Yes, Virginia, it is true, the Rangers, as of right now, have a first round pick. For the first time, since 2012, the year New York selected Brady Skjei, the Rangers pick in the first round. The team sits at 21 overall, but it remains to be seen if they keep the pick, deal it for an asset or try and move either up or down in the draft. If a player they really like falls, I look for Gord Clark and GM Jeff Gorton to keep the pick, if not, look for them to move down, especially if there is a group of players in a tier they like to try and get a second or third round pick, as the team lacks either. The Rangers also possess the 102nd, 145th, 157th and 207th picks, leaving the team with just five, their fewest since 2013.
I looked through several of the draft experts' projections for who New York might select at 21. In addition, in certain cases, where there was no mock draft, I posted who was ranked as the 21st best prospect in their rankings. That list is below, along with who I would love to be sitting there at that spot.
Of course, as i write this or after I post it, all could change. New York was rumored to be in talks with Arizona on Derek Stepan and/or Antti Raanta. But as of press time for this blog, nothing is imminent, The Coyotes need a leadership infusion and possess several prospects, while New York may want to move Stepan before his NTC kicks in July 1, creating the speculation of a match seemingly made in heaven. Nearly all of us want to be in on Jacob Trouba, using the first round pick as part of the assets to bring him back, but Winnipeg has shown no specific inclination to move him.
Dobber Hockey (21st ranked prospect)
Michael Rasmussen, LC (Tri-City, WHL) Rank: 21
Rasmussen is a massive center who finishes off more scoring chances than he sets up. He uses his hulking frame well, is a very effective power forward and has a strong net presence. He is a versatile player who can play in offensive and defensive situations and is strong on draws. His hockey sense is underrated as is his ability to use his vision to make plays and passes. Rasmussen would be an ideal prospect for multi-cats leagues as he scores, shoots, plays special teams, hits, blocks and wins draws. He projects well to the NHL due to his size, skating, skill and smarts with a decent certainty and a high floor. A safe pick in prospect drafts
Comparable: Two-way power forward (Keith Primeau) 25-35-70
McKeen's has him ranked 10 and wrote:
Between Rasmussen, Klim Kostin, Timothy Liljegren, Nolan Patrick and Gabriel Vilardi, this draft class has perhaps unprecedented uncertainty due solely to injury troubles. The BC native had followed up a promising rookie season with Tri-City with a stronger sophomore campaign until a broken wrist ended his season in early March. Finishing with 55 points in 50 games gave him a point-per-game ratio that was good for third on the Americans, a rather young WHL squad.
Rasmussen is a massive center who skates very well for his size, and pretty well even if we ignore the fact that he is 6-6”. He has plus top speed and has been very impressive in the cycle thanks in part to his strong base and powerful lower half. He was nearly impossible to dislodge from the puck in those situations. Further endearing him to scouts is his pro-level shot. Although he was criticized by some for not using it often enough, both his wrist and snap shots are goal scoring threats.
His work ethic has also impressed as he battles hard in all three zones, whether that is his willingness to use his imposing frame to play in the dirty areas, or to clog passing and shooting lanes in his own end. He understands how to position himself when off the puck and how to take advantage of what his gene pool has provided. Although he is not a physical punisher, not really looking to hurt anyone out on the ice, Rasmussen does not let his elite size go to waste.
To summarize the above, there is a lot to like about Rasmussen. There is, however, a downside. 55 points in 50 games is all well and good, but 29 coming on the power play is a strong statement that he was not so effective at even strength. Further, a heavy proportion of his goals came from in tight, raising questions about his shot release.
To those that like him, they see a Nick Bjugstad type, who has shown signs of being able to dominate at the NHL level when he is healthy. Imminently worthy of a pick in the top 15 or even 10. To his detractors, they see Brian Boyle. He can play in the NHL, but never above the depth lines.
Future Considerations has him ranked 16 and wrote:
Rasmussen is a big center who looks to put the puck in the net. He’s not an overly explosive skater but is extremely balanced and displays good mechanics that allow him to be elusive when going in and out of coverage. He is a savvy puck-handler who uses his reach effectively and can control the puck through traffic, highlighting a power game with skilled stick work. He widens his base with the puck and is a pillar of strength when opponents attempt to knock him off the puck.
