The New York Rangers will be faced with serious salary cap issues next free agency

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Joshua Deeds
October 3, 2024 (10:00 PM)

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The New York Rangers could face some serious obstacles with the salary cap, even with the increase that Gary Bettman announced recently.

The Ranger's glaring issue is extending star goalie Igor Shesterkin, who is expecting to command a lot of money, in addition to being a UFA.

Shesterkin and Agent Maxim Moliver are reported to be seeking a deal in the range of $11 Million AAV. This is higher than Carey Price's current contract of $10.5 Million AAV.

This could be a constraint on the Ranger's flexibility, which could mean the end of the current group with the Rangers, as Jacob Trouba has pondered the thought with everything coming to head in 2024-2025.

In addition to Shesterkin, they will have to sign and extend K'Andre Miller, and Alexis Lafreniere who are both RFA's.

Lafreniere is coming off of a bridge deal and has proven himself with his improved play last season scoring 57 points. His next contract could command a cost of $7 Million AAV.

While K'Andre Miller is reported to seeking a deal in the $5-$6 Million AAV range with the team.

These two players could add more weight onto the burden of GM Chris Drury and the Rangers financials, along with Adam Fox($9.5 Million), Artemi Panarin($11 Million), and the cost of Mika Zibanejad's contracts running up the bill.

As Biringer highlights, "This will probably be the last crack for this core," emphasizing the urgency for the Rangers to make the most of their current window of contention.

The Rangers will have to make it to the Stanley Cup finals or it seems they will have to strip themselves of quality assets like Mika Zibanejad, and others to start a re-tool.

The urgency is real, and while we don't expect a Presidents Trophy this year, a Stanley Cup would be nice.

Source: NHL Trade Rumor
NHL Rumors: Rangers Will Have Salary Cap Problems Next Offseason