Arthur Staple of Newsday: Brad Richards relationship with Martin St. Louis and his leadership role after Ryan Callahan left makes a buyout decision not as easy as it once was. Do the Rangers look for a No. 1 center, possibly Joe Thornton or Paul Stastny? RFAs Derick Brassard, Mats Zuccarello and Chris Kreider will be getting nice raises. Anton Stralman will be getting a big contract, and the Rangers wouldn’t be able to easily replace him if they can’t re-sign the pending UFA. Brian Boyle could be looking for a deal similar to Brandon Prust, four years and $10 million. Mats Zuccarello could get a multi-year deal in the $4 to $4.5 million range.
Larry Brooks of the NY Post: The Rangers only have 11 players under contract for next year, not including Brad Richards as they are expected to buy him out, clearing his $6.67 million salary cap hit. John Moore will likely get a bridge deal in the $1.5 million per season range. Justin Falk requires a $1.024 qualifying offer to retain his rights. Chris Kreider could get a two year bridge deal at around $2.25 to $2.5 million per season. Derick Brassard could get a multi-year deal around $4.5 million a season. He could become a trade chip if contract talks don’t go well. Anton Stralman could get a mulit-year deal in the $4 to $4.5 million per season range on the open market. Can the Rangers fit that in? If the Rangers don’t re-sign Stralman, they could bring Raphael Diaz back at around $1 million. Benoit Pouliot could get a two year deal in the $2 to $2.4 million per season range. Brian Boyle could get a $3 to $3.5 million on the open market. Dominic Moore could get a $1.5 to $1.75 million a year on a two year.
David Staples of the Edmonton Journal: Staple’s looks at Mark Spector’s suggestion that the Oilers could look at trading for Braydon Coburn again. The Flyers have $27 million committed to six defenseman next season, with $4.5 million going to Coburn (two years left). Staples wonders if the Oilers would offer Martin Marincin or Oscar Klefbom for Coburn. Would the Oilers offer to take on Vincent Lecavalier in a deal?