Rasmussen’s offensive IQ is on full display with his ability to put pucks in the right places to create scoring opportunities. Plays hard on the wall and takes plays to the net, both with or without the puck, using his body to create space and his hands to move the puck with skill, sometimes attempting a tip from a point shot. He has a very quick release which goalies find hard to track. Likes to shoot the puck often and from many various angles and gets a lot of whip on his shots.
He’s not an overly explosive skater, due to a lack of leg strength, but he is extremely balanced and has good mechanics that allow him to be elusive when going in and out of coverage. With some weight room time focusing on his legs he could turn his first steps from a deficiency into
a strength. He has the capability of being an impact player whenever he’s on the ice, elevating and complementing his teammates. However, consistency is an area that he needs to improve as he can absolutely dominate for stretches be- fore going quiet for periods at a time. He has a lot of growth potential and even though he’s not the most dynamic player, he thinks the game and can play at a high level.
SCOUT’S QUOTE: “Rarely do you find a player with his size, skill and smarts. Rasmussen is a highly effective 200-foot player. Big toolsy forward that shows a great work ethic and understanding of two sides of the ice. Skates well for his size and has a power skillset. Takes play into his own hands in the tough areas with combination of muscle and puck skill. Fights through sticks and bodies to take puck to the net.”
NHL POTENTIAL: Top-6 Two-Way Center
McKeen's Hockey (mock draft)
Jason Robertson, LW (Kingston, OHL)
Assuming they hold on to the pick, this would be the Rangers first, 1st rounder since drafting Brady Skjei in 2012. Robertson needs to work on his off-puck game, but has high end offensive potential. Would fit well with the Rangers philosophy of speed and scoring ability from all four lines
Here is a bit more on him from McKeens, who has him ranked 25th overall:
Robertson took on a major role with the Frontenacs as a 16-year old, scoring 18 goals and followed that performance with a 42 goal tour- de-force this year. The cherry on top took the form of 18 points in two rounds of the OHL playoffs. It is also worth noting that with a July 1999 birthdate, Robertson is closer to being a 2018 eligible than a 2016 eligible.
In spite of his production, he has kept a remarkably low pro le. Not only has Robertson never suited up for any American national team, he was also inexplicably left off the roster of the CHL Top Prospect game. To be sure, his style of game is not for everyone. Robertson has a solid frame, but is not physical or even moderately aggressive. Secondly, he is not really a two-way player, seemingly uninterested in playing in his own zone. To many evaluators, that is an unforgiveable sin.
To those who can get past those warts, they will get an offensive dynamo. He is a strong puckhandler who does not hesitate to challenge defenders with his carries. Both his skating and his shot rate as near elite. He has exceptional edgework and his shot is lethal from the rush. His shot is accurate as well as hard, and as he con rmed in the recent postseason, he can set up goals as well as score them on his own. Added up, although he may be a one-dimensional player, his dimension is a pretty important one.
Dobber preview ranks him 27 and here is what they say on him:
Robertson was a sleeper pick all season long and had a breakout in the playoffs with the Frontenacs posting 18 points in 11 games. He has very good offensive instincts, hockey vision and reads plays very well at both ends of the ice. Robertson excels at lurking away from the play and jumping to a scoring area just when the puck arrives, great hockey sense. He is a natural goal scorer; he has a very accurate shot with a quick release, shoots through traffic gets a lot of power on his shot with little to no windup. His playmaking ability is underrated as he is equally adept at setting up teammates as he is at finishing. Robertson has good size, but is not an aggressive player; he protects the puck well but could make more space for himself if he had a nasty edge to his game. The big knock on Robertson is his skating: his clunky stride needs some technical improvement but overall he gets around the ice well enough.
Comparable: Complimentary big-bodied scorer (Drew Stafford) 20-25-45
Recrutes (Grant McCagg, mock draft)
Josh Norris LW/C (U.S. National U18, USDP)
A club that already has ten Americans on its roster will have no issue whatsoever adding another player from the US development program, especially one who may have top-two center upside for a club that has had one top 40 pick in the past five drafts and staring at a bare prospect cupboard. Norris will get plenty of time to further develop his offensive skills at the University of Michigan until he’s ready for the pro game
McKeen's has him 28 and here are some excerpts on him:
For our money the top draft eligible player in this year’s USNTDP, Norris is a two-way forward who is as likely to be put on the ice when his team is trying to protect a late lead as he is when they are trying to mount a late comeback. He has a plus combination of smarts and skills be tting the progeny of a long-time pro, as father Dwayne spent 11 years tearing up the German leagues.
