The Rangers are Cup contenders right now. There is no way they are taking a step back to make this deal in the hope it helps them out with salary cap in the long term. And even not considering that, the value is way off. The Rangers are giving up one of the league's best goalies in his prime and a top forward for Byfield -- plus 100% of PLD's contract, which has negative value. Simply awful.
sorry no, this is the stereotype that must be corrected.
first and foremost, max chance to win cup = extending the window for max possible duration
THAT = >>> to short term rentals etc
build w/foundation pieces = smartest
proof? Blackhawks, Bruins + Bolts
second, and not irrelevant, this CLEARLY was not an overture to take on 8+m long term to be rid of 16m thru next season on expiring contracts
you did not explicitly say that, but that is the upshot inference of what you said.
Finally, as I said, taking on a long term albatross would require long term ongoing compensation to be worth it.
Byfield like LaF + KK is not a finished product, but he holds such promise to the necessary degree
while obv today bread>Othmann/Berard and Shesty>Garand, these are reasonable fallback positions for NY
adding Byfield holds hope of long term first line solution: Kreider -By - Zib !!!!!
No By guy, no deal
Maybe a 5th and Goodrow for PLD 50% retained? Find another team for more retention and bump it to a 4th.
no, we do not want that dead weight albatross of a contract w/o Byfield