As the New York Rangers aim to reshape their roster with more grit and physicality, one intriguing option could be a return of Morgan Barron, a former sixth-round draft pick they traded to the Winnipeg Jets in 2022. With Barron now emerging as a dependable, hard-nosed center, he may be just the kind of player the Rangers need to solidify their third line.
Barron impressed during Winnipeg’s double-overtime Game 7 playoff win, logging 26 minutes in a key role after top center Mark Scheifele went down. The 26-year-old has carved out a regular NHL role over the past three seasons, bringing size (6-foot-4, 220 lbs), physicality (362 hits), and improved face-off skills (52.1% win rate this season). He’s not a star, but he fits the mold of the dependable, shutdown center the Rangers have long lacked.
That hole has often forced Mika Zibanejad into defensive roles that detract from his offensive output. Adding Barron could allow Zibanejad to return to a more offensive-focused role while stabilizing the Rangers’ bottom six.
The timing may be right for a reunion. Winnipeg is facing cap constraints, with significant money already committed for 2025-26 and key contracts to address, including Gabriel Vilardi and Nikolaj Ehlers. Barron, a restricted free agent with arbitration rights, could seek a deal in the $2.5–$3 million range. With captain Adam Lowry filling a similar role, Barron may be redundant and forced into a less impactful role.
The Rangers also have limited cap space but could be more flexible this offseason as they reshape their roster. Acquiring Barron—still young and affordable—could address their longstanding third-line center issue without a massive cost. A lineup featuring J.T. Miller, Vincent Trocheck, and Barron down the middle would reflect the tougher identity GM Chris Drury is aiming to build.
Barron was traded out of necessity in 2022. In 2025, he might be the piece the Rangers need back.
