On the New York Rangers …
Larry Brooks of the NY Post: The Rangers management need to realize that they are not a free agent signing or a buyout away from being a serious Stanley Cup contender next season.
Derek Stepan shouldn’t be made a scapegoat for their second round loss and he’s an acceptable top-six center. But if the Rangers think that Oscar Lindberg can be a top-nine center, they must consider dangling Stepan for a top-pair right defenseman.
If the Rangers don’t make any moves before the expansion draft, Lindberg might have to be exposed for the draft.
Larry Brooks of the NY Post: Defenseman Brendan Smith‘s agent said yesterday that if his client was to re-sign with the Rangers, it would have to be for fair market value.
“Brendan has told me that he enjoyed the entire experience of playing in New York and being with the Rangers and that he certainly would consider signing a new deal and going back instead of becoming a free agent,” Anton Thun told The Post. “But at the same time, I want to make it clear that he hasn’t told me, ‘Get a deal done with the Rangers.’
“He’s looking for a good fit with a good organization, and the Rangers certainly qualify. But to pass up free agency, Brendan’s going to need a contract that reflects market value.”
The Rangers gave up a second (2018) and third (2017) round pick for the 28-year old Smith.
If the Rangers aren’t able to re-sign Smith, they may need to acquire two right sided defensemen this offseason.
The Rangers cap situation could be altered with the potential buyouts of Dan Girardi and/or Marc Stall, and potential trades from their forward group.
It may take a four- or five-year deal at $4 – $4.5 million per season to get Smith signed.
