Four New York Rangers players emerge as cap casualties ahead of the 2024-25 season
The New York Rangers are preparing for training camp and may likely have four players in mind who will be cap casualties due to the crunch the team faces this season.
According to Anthony Russo of the hockey writers, the Rangers may be prepared to move off Jacob Trouba, Ryan Lindgren, Kaapo Kakko and star forward Chris Kreider.
Trouba have been in the news the most as Rangers general manager Chris Drury Has attempted to make a trade for the defenseman and captain of the team over the past couple of months. The team has felt that they would be willing to move on as he has declined in his production with his contract not aging as well as they'd hoped.
Numerous rumors circulated the web that the Rangers had a deal in place to move Trouba to the Detroit Red Wings which turned out not to be true. With two years remaining and over $8 million on its cap hit, it's likely true but maybe the talk of trade after this season.
The Rangers were cautious with Ryan Lindgren after he had signed an extension with the team a few weeks back. The organization appears to feel that caution is necessary, and a long-term contract may hinder the team later if Lindgren production falls off. He did not show well during the playoffs which could have led to the length of contract that he was given. Lindgren was given a one-year deal worth $4.5 million.
Kappo Kakko has been one of the least interested players amongst other general managers in the league as Drury has attempted to trade this player numerous times over the past couple of months. It's been reported that the offers that were given have not met the satisfaction of Drury, even though he had locked him into a one year $2.4 million contract. It's anticipated that Drury will continue to shop him around and may see a deal later in the new season.
Lastly, some feel that Drury may move off Chris Kreider as the soon to be 34-year-old star will no longer have a no movement clause. He currently holds the cap hit of $6.5 million and has three more years on his deal. It's hard to imagine that the Rangers would want to move him especially if the team has had another great season and is prepared to have another great playoff. This move is the least likely to happen especially with the Rangers in a Stanley Cup window.
In the end, expectations will be running exceptionally high, and the Rangers are hoping that they can knock on the door of the Stanley Cup finals this year after disappointment was the word for last years playoff exit.
| POLL | ||
Who do you think the Rangers are more likely to trade to create cap space? | ||
| Jacob Trouba | 41 | 62.1 % |
| Ryan Lindgren | 3 | 4.5 % |
| Kaapo Kakko | 20 | 30.3 % |
| Chris Kreider | 2 | 3 % |
| List of polls | ||
