How is Stralman a priority over Del Zotto? I doubt the Rangers see it that way.
He will cost half as much.
He's a 4-6 defenseman. In his last full season he put up 30+ points. From the right side, which is an organizational weakness.
The cap is going way down. Its no longer an issue of who is clearly better. Its about value for your money.
McDonagh, Staal, Stepan, Calllahan, Lundqvist, Girardi ARE more of a priority than Del Zotto. They all need new contracts. You have to make sacrifices. And have to think about who will bring back value.
Like I said. McDonagh and Staal on the left side.
You can trade Del Zotto and fill an organizational need. Depth down the middle and on the RW.
If you want Richards, Nash, and Lundqvist on your roster you have to find what can be sacrificed.
Stepan our #2 center? No.
Callahan our captain? No.
McDonagh, Staal, Girardi? All 1A D. No.
Lundqvist, vezina winner? No.
Hagelin, Stralman won't make enough to be a burden.
Nash and Richards our 1A winger and center. No.
Gaborik and Del Zotto are the logical sacrifices.
They've been drafting and building the defense depth. Guys like Skjei and McIlrath are in the system for a reason. And the draft and development system is going to be more important moving forward then its ever been.
Sather is going to hardball Del Zotto. Del Zotto is going to play hardball. He's going to want to cash in. Rangers are going to have to decide if its worth it to overpay for him when we already have two #1 left defensemen.
It'll be interesting to see how things shake out.
Bryz leaves Russia because "lockout is ending" 