A consistent point producer with the National program in league play, who maintained his point-per-game pace at the season-ending WU18 tournament. Despite not having a great shot – in truth, it is his weakest tool – he can score goals by dint of his instincts and positioning in the offensive end.
He is not the most physical of players, but he has a pro-sized frame, plays strong and is very comfortable playing a greasy game. His skating is also solidly above-average. Norris, a Michigan commit, is sometimes the type of player who needs multiple looks to appreciate for what he brings to the ice, but once you notice him, you cannot stop noticing him.
He may only pro le as a middle six center at the highest level, but that is a strong outcome for a late first round pick. If there can be such a thing as a sleeper in the first round, Norris is it.
Dobber has him at 68 and wrote this:
The University of Michigan commit had a solid season playing for the US National team producing in the USHL and the USDP and was a key member of the USA Gold Medal winning team at the U18 as Alternate Captain. Centering their top line and playing both special teams helped earn Norris first round consideration heading into the draft. Norris has good size at 6-1 and 192 pounds and plays a solid strong game, difficult to push or knock off the puck, has good lower-body strength and balance as well. Norris has good puck-handling skills, has a hard accurate shot with a quick release but is more of a playmaker than sniper.
Comparable: Quality two-way center (Nick Bonino) 20-30-50
Futures Considerations (21st ranked prospect)
Ryan Poehling LW/C (St. Cloud State, NCAA)
Poehling is a big, solid, two-way center who infuses power aspects into his game. He’s a big bodied center who has his fingers all over the offensive playbook for his team. While not a speed skating champion, he moves effectively enough to excel on the rush and create space with quick turns to open ice. He thinks the game at an elite level and is equally effective at kick starting or finishing players.
Has a physical edge to him and shows that he will lay a devastating check to send a message or even drop the mitts if need be. He is a very mature, smart player with great awareness and hockey sense. He takes good angles to pucks and is constantly involved in the play. He possesses excellent two-way ability with his positioning on the defensive side of the puck, mirroring the offensive zone smarts he also possesses.
Poehling is a big kid who has plenty going for him. However, he will need to add about twenty or thirty pounds of muscle to maximize his frame. We do not see him as having a high offensive potential at the NHL level, but is more suited for a secondary scoring role. He also needs to work on improving his skating skills, as he is a little slow off the mark. That being said, we do believe NHL teams are likely to consider him, sooner rather than later.
SCOUT’S QUOTE: “Big, accountable center who has all the talent to be a two-way threat down the road. Strong on the puck and able to force defenders back with his strength and speed. Cerebral vision and sees play development when skating the puck or setting up shop. Puck skill isn’t Datsyukian but he spreads the puck around with crisp passes and can manage to keep the puck safe with his reach and positioning. Sky’s the limit if he works on footspeed, and polishes his offensive game.”
NHL POTENTIAL: Top-6 Two-Way Power Center
This was also the pick of Adam Kimelman and Guillaume Lepage from NHL.com
McKeen's has him at 26 and wrote:
Despite his clear struggles against the often much older competition in the collegiate ranks, there are signs that Poehling can be a special player. Most notably, his game is incredibly mature. He plays a smart game, avoiding unnecessary risks. His vision in the offensive zone is tantalizing. When he gets the puck, he generally keeps it on his stick for only the briefest of moments. In those split seconds, he is processing where to send the puck and then executing on a tricky pass to a better positioned teammate.
Although his shot looks promising, with a tricky release, he very rarely uses it. At least, he rarely used it in college. Once he got to the year- end WU18 tournament, he nearly doubled his shot rate playing with his peers. If he takes that willingness to shoot into his sophomore season, his offensive production should also jump.
He is a solid skater who is more impressive in his first few steps or accelerating into a turn than he is over distance. A center with high end hockey IQ and seemingly untapped offensive potential and already playing against advanced competition is always worth taking a chance with on day one. Projecting safely as a future middle six center in the NHL, he should be drafted in the 22-30 range
Dobber has him at 24 and wrote:
Poehling is a big-bodied versatile center who had a solid freshman season in the NCAA playing with his two older brothers. Poehling started his draft year with a strong showing for USA at the Hlinka where he had four goals and six points in four games and is finishing the year with a good performance for USA at the U18 as well. He has projectable size and playing against older players in the NCAA has acquitted himself well physically, but as a 18-year-old had limited ice time. Poehling has good offensive vision, he can beat players one on one with soft hands and slick moves but also reads and reacts well. His skating is strong as he is a fast player with an explosive first step and acceleration. Lacks elite offensive skill but is a complete and well-rounded player
Comparable: Middle-six versatile forward (Ryan Johansen) 20-30-50
ISS Hockey (mock draft)
Jaret Anderson-Dolan C (Spokane (WHL) (ranked by them at 31) (I admit though that last name spooks me)
The Rangers love Jaret’s competitive nature and skill set. He is not the biggest player, but plays Big, has quick hands, lots of speed and does things hard and the right way. Projects as a very good complimentary middle 6 forward, who can play in all situations.
