Rangers have time to decide on Hayes future with the team
Brett Cyrgalis of the NY Post: The New York Rangers locked up the 26-year old Kevin Hayes to a one-year deal at $5.125 million.
Hayes is now scheduled to an unrestricted free agent after next season.
If GM Jeff Gorton wants to continue their rebuild, he could look to move Hayes at the trade deadline for draft pick(s) and/or prospect(s).
The Rangers have just under $10 million in salary cap space with only RFA Ryan Spooner unsigned. They could gain more cap space by sending Brendan Smith and Matt Beleskey to waivers.
If Hayes can have a good season under new coach David Quinn, they could look to extend him, or if not, they can move him for future assets.
Blues mailbag involving Patrick Maroon, Joel Edmundson, and Jake Allen
Jeremy Rutherford of The Athletic: (mailbag) There has been some speculation that there is “wink-wink agreement” between the St. Louis Blues and Patrick Maroon about a contract extension when one can be signed at the start of January.
This is against the CBA rules and it doesn’t really make sense for either side at his point. Maroon could have a great season and undercut himself, or he could suffer another back injury and the Blues overpay.
The Blues and defenseman Joel Edmundson are interested in doing a long-term deal.
If goaltender Jake Allen shows that he’s not capable of leading the Blues, believe that GM Doug Armstrong will look to make a move in net. doesn’t see backup Chad Johnson being able to be a No. 1, and Ville Husso may not be ready for that role yet. So if Allen falters, they likely won’t be able to move his $4.35 million contract and could have to send him to the minors.