent and add where there are holes in the lineup.

At the moment, the Rangers have $14.9 million in salary cap space.