As it currently stands, the Stanley Cup Playoffs are in the second round. Even in the present, the future is upon us. The draft lottery will take place and the rights to draft Connor Bedard first overall. However, the future continues to be a hot topic. Contracts have been signed and teams are looking towards their future rosters. The New York Rangers rumours surround their roster construction.
New York Rangers Rumours
Roster Could Look Different Due To Cap
Rumour: Jeff Marek outlines the roster changes for the Rangers
“Everything is on the table right now.”@vzmercogliano outlines potential upcoming roster decisions for the #NYR with @JeffMarek.
— Sportsnet 590 The FAN (@FAN590) May 2, 2023
Gerard Gallant may not have been the only one shown the door. After a disappointing exit to the New Jersey Devils, an exit occurred. In addition, the salary cap presents a hurdle. With the majority of the core locked up for the foreseeable future, the team may need to make moves due to cap restraints. Two names, in particular, have popped up in such a scenario.
The Kids On The Block
Look away Rangers fans this one is a tough pill to swallow. The former 2019 second overall pick (Kaapo Kakko) and 2020 first overall pick (Alexis Lafreniere) could be moved for cap relief. This is not an ideal scenario. Two promising young players are something you’d want to build around. Instead, one of the two could be on the move. New York has tough decisions to make for their cap space. Kakko is coming off a strong season setting a career-high in goals (18) and points (40. Lafreniere hit a career-high in points (39). They are 2/3 of the infamous “Kid Line”, even though they are not kids anymore.
Kakko recently signed a two-year bridge deal to remain in New York. He has one year remaining before he hits another RFA season in 2024-25. The biggest problem for Drury is he has two young players to lock down. In addition to Lafreniere, standout defenseman K’Andre Miller needs a new contract. There is only so much money to go around in a salary-cap world. Not ideal to part ways with young promising talent.
Main Photo: Vincent Carchietta-USA TODAY Sports
