Gaudette’s Stock Skyrockets — Rangers Could Make Bold Free-Agent Move

Gaudette’s Stock Skyrockets — Rangers Could Make Bold Free-Agent Move

As the offseason heats up, Adam Gaudette has emerged as a name to watch for the New York Rangers. After a standout season with the Ottawa Senators, the 28-year-old forward has caught the attention of teams seeking affordable depth scoring—and the Rangers might be near the front of the line.

New York is expected to retool its bottom six this summer, and Gaudette fits the mold of a low-cost, high-upside option. Following a challenging few seasons, the former Hobey Baker Award winner delivered a career-resurrecting campaign in Ottawa, scoring 19 goals and totaling 26 points while appearing in 81 games—both career highs. He also added three points (1 goal, 2 assists) during Ottawa’s brief playoff run.

“I think the stock has definitely risen,” Gaudette admitted after the Senators’ playoff exit at the hands of the Maple Leafs. “I proved I can be an everyday NHL player, not just someone bouncing between leagues.”

Signed last summer for just $775,000 after suiting up in only two NHL games in 2023-24 with St. Louis, Gaudette made the most of his opportunity. He averaged just over 10 minutes of ice time per game, finished sixth in goals for the Senators, and made notable improvements defensively—especially on the penalty kill.

His resurgence comes at a time when the Rangers could be adjusting their lineup. If Mika Zibanejad shifts to right wing, a third-line center spot could open. While internal options like Juuso Parssinen, Jonny Brodzinski, and prospect Noah Laba could be considered, Gaudette’s recent performance might make him an attractive external candidate.

However, there are valid concerns. Gaudette appeared to peak during the pandemic-shortened 2019-20 season with Vancouver (33 points in 59 games), but struggled in the years that followed, producing just 10 goals across four seasons while bouncing between the NHL and AHL. His 21.1% shooting percentage this season—on only 90 shots—also raises questions about sustainability.

Another potential red flag is his production drop-off. Gaudette scored 13 of his 19 goals before January and managed just six the rest of the way—two of which came in the season finale. Still, his improved all-around play and positive underlying metrics—like Ottawa outscoring opponents 32-19 with him on the ice at even strength—could indicate real growth.

The Rangers also need to assess whether Gaudette could handle an increased role. In Ottawa, he thrived in a fourth-line role. In New York, he’d likely be asked to do more, with Sam Carrick already entrenched as the fourth-line center.

The upside is clear: if Gaudette continues on this trajectory, he could mirror Carrick as a smart, low-cost free-agent pickup. But Rangers GM Chris Drury will need to rely on his scouting team to evaluate whether Gaudette’s 2024-25 season was a breakthrough—or a one-off.

Come July 1, Gaudette could be one of the more intriguing wild-card names on the free-agent market. For a Rangers team looking to balance cap flexibility with roster depth, he might be worth the gamble.