Scouting Report - Plays the game the right way and with skill and energy. Defensively aware and responsible but transitions to offense with speed quickly. Has quick feet, soft hands, strong stick and plays the game with pace. Not the biggest guy and has a slight build but understands how to roll off defenders. Quick hands, shifty, has a lot of speed, does things hard and the right way, protects the puck and makes solid passes. Blocked shots and got into the lane on the PK, has good vision and good hockey sense. Plays vs top checking lines and top d pairing, but he seems to get a lot of chances every game due to speed and puck movement. Top two rounds for sure and maybe sneak into late first round
McKeen's has him ranked 33 and wrote:
The Spokane center had an explosive second full season in the WHL, nearly tripling his point production, and showing himself to have a strong game in all three zones. While he lacks ideal size, there is no part of his game that projects to less than average at the highest level.
It is somewhat unfortunate that he was blanked playing for Canada at the U18 tournament, but the lack of points was not for lack of an effective game. The relative absence of ash highlights that he is aggressive through all 200 feet, doing everything in his power to regain possession of the puck for his team. While he may need to curb his defensive enthusiasm somewhat, it is easier to get a prospect to ne tune his defensive IQ than it is to get an uninterested player to care about the other side of the puck.
It is that commitment to the defensive game that should ensure that Anderson-Dolan will be able to carve out a role on the bottom six if his NHL team does not require his services in a more traditional scoring role. That said, he can certainly score, as his 39 goals last year for a non-playoff team attests. His skating and shooting are both plus tools, featuring speed and agility for the former and power and a willingness to shoot from everywhere for the latter. He could be drafted anywhere from 25-45 and provide value quickly
Dobber has him ranked 35 and wrote:
One of the youngest players in the draft and often called undersized at 5-11 and 185 pounds, he is anything but. Anderson- Dolan has a high compete level and is a relentless forechecker. JAD failed to be invited to the Top Prospect game but was named Captain of Team Canada at the U18 tournament because of his versatile game and competiveness. A strong skater and can drive the net hard, uses his balance to protect the puck. Equally adept at scoring with his hard shot and making plays with his sound hockey sense and passing ability. Strong defensive awareness and anticipation lends to creating turnovers and driving transition. A heart-and-soul type player with strong NHL probability
Comparable: Versatile two-way center (Mike Fisher) 20-20-40
Mike Morreale, NHL.com, mock draft (this is one of the two players that I really hope slip to them)
Nicolas Hague, D, Mississauga (OHL)
Hague (6-5, 207) is a fluid skater and can move the puck extremely well, enabling his team to create a lot of offense. The left-handed shot is tough in his own end, and can quarterback a power play. He had 46 points (18 goals, 28 assists) and six power-play goals in 65 games.
McKeen's has him ranked 27 and wrote:
A mountain of a defenseman with a cannon for a shot, Hague had a tremendous offensive season for Mississauga, helping the Steelheads reach the OHL finals. In a draft littered with talented puck moving defenders of the Erik Karlsson breed, Hague is one of the few – and likely the best of that bunch - who bring the old-school heft to the blueline
He skates well for his size, although he clearly lacks the mobility of most of the rearguards ranked higher on this list. He can be beaten by pure high-end speed, but is agile enough to contain most odd-man rushes.
He is less of a puck rusher than a player who begins the transition by making the pass out of the zone to a forward and then joining the attack as a bomber option from the point.
