Possible Rangers’ free-agent option off the board, re-signs with Penguins

It’s not like this Connor would’ve been as intriguing a free-agent option as that Connor for the New York Rangers come July 1. But it’s worth noting that Connor Dewar re-signed with the Pittsburgh Penguins on Thursday, seven months after Connor McDavid re-upped with the Edmonton Oilers.

Each could’ve been an unrestricted free agent this summer. And though far from an apples to apples comparison, the Rangers likely had some level of interest in both forwards.

It’s obvious why the Rangers coveted McDavid, who just won his sixth Art Ross Trophy after leading the NHL with 136 points this season. But before Chris Drury and Co. could even begin seriously dreaming about No. 97 wearing the Blueshirt on Broadway, McDavid re-signed with the Oilers on Oct. 6, a two-year, $25 million extension.

He’s up for his fourth Hart Trophy as League MVP, but McDavid also isn’t happy, irritated with the Oilers going backward this year after two straight finishes as Stanley Cup runners-up. If McDavid ever tries to force his way out of Edmonton, Drury will sharpen his elbows and perhaps use Matt Rempe as a battering ram to help knock other GMs on their ass so that he can get to the front of the line to make his pitch to the Oilers.

Failing that, McDavid can become a UFA in 2028.

But enough about him. The more realistic option was Dewar, a journeyman who found his way with the Penguins this season, and played an important role in helping them get back to the Stanley Cup Playoffs for the first time since 2021-22. The 26-year-old established career highs across the board with 14 goals, 16 assists and 30 points, and led Penguins forwards with 144 hits and all players in total short-handed ice time on their impressive penalty kill that tied for (81.4 percent).