Michael Stone

New York Rangers should pursue Michael Stone

Published Jun. 30, 2017 6:28 p.m. ET

foxsports

The New York Rangers must continue their search for a top-pairing defenseman. Michael Stone of the Arizona Coyotes would represent an upgrade to the Rangers weak right side and could come at just the right price.

As the Rangers close out the quarter mark of the season, New York’s top priority in the offseason has yet to manifest organically.

Alain Vigneault has tried a variation of partners alongside captain Ryan McDonagh, all of whom have become anchors. While most top names are Kevin Shattenkirk, Dougie Hamilton, and Jacob Trouba, there may be another option that many have not considered.

Enter Michael Stone of the Arizona Coyotes.

Stone, 26, is a former 3rd-round pick coming off a career year in which he posted personal bests in both assists (30) and points (36). After having his left knee (ACL and MCL) surgically repaired this offseason, Stone has appeared in only 10 games this season. However, his peripheral statistics show that he projects as a potential top pairing defenseman.

While he may not offer the name value of those mentioned above, Stone has consistently trended upwards.

When dealing with the top-pairing right-handed defenseman, it is important to consider the price tag. Luckily for Jeff Gorton and the Rangers there is already the foundation of a working relationship with Arizona, dating back to the Keith Yandle-Anthony Duclair swap in 2015.

How exactly these two teams matchup for a trade may be interesting as well. The Coyotes have a plethora of young forward talent, headlined by the aforementioned Anthony Duclair and Max Domi.

However, another strength of the Rangers farm system that may benefit the Coyotes is their goaltending depth.

The Rangers feature multiple prospects, headlined by 20-year old KHL standout Igor Shestyorkin, followed by Mackenzie Skapski in Hartford. Considering the Coyotes are regularly rebuilding, a package deal seems appropriate.

Could Skapski, a mid-tier prospect, and a second round pick get it done?

Perhaps the Coyotes fancy Rangers defense prospect Sergey Zborovsky. The WHL prospect has exceeded expectations this season with 16 points in 19 games after recording only 25 points in 64 games last year. In Arizona’s position quantity may be a fine addition over quality if the quantity is solid enough.

Regardless, the addition of Stone to the Rangers defense would allow New York lineup flexibility on the back end to mirror their already deep forward corps. Playing on a 1-year deal at $4 million, Stone would not need to be protected at next year’s expansion draft. However, should he aid a Stanley Cup run, Stone could become an extension candidate.

Jeff Gorton has proven that he knows how to recruit offensive talent, and Michael Stone represents an opportunity to demonstrate the same savvy on the defense.