His detractors will note the abundance of unforced errors with the puck. He needs to demonstrate better patience on the puck going forward. That seems like a correctable trait and will need to be the focus of his development in the next year
The other plus trait he owns is his physical game. It is not that he is a nasty player, but he knows the amount of force that his frame can impart and uses that to his advantage. He could be more effective in this regard if he were to be more consistent in his timing, but as the saying goes, you can’t teach height. Between the shot and the physical game, Hague is a first rounder, if not necessarily a high first rounder
Dobber has him ranked 23 and wrote:
The first thing you notice about Hague is his size, at 6-6 and 214 pounds he is a beast of a man and still just 18 years old. His long reach and stride help him cover a lot of ice defensively and his positioning and mobility make him a force in his own end. However his real value is in his offensive game; he carries the puck up the ice with authority and has a cannon of a shot from the point. His skating continues to improve and is a strength to his game but he could use a more explosive first step. A complete package defenseman with size, smarts and skill who can skate and impact the game in a variety of ways be it physically, offensively or defensively. Hague also projects to be a solid fantasy option as he will produce points and peripheral categories as well.
Comparable: Top pairing defenseman (Brent Burns) 15-35-50
Futures Consideration has him ranked 20 and wrote:
Hague is a towering two-way defenseman who has the versatility to play in all situations. He possesses an all-around skill level that you don’t see in many defensemen with his vitals. His hands, and stick-handling ability, are top notch and he likes to join the offensive attack, protecting the puck with his extended reach and strength.
As an offensive weapon, he possesses an absolute rocket of a shot which he tries to keep low and accurate, proving opportunity for tip in and rebounds. He distributes the puck with strong and accurate passes but is not overly creative. He uses his frame well to block out forecheckers when going back on retrievals. He reads and reacts to the developing play. Defensively his long limbs combined with his long stick, and excellent gap control, make it easy for him to reach in on his opponents and knock the puck away from them before they can even think about attempting to deke around him.
He is not an overly physical player, as in he doesn’t go for the devastating open ice hit very often. This is not to say that he shies away from physical play however, as he smothers his opponents by angling them into a corner with good gap control and stick work, reducing their options and separating them from the puck.
He will stick up for himself and does quite well when he drops the gloves. He is also tough along the boards using his size well and will clear the crease by any means necessary. He is a very poised and positionally sound defenseman with solid upside.SCOUT’S QUOTE: “What’s not to like about Hague? A two- way defender in every sense, Hague has the ability to make plays with the puck on his stick, accurately reading and reacting to the play developing around him, and defensively with his high hockey IQ and positioning. Hague has a can- non of a shot, and puts all 200-pounds into his wicked slap shot. Hands down the best defenseman available from the OHL. While sliding a little due to his skating not progressing at a rate that many would like, he still holds very high potential as a do-it-all type of blueliner with NHL upside.”
NHL POTENTIAL: Top-4 Two-Way Defenseman
ISS has him ranked 18 and wrote:
Scouting Report - Hague is a big 6.05, mobile, skilled, left shot defensemen. These kinds of players don’t come around every day and that’s one of the reasons he is getting so much attention from scouts this season. Put up 46 points including 18 goals during regular season and elavaded his game during playoffs finishing with 12 points and +13 in 18 games. Big defender who moves the puck well and shows good offensive instincts. Showed the ability to get pucks through to the net from the point and has a big one-timer on the PP. Makes good reads in the Ozone and finds open space to get shots. Plays with a very active stick and uses his long reach to take away time/space from attacking forwards. Not overly physical. Has all the tools to be an NHL defenceman and has lots of upside.
Besides Hague, the two players I really like and hope slip or the Rangers find a way to maneuver to get either are Timothy Liljegren and Erik Brannstrom. Liljegren has been all over the place in the draft previews and mock drafts. At one point last year, he was viewed as maybe a top-five player, but he has a poor season, plummeting him down the rankings. Brannstrom is ranked around where NY will select, but think the upside there may result in him going higher than expected. Two other players to watch are Robert Thomas and Lias Andersson.
Dobber has Liljegren at 9 and Brannstrom at 18
Future Considerations has Liljegren at 22 and Brannstrom at 18
McKeen's has Liljegren at 20 and Brannstrom at 19
ISS has Liljegren at 8 and Brannstrom at 41
Liljegren preview taken from Future Considerations:
Liljegren is a flashy offensive puck-mover on the back-end who exhibits high-end skating ability. He gets to top speed in just a couple powerful strides and possesses impressive multi-directional mobility. Liljegren displays elite puck-moving skills and carries the puck with a confidence and an elegance which is not often seen in a player his age. He tries to always position himself for a pass and is often ready to receive one himself.
He has great hand-skills and creativity for a defenseman. He is able to dance around opposition to get into the offensive zone. He has a cool head in high pressure situations and distributes accurate passes even when time is limited. Setting up breakout plays from behind his own net and making crisp passes out of his own end, he pinches to keep pucks in the zone and drives deep for scoring opportunities.
