The Rangers started the season with 2 mil in cap space and 24 players (Lindberg started on IR to meet the roster limit). Run the team with 22 players instead and that's roughly another 1.5 mil in cap space.
Zibanejad's current cap hit is 2.625 mil. Let's say he gets 5.625 on his next contract, a 3 mil increase. We can fit that, even if the cap doesn't go up. Pirri will get a raise, but even if he puts up 30 goals, he isn't going to get a huge raise because he doesn't have the track record. Maybe something like 2 years, 2.5 per year. The Rangers will find a way to fit him if it comes to that. Fast and Lindberg will get small raises.
Two years from now is when the Rangers will need cap space, as they'll have to re-sign Hayes, Miller, Vesey and Skjei.
Nash, Zucc, Staal, Girardi, Klein. These are all players who may be moved, one way or another, within the next 2 years. Nash has good value, particularly if we retain money. We don't need all of his cap space until 2018, so it doesn't matter if we retain 50%. Zucc and Klein both have good value.
We could trade Nash @ 50% next summer. That gives us plenty of money for raises next year plus a considerable amount left over, then another 3.9 mil off the books the following year to give raises to the rest.
The Rangers aren't in nearly as bad shape as many people think. Yes, Staal and Girardi will be difficult to deal with, but we don't need to move them both, just 1. And of course, a lot will change between now and next summer with trades and the expansion draft.