Salary cap space to add this offseason is there for some teams
Chris Nichols of Nichols on Hockey: Pierre LeBrun was on TSN 1200 was about potential moves this offseason due to salary cap issues for some teams and for some that will have the space.
“Yeah, it’s a great point,” noted LeBrun. “That’s why, for example, the New York Rangers – while not a contender – are a desirable location. So when you look at a guy like Panarin, I think there’s no question the Rangers are on his list if he decides to leave Columbus. And he may not. He may re-sign with the Blue Jackets. But if he decides to leave, the Rangers would be on his list and the Rangers have a ton of cap room.”
LeBrun adds Erik Karlsson is another possibility for the Rangers if he doesn’t re-sign the San Jose Sharks.
The Rangers are still rebuilding, but they’ll have plenty of salary cap space to add, so they are a team to watch.
The Sharks will be talking with Karlsson’s camp in the New Year.
The Montreal Canadiens are another team cap room to keep an eye on. The Canadiens have had issues attracting free agents the past few years.
“It’s kind of one of those stories that’s gone under the radar, but they really do have a lot of cap room and over the last few years have struggled to lure free agents. It’s not been a place that most players have wanted to end up in. But if they do make the playoffs and their bounceback season continues, who knows how players might view the Montreal Canadiens.”
LeBrun hopes the Ottawa Senators are able to re-sign Mark Stone, but if goes to the open market the Vegas Golden Knights are a team to watch on that front. Kelly McCrimmon and Stone have a history dating back to Brandon of the WHL.