On the New York Rangers …
Larry Brooks of the NY Post: The Rangers could carry eight defensemen to start the season with Jesper Fast being on the IR.
Alexei Bereglazov is believed to have a KHL option if he’s sent to the AHL.
It doesn’t look like the Rangers will use the second buyout window on Marc Staal – a $3.57 million cap hit savings if they did. He’d be on the books for eight years if they went that route.
The Rangers should be able to get something for Nick Holden, but they’ll have competition as the Vegas Golden Knights still have defensemen to move.
Tyler Bozak talks have cooled of late.
Mika Zibanejad‘s salary arbitration hearing is approaching, with numbers due today. A one-year deal would likely be around $4.75 million. If the sides agreed on a four- or five-year deal, it would likely be around $5.25 million.
On the Boston Bruins …
Joe Haggerty of CSNNE: The Bruins haven’t done a lot this offseason, which is okay. They signed Paul Postma and Kenny Agostino, avoided overpaying on free agents and didn’t trade prospects for short-term gains.
They still need to re-sign David Pastrnak and they could look to sign another free agent.
Free agent options include:
Eric Gelinas – 26-year old left handed defenseman.
Jarome Iginla – 40-year old winger. Had some decent chemistry with David Krejci when they last played together. Recently bought a house in the area. Doubtful he returns for a second stint.
Jaromir Jagr – The Bruins aren’t looking to get bigger and slower. Though it would be fun, the Bruins are building around youth, speed and skill.
Brian Gionta – The 38-year old put up 35 points last year and is leader. May have sign a PTO if he were to attend the Bruins camp. Not a perfect fit for the Bruins, but a better chance than Jagr and Iginla.
Thomas Vanek – The 33-year old, scoring left winger may fit with on a line with Krejci and David Pastrnak. His work ethic can come into question. Bruins could consider a short-term, small money deal to see if it motivates him.