Defensively he attacks the puck carrier immediately along the boards and uses great gap control and an active stick to take away scoring chances. Although he is not the biggest player, he is hard to beat along the boards as he is balanced on his skates and does not quit on plays, but rather leans hard towards opponents using all of his frame to win battles. He does not give the puck carrier much time and is always present with an active stick. Liljegren isn’t overly physical but he shows a good tenaciousness in board battles and he doesn’t back down. He utilizes explosive skating to close o opponents’ lanes and chase down attackers effectively.
A prospect that looked so promising last season, Liljegren hasn’t progressed at the same rate as many others in this draft class. While he has many excellent individual skills like his elite skating, offensive creativity and puck-moving, the big problem is that he leaves you questioning his smarts.
He often lets the correct play pass by, instead choosing the play or pass option with less chance of success. He also has a tendency to hold onto the puck too long at times and gets forced into low percentage plays. There have been instances where his nervousness and puck mishandling deep in his own end have gotten him in trouble as opposing forecheckers closed the gap on him and caused a turnover.
He tries to do too much at times, forcing things, pinching at inopportune times for the puck, getting his long range passes cut and causing turnovers. At other times, he is too selfish with the puck and wants to do everything by himself, only passing the puck as a last resort. This, as a result, can put his teammates into uncomfortable situations.
SCOUT’S QUOTE: “Top-tier puck slinger leans towards offense and does well managing the pace of the game. Elite skater that has all the gears and the lateral/transition technique to be shifty on the line or defend the rush. Puck skill and protection ability to hold onto pucks for extended periods of time. Gets rangy defensively a bit to cut men off early and pressure gap control. Not a physical guy, relies on offensive stick skill to turn play around.”
NHL POTENTIAL: Top-4 Puck-rushing Blueliner
Brannstrom, a defenseman from HV71 of the Swedish Elite League, was highlighted by Steve Zipay in his column today.
Zipay wrote: Has been quietly climbing in various rankings, after posting 1.21 points per game in Sweden’s U-20 junior hockey league. In his draft year, Erik Karlsson scored 0.97 points per game. His size (5-10, 179) lends to comparisons to Boston’s Torey Krug or Anaheim’s Sami Vantanen. While dynamic offensively, there are some questions about the lefthander’s ability to play in his own zone against larger, stronger NHLers.
This from McKeen's: Brannstrom is an undersized offensive defenseman in the mold of a Ryan Ellis or Samuel Girard. He is an excellent skater with an explosive first step and high top gear, strong on edges and excellent mobility. He makes crisp outlet passes to create transition, is keen to carry the puck out and lead or join the rush as well. He runs the power play with his offensive vision and wide array of dangerous shots. At 5-10 he is small by NHL standards but his compete level is very high and he is not afraid to get his nose dirty against bigger players even though he is not always effective. Comparable: Offensive puck-moving defenseman (Ryan Ellis) 10-30-40
Zipay's targets were: Among the possibilities with the 21st pick: Poehling, a U.S.-born center from St. Cloud State; Brannstrom, a fast-rising Swedish defenseman; Kristian Vesalainen, a power forward from Frolunda in the Swedish Elite League; Klim Kostin, a highly touted Russian forward; Eeli Tolvanen, a small but dynamic scorer, and defenseman Cal Foote, son of former Colorado defenseman Adam Foote.
Zipay added, the Rangers currently are about $13.3 million under the new salary-cap ceiling of $75 million, according to capfriendly.com, including the cap hit from Dan Girardi’s buyout (but also the $2.9 million savings difference between his salary and dead cap space), but still need to sign the remaining restricted free agents Mika Zibanejad and Jesper Fast, now that Oscar Lindberg was selected by Las Vegas. Defenseman Kevin Klein ($2.9-million cap charge) is considering retirement with one year left on his contract. He might play in Europe next season, and if he leaves, that bumps the cap space available to $16.2 million. That space should easily allow the team to re-sign Brendan Smith, likely to a four year deal around $4.5 mil per. In addition, if Stepan does get dealt, the return should be for players with a much lower cap hit, enabling NY to be aggressive in free agency, see Shattenkirk, Kevin.
(If a deal breaks during the day, I will post an update. Any trades after about 8PM Friday and on Saturday will have to wait till next blog Sunday).
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