from Larry Brooks of the New York Post,

Ryan Strome and Andrew Copp both intend to hit the free agent open market on July 13, multiple sources have told The Post, thus creating an urgent need for the Rangers to acquire a second-line center.

It is believed that general manager Chris Drury is focusing on the trade market rather than free agency to fill the vacancy that will be created by the departure of Strome, who has operated as the club’s second-line pivot — and Artemi Panarin’s partner — for the last three seasons.

Copp, who played right wing on the second unit and who filled in at center for a handful of games when Strome was sidelined with an injury to the pelvic region, was a candidate to fill that spot in the middle, but he and the Blueshirts could not reach a contract agreement.

The Rangers, who are operating with approximately $10.13 million of space with several holes that need to be filled, could not accommodate the asking prices of either Strome or Copp, who are understandably seeking to maximize their earning power at their first crack at free agency.

We’re told that neither party has closed the door to a Copp return if circumstances warrant. A second source suggested that the Rangers and Strome could take a second look at one another on Day Two of free agency if the center is unsigned and the club has not yet filled the vacancy.

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