Speculation: Pending FA'S

[odishabs]

The New York Rangers have possibly the most curious situation upcoming this offseason. The Rangers have Girardi, Callahan, Lundqvist, Brassard, MDZ and others all who need new contracts. With a team struggling to get over the hump how do you guys see this panning out? Do you let some of these players go in an attempt to change the culture?

I was just hoping to get some general insight, as there is little to no chance that you get all of these players back and fill your other holes with the cash remaining.

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[gmerger37]

I think that's sort of hard to say now, depending on how certain guys perform, players can get dealt by the deadline, also a Richards buyout frees up some cap space.

I think as the season progresses the picture will become clearer.

 

[Fitzy]

Brassard and MDZ, as RFA's will likely return for next season.

Now, I know we have holes, but technically speaking if the Rangers choose to buy out Brad Richards this offseason, they will have more than enough space to give Henrik 8 million, Callahan 5.5 million, and Girardi 5.5 million whilst staying cap compliant.

The issue is not whether we have the space, it is what kind of long term deals we can give these players that are either turning or are past 30 years of age. Is it a good idea to give them 8 year deals? These 3 UFAs have been on this team longer than almost anyone, shouldn't their service be rewarded with being lifelong Rangers?

It's discretionary, and most of it will depend on how the team performs this year. We don't want to lose any of them for nothing, but it's not likely they are traded, either.

 

[Raspewtin]

The season is still young so it's hard to say who stays yet.

Brassard, Kreider, Callahan, Lundqvist, maybe Stralman are the only players I can definitely see staying.

Everyone else I'm not sure.

 

[TheTakedown]

Brassard and MDZ, as RFA's will likely return for next season.

Now, I know we have holes, but technically speaking if the Rangers choose to buy out Brad Richards this offseason, they will have more than enough space to give Henrik 8 million, Callahan 5.5 million, and Girardi 5.5 million whilst staying cap compliant.

The issue is not whether we have the space, it is what kind of long term deals we can give these players that are either turning or are past 30 years of age. Is it a good idea to give them 8 year deals? These 3 UFAs have been on this team longer than almost anyone, shouldn't their service be rewarded with being lifelong Rangers?

It's discretionary, and most of it will depend on how the team performs this year. We don't want to lose any of them for nothing, but it's not likely they are traded, either.

Yeah i don't think it's a money issue, more like term issue...

If the cap goes up even a mere $5M, we can still afford to give these raises

 

[broadwayblue]

We can afford them all. But the question is how long do we want them for?

 

[Hunter Gathers]

there is little to no chance that you get all of these players back and fill your other holes with the cash remaining.

Based on what?

 

[Emptyvoid]

I'm more curious with how we're going to replace Richards.

Here is a list of centers for the upcoming FA:

Joe Thornton
Paul Stastny
Olli Jokinen
David Legwand
Derek Roy
Saku Koviu
Matt Stajan
Dave Bolland
Mikhail Grabovski
Steve Ott
Andrew Cogliano

I'll stop there. I've bolded the players I'd be interested in, but it really depends on a few things: Does Brassard raise his game and become a consistent top six producing center? And obviously money.

If Brassard does become that top six center we can rely on, I'd be very interested in either Steve Ott (I'm worried he's going to be too expensive, too many people will want him) or Andrew Cogliano (dark horse favorite, would help in improving our speed and from what I remember, please correct me if I'm wrong, is that he is pretty decent defensively as well).

If Brassard dissapoints...I'd look into Roy and Stasny.

 

[free0717]

Here is the Order of importance of the UFA
Lundquist, Callahan, Girardi, Stralman, Pouliot, Boyle, D Moore, Pyatt
(please not Pyatt),


If the Cap is 80 Million next year, that leaves us 48 Million dollars to sign most of the above and Brassard, Zucc, Kreider, J Moore.

I have no doubt that we will keep our good players

 

[free0717]

I'm more curious with how we're going to replace Richards.

