Former Kraken Wennberg Likely To Hit Open Market

Eight days ago, Alex Wennberg was the toast of New York. Wennberg's overtime goal gave his Rangers a 2-1 series lead over the Florida Panthers in the Eastern Conference Final.

Now, Wennberg's season, and probably his short Blueshirts career, is over. The Panthers won the final three games of the series to eliminate the Rangers. As a trade deadline rental from the Seattle Kraken and an unrestricted free agent, the 29-year-old Swedish center is set to hit the open market.

A former 1st round draft choice of the Columbus Blue Jackets, the Kraken signed Wennberg as a free agent before their 2021 expansion season.

In 222 Seattle games over three seasons, Wennberg scored 33 goals and 100 points. He was defensively reliable. And New York and national media seem to agree that he'll be available next month to the highest bidder.

Colin Stephenson, Newsday : "Alex Wennberg played well in a third-line role after coming over from Seattle, but he had a cap hit of $4.5 million this season. Although he likely won’t get that this summer, he’ll probably want more than the Rangers will be willing to pay."

Ethan Sears, NY Post : "It would not be a surprise if all of the Rangers’ unrestricted free agents ended up either going elsewhere."

Bruce Boudreau, NHL Network : "I don't think they'll sign any of the unrestricted guys. They can walk."

Stan Fischler, The Hockey News : "You imported Dead Wood On Skates at the trade deadline. Alex Wennberg and Jack Roslovic, for starters. Pray, what did they do but get in the way?"

Julia Stumbaugh, Bleacher Report : "The Rangers may need to find a new third-line center as Alexander Wennberg heads into free agency. A trade deadline pickup from the Seattle Kraken, who retained half his salary, Wennberg helped fill out New York's center depth at a discount. He contributed five points (one goal, four assists) in 19 regular-season games and became a go-to on faceoffs."

Nestor Quixtan, MSN.com : "He wasn't a difference-maker for the NY Rangers. With a $4.5 million cap hit, Wennberg may be too pricey to keep. The club may not be compelled to sign him unless he's willing to take a pay cut to stay."