Rangers: Copp emerges as the top priority this offseason

Andrew Copp has seamlessly walked into the Rangers lineup since the March 21st deadline move that landed him in the Big Apple and has played some of the best hockey of his young career. Since joining the Blueshirts, the 27-year-old has posted 18 points in 16 games. The Copp acquisition raised some eyebrows with Ryan Strome set to become an Unrestricted Free Agent this summer. Per a source, early reports are that Copp is the Ranger’s biggest priority to resign this summer. Before his late-season scoring spurt, Copp’s asking price was speculated to be hovering around a very digestible 5 million per year. However, his price could be climbing after gelling on the second line with Artemi Panarin and Ryan Strome. If his price rises too much, the Rangers may not be able to fit it into their very tight salary cap.

Last summer Copp signed a one-year deal worth 3.64 million. It’s been rumored that he opted not to sign long-term in Winnepeg because he wanted more of a role in the top 6. In just a short month of playing a top-six role in New York, his bet on himself seems to be paying off. Copp’s value to the Rangers isn’t just on the offensive side. He’s reliable in the faceoff dot and has stepped in and played a crucial role in the penalty kill. Considering how well he’s fit into the locker room and his performance on the ice, it is no surprise that he’s emerged as the Ranger’s top priority. If he is an integral part of a deep Rangers playoff run, expect Copp to possibly price himself out of New York and cash in this summer.