Trio of teams emerge to acquire Rangers defenseman during free agency
After the brutally disappointing end to their season, the Rangers organization are likely to lose one key player in defenseman Erik Gustafsson as general manager Chris Drury sifts through the wreckage of the playoffs and decide who stays and who goes.
The 32-year-old defenseman had three assists through 16 games in this playoff and was a - 3. Many felt that he could build off his season between the Washington Capitals and the Toronto Maple Leafs by signing with the Rangers.
During the regular season, he played 76 games, scoring six goals with 25 assists for 31 points and was a + 3 but 35 penalty minutes. He remained on the top four defenseman as he held an average of ice time of 17 minutes and 23 seconds.
Three teams have been mentioned as potential suitors for Gustafsson. The Islanders, Capitals and Panthers Would all have interest in his services as he would boost their second power play and would be a great bargain for these teams who are in different stages in their winning windows.
Now with the season over, the Rangers will need to decide on whether to keep him or to let him go. He only carried a 1-year deal with the Rangers and a cap hit of $825,000.
At 32 years old he is certainly past his prime and the higher earning dollars which likely means he will either be a depth signing for another team or a potential second run from the Rangers if they can land him at the current price.
Unrestricted free agency begins on July 1st and it's likely some teams will call his agent to see if he is available and what the cost may be. It remains to be seen on whether if Drury will be interested.
| POLL | ||
Should the Rangers re-sign Erik Gustafsson ? | ||
| Yes | 325 | 46.9 % |
| No | 368 | 53.1 % |
| List of polls | ||