Here is a list of centers for the upcoming FA:

Joe Thornton
Paul Stastny
Olli Jokinen
David Legwand
Derek Roy
Saku Koviu
Matt Stajan
Dave Bolland
Mikhail Grabovski
Steve Ott
Andrew Cogliano

I'll stop there. I've bolded the players I'd be interested in, but it really depends on a few things: Does Brassard raise his game and become a consistent top six producing center? And obviously money.

If Brassard does become that top six center we can rely on, I'd be very interested in either Steve Ott (I'm worried he's going to be too expensive, too many people will want him) or Andrew Cogliano (dark horse favorite, would help in improving our speed and from what I remember, please correct me if I'm wrong, is that he is pretty decent defensively as well).

If Brassard dissapoints...I'd look into Roy and Stasny.

Brassard is coming around and will be fine. Do we go to the FA market to replace Richards or maybe JT Miller or Oscar Lindberg will be ready to play the 3rd line center

 

[Emptyvoid]

Here is the Order of importance of the UFA
Lundquist, Callahan, Girardi, Stralman, Pouliot, Boyle, D Moore, Pyatt
(please not Pyatt),


If the Cap is 80 Million next year, that leaves us 48 Million dollars to sign most of the above and Brassard, Zucc, Kreider, J Moore.

I have no doubt that we will keep our good players

Is that an even realistic number? That's plus 15ish mil from where are now....25% growth.

 

[Emptyvoid]

Brassard is coming around and will be fine. Do we go to the FA market to replace Richards or maybe JT Miller or Oscar Lindberg will be ready to play the 3rd line center

And that's another part of the equation, if they will be ready for third line duties. I think JT might, we will see.

 

[Savant]

The New York Rangers have possibly the most curious situation upcoming this offseason. The Rangers have Girardi, Callahan, Lundqvist, Brassard, MDZ and others all who need new contracts. With a team struggling to get over the hump how do you guys see this panning out? Do you let some of these players go in an attempt to change the culture?

I was just hoping to get some general insight, as there is little to no chance that you get all of these players back and fill your other holes with the cash remaining.

I think they can afford to resign everyone, not sure that is the right direction though. They need to find a legit top line LW and probably a C as well. The Rangers can't be capped out, and not good enough again going forward.

I think Girardi could be movable if he wants more than McDonagh, but would take a hefty return.

I think Del Zotto is the first guy moved if they start shopping people. Need to get a legit top six player back either at LW or C and needs to be done before the deadline.

Stralman I would try to lock up give him a raise but keep the contract under control in terms of price. Anything over 3 and I would not be happy

Callahan stays. If he wants Dustin Brown money things could get interesting.

Brassard is a guy I am luke warm on. Giving him more than Bryan Little would be a mistake in my opinion and I am not personally ready to commit to him as a legit 2C yet.

Lundqvist I really think they need to sign before the trade deadline because I do not think he is a lock to stay by any means if he hits free agency, but we know what the value of goalies on the trade market is.

Anyone I didn't name is either restricted, or I wont miss them.

 

[Miller Time NYR]

well spend the money we have to in order to resign those guys and fill the holes with cheap bottom 6 options and youth.

 

[darko]

Here is the Order of importance of the UFA
Lundquist, Callahan, Girardi, Stralman, Pouliot, Boyle, D Moore, Pyatt
(please not Pyatt),


If the Cap is 80 Million next year, that leaves us 48 Million dollars to sign most of the above and Brassard, Zucc, Kreider, J Moore.

I have no doubt that we will keep our good players

That wont happen.


Assuming we do end up buying out Richards we'll have more than enough money for FAs.

 

[RangerBoy]

$80M next season? Maybe by 17-18. The NHL wants to add $1B in revenue in the next 3 years. The new Canadian TV money in the cap isn't calculated until 15-16. The NHL hasn't announced any of the new Canadian TV contracts but they expire at the end of this season. $67M is the number given to teams by the NHL. They know all of the numbers. The tickets sold. Based on which teams advance in the playoffs,it could increase.

The Jets signed all of their players to long-term contracts and they aren't a better team.

The Rangers could re-sign their guys but they would have the same exact team.