Backes’ future with the Boston Bruins uncertain
Conor Ryan of the Boston Sports Journal: David Backes time with the Boston Bruins hasn’t really gone as planned. A big low was being a healthy scratch for Game 7 of the Stanley Cup Final.
Backes has two years left on his deal a $6 million cap hit. He’s been relegated to a bottom-six role, a healthy scratch at times after a 38 point season, his lowest total since his rookie season.
The writing seems to be on the wall. Backes last week.
“I guess maybe a culmination of six, seven days … before that, a lot of uncertainty and feelings of possibilities, potential opportunities, all those sorts of things, missed opportunities,” Backes said of his current frame of mind. “It’s a swirl and a whirlwind of emotions that I haven’t fully gripped and I don’t know that I will in the near future. I don’t know if my situation, all of the extra layers helps, hurts.”
The Rangers have the salary cap space and assets to accelerate their rebuild
Rick Carpiniello of The Athletic: The New York Rangers have the salary cap space, four picks in the first two rounds, and a GM who may be looking to accelerate their rebuild.
The Rangers could include one of their top prospects from the past couple years in a deal.
Any trade would likely be done to improve their blue line.
They could consider moving up or down from their No. 20 pick they acquired from the Jets.
The Rangers will be in on Artemi Panarin and could go seven years at $11 million per.
An offer sheet could be an option for the Rangers, though it won’t for a player whose team will match, like Mitch Marner of the Toronto Maple Leafs.
Tampa Bay Lightning’s Brayden Point could be an option.
Chris Kreider is a year away from unrestricted free agency, so they’ll have decisions to make on him. Is it going to take a six- or seven-year deal at $7 million?
If they are trying to acquire Jacob Trouba, it might cost them Kreider if the Jets are not looking for draft picks and prospects.
Pending RFA Pavel Buchnevich could be another trade chip. A new contract for him is likely around $3 million a season.
Other forwards they could move out include Jimmy Vesey, Vlad Namestnikov, Ryan Strome, Boo Nieves.
Trade candidates on the blue line include Neal Pionk, and possibly Anthony DeAngelo. They may not qualify Fredrik Claesson.
Erik Karlsson shouldn’t be ruled out unless it’s for a top dollar, long-term contract.
Buyout candidates include Kevin Shattenkirk, Marc Staal and Brendan Smith.