On the New York Rangers …
Kevin Allen of USA Today: Allen looking at what GM Jeff Gorton must address this offseason for the Rangers.
Dan Girardi has four years left at $5.5 million and will be hard to trade. Would the Rangers consider buying Girardi out for the much needed salary cap space?
The Rangers blueline will look different next season. Dan Boyle won’t be back next season – he’ll retire or be playing elsewhere. Keith Yandle is a UFA and if they want him back next season, they are going to have to create some extra cap space somehow.
Gorton might have to move a core player or two this offseason. They have 13 players under contract for next at just over $55 million with RFAs Dylan McIlrath, Chris Kreider, J.T. Miller and Kevin Hayes.
Alain Vigneault’s job appears safe, but a systems change may be in order.
Larry Brooks of NY Post: Sources saying that changes starting at the very top of the Rangers organization is needed and to bring in some new, younger personnel.
There is no plan to fire Alain Vigneault, but it’s clear that he’ll need to change his approach next year. He may need to take a more active role is motivating his team and not leaving it up to his core leadership group.
Brett Cyraglis of the NY Post: Alain Vigneault on their current roster going forward.
“You answered your question with just the way you phrased it. It is too early to get into that right now,” Vigneault said. “I can tell you that without a doubt, like any organization, we’re going to go through all the steps — from coaches to management, what we’re thinking, the player evaluation and what we think this team needs to do to take the next step.”
Rick Nash might be the Rangers most viable trade option. Nash has a $7.8 million hit for another two years. The 31-year old has a limited no-trade clause which the Rangers could ask him for a list of 10-12 teams. If GM Jeff Gorton could get an acceptable return, it might be a move worth making to free up some cap relief.
After next season, Dan Girardi’s no-trade clause becomes a modified no-trade clause. A buyout could be an option.