The Rangers are facing a pending salary cap crunch next summer highlighted by a sizable new deal on the way for defenseman Anthony DeAngelo as well as the buyout cost on Kevin Shattenkirk going up by $4.6MM. As a result, some have suggested that forward Ryan Strome may ultimately be a casualty. However, he’s in the midst of a resurgent season himself and told Steve Serby of the New York Post that he’d like to stick around:
I really hope I stay. I feel like I’ve lived in New York for so long, it’s my second home. The coaching staff and the management here, I think I’ve found a little bit of a home.
After being cast aside by Edmonton last season, the 26-year-old sits second on the Rangers in scoring this season with 43 points already, just seven shy of his career high. He’s slated to be a restricted free agent this summer with arbitration rights and will have a strong case for a big raise on his current $3.2MM salary which also represents his required qualifying offer in June. It may be tricky for GM Jeff Gorton to accommodate it though.
More from the Metropolitan:
- Although Penguins goaltender Tristan Jarry is in the midst of a breakout season that sees him lead the league (among qualifying goalies) in save percentage at .929, he told reporters, including Matt Vensel of the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette, that there have yet to be any discussions regarding a possible contract extension. Jarry, a first-time All-Star, was believed to be available last offseason with Casey DeSmith in place as the backup but they opted to keep Jarry and waive DeSmith at the start of the season instead. The decision has worked out splendidly for them but they will certainly be paying him more than the league minimum that he’s currently receiving on his next deal. Both Jarry and Matt Murray are restricted free agents with arbitration rights this summer.
- Flyers defenseman Shayne Gostisbehere may be available when Philadelphia returns from their bye week on Friday, notes Sam Carchidi of the Philadelphia Inquirer and Daily News. He has missed the last seven games after undergoing arthroscopic knee surgery and the team has performed well in his absence, posting a 5-2 record over that stretch. The 26-year-old has struggled considerably in the offensive end this season which could make him available before next month’s trade deadline although they would be selling low on him if they were to move him now.
Gotta cut ties with Lundqvist, Kreider, Staal and or Smith
If the Sharks were in the playoff hunt, the Rangers might have been able to unload Lundqvist but…
Murray is getting Fleury’ed.
Jarry is the better goalie right now. No question.
revolving door
Hate to see Kreider traded,but I’m sure he will be dealt by the trade deadline.Lundqvist isn’t going anywhere.
Lundqvist should just fade away and classify them self is obsolete. Obsolete!
The fact that Lundquist refuses to waive when there are two obvious young goalies better then him at this point and the fact that his contract is a burden on the salary cap you would think he would help his legacy by allowing the team to rebuild and go to a team that maybe helps him finally win.? But in his mind he loves NY and the spotlight and wants to retire a Ranger and in that he’s thinking of his legacy and not the teams long term future which is tough to swallow for the hardcore Ranger fan who only wants to win rather then celebrate one players career.
What would be a reasonable amount for Strome if he resigned? $6 million?