As the NHL free agency period kicks off, the New York Rangers face several important decisions to make before they can fully engage in the market. The Florida Panthers recently won the Stanley Cup, Matthew Schaefer was drafted, and top free agent Mitch Marner is about to become available. The Rangers are expected to be active, but first, they need to address key roster questions.
One major issue is the contract situation with Will Cuylle. After scoring 20 goals and tallying 45 points in his second season, Cuylle is expected to receive a qualifying offer around $3.5 million. However, the Rangers might face an offer sheet from another team, which could complicate their plans. How the Rangers handle Cuylle’s contract will heavily influence their ability to make other moves this summer.
Another uncertainty involves defenseman K’Andre Miller, who remains with the Rangers after the team failed to trade him before or during the draft. Miller’s lack of movement suggests offers haven’t met the team’s expectations. If the Rangers want to make significant roster upgrades, they may have to either bring Miller back or consider lowering their trade demands.
Carson Soucy, acquired at the trade deadline, hasn’t quite fit into the lineup and carries a $3.2 million cap hit. Although his no-trade clause now applies to 12 teams, it’s unclear if the Rangers will be able to move him. If Soucy stays, it might limit the team’s salary cap flexibility when pursuing top free agents.
Finally, the Rangers have been linked to free agent Vladislav Gavrikov, a solid shutdown defenseman. With around $12 million in cap space, signing Gavrikov could take up a significant portion of their budget. Without moving a defenseman or resolving Cuylle’s contract, the Rangers might have to sit out free agency or risk returning largely the same roster that finished last season. Fans eager for improvements may be left disappointed if the team cannot make the necessary moves.
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