- Katie Strang of ESPN: Despite talk of a buyout, Rangers Brad Richards wants to stay.
“I signed here to be a Ranger a lot longer than a year and a half,” he said. “I still hope to do that, but I gotta take care of how I can play and that’s all on me.”
“That’s been written since probably a week into the season,” Richards said of the buyout talk. “That’s the business side of it. I’m playing hockey no matter what.”
- Larry Brooks of the NY Post: Rangers Henrik Lundqvist has one year left on his contract, but they are able to talk contract extension this summer.
“I’m going to talk to my agent and will see. I had such a great time in New York. They’ve treated me really well and gave me the opportunity to play.
“It’s been a lot of fun. I have one more year on my contract and we’ll see.”
Brooks thinks that Lundqvist’s asking price could be eight years and $80 million.
The Rangers need to lockup RFA’s Ryan McDonagh and Derek Stepan to long-term deals. The Rangers would have about $20 million in cap space if they buy out Richards. They also have RFAs Carl Hagelin and Mats Zuccarello, and UFA Ryane Clowe.
- Dan Rosen: Rangers UFA Ryane Clowe said he’s open to returning. Added he was close to returning to the Rangers lineup before they were eliminated. Hinted it may have been a concussion, but wouldn’t say it.
- Dan Rosen: Rangers RFA center, Derek Stepan, said he hasn’t thought about his next deal, but he wants to be with New York for sure.