New York Rangers’ top five bargain contracts on the roster
Bargain Contracts are helping the Rangers this summer.
In the modern day NHL where the salary cap reigns supreme, bargain players make up an important part of any team. The New York Rangers are just one of 31 teams that rely on cheap yet productive players to help increase the chances of winning a Stanley Cup.
Looking at the Rangers roster, it is obvious that there is a lot of talent. These gifted players are vital to the Rangers hopes of winning the Stanley Cup now and in the future. More important however, is the deals players are signed to. If a player is signed to an obscenely large deal, an organization can be gridlocked for a long time.
Let’s take a look at the top five bargain players on the current Rangers roster…
Michael Grabner-
Michael Grabner quickly became a fan favorite among the Rangers faithful. From his first game with the Rangers, it became evident that the 29-year-old Austrian was the player the team had been missing.
In the 2016-17 season, Grabner scored 27 goals and added 13 assists for a solid 40 points. In addition to his outstanding stat sheet, Grabner also made his presence known on the ice with his speed and aggressiveness.
Thankfully for the Rangers management, these key player makes just $1.65 million in the 2017-18 season. In comparison, Carl Hagelin who is a two time Stanley Cup Champion with the Pittsburgh Penguins made $5 million and scored 18 fewer points this past season.
However, next summer, Grabner will become a UFA where there is a great chance that he will sign elsewhere. Hopefully, for Rangers fans, Grabner will find a way to stay in New York long term.
Chris Kreider-
At the rate he is going, Chris Kreider can be the most successful Rangers players that they developed. Slowly but surely since his debut in the 2012 playoff run, Kreider has established himself as a top six player who can adapt and play with almost anyone.
This past season, Kreider set a career high in goals with 28 and had an increase in points compared to last year year. Most notably in Kreider’s game, however, is his ability to forecheck and hit opposing players while at the same time be a skillful player who makes a lot happen when he has the puck.
In 2016 when Kreider was still an RFA and heading to arbitration, Rangers GM Jeff Gorton signed the forward to a four year, $4.625 million contract. This deal is thought of as a steal especially when looking at players that compare to the 26-year-old forward. Brandon Saad of the Chicago Blackhawks has put up similar numbers to Kreider in his career and he makes nearly $2 million more.
Luckily for Rangers GM Jeff Gorton, Kreider is under contract for another three seasons before he hits the open market as a UFA. This gives the Rangers plenty of time to evaluate their cap situation and offer Kreider the best contract possible, hopefully keeping him at a reasonable price.
Mika Zibanejad-
The modern day NHL dictates that a team must have capable, two-way center men in order to hoist the Stanley Cup in June. This is the biggest reason why first and second line centers are hard to come by at bargain-like prices.
When the Rangers traded Derick Brassard to the Ottawa Senators last offseason for Mika Zibanejad, the Rangers organization knew that they were bringing in the center of the future. Now with Derek Stepan in Arizona playing for the Coyotes, the future has arrived much earlier than expected.
Just recently, the Jeff Gorton managed to avoid arbitration with Zibanejad by signing him to a 5 year, $5.35 million deal. This deal is a steal considering the price coveted centers are going for. According to Sportrac, Zibanejad ranks 38 in overall salary made by centers in the NHL. Just two spots ahead of him at 36, is New York Islanders captain John Tavares who makes just $150,000 more.
All things considered, this deal really is a bargain for the Rangers, Zibanejad is a young player with a very high ceiling that could possibly be the piece the Rangers need up front to bring home a championship.
Jesper Fast-
Along with having elite forwards, every team needs to have depth players that are capable of playing multiple roles both on the ice and in the locker room. For the Rangers, this presence player is Jesper Fast.
Because Fast’s role on the team is to be Alain Vigneault’s go-to man, he specializes on the penalty kill, power play, and shot blocking, Fast signed for a relatively cheap deal. This offseason saw Fast re-sign with the Rangers on a 3 year, $1.85 million deal.
The role Fast has on the team as mentioned before is crucial. Any time where there is a game changing moment, chances are Fast is on the ice making his presence known. Whether it is by hitting, forechecking, or blocking shots, Fast is a force to be reckoned.
Forces don’t usually come at an inexpensive price, however. Cody Eakin of the Vegas Golden Knights last season had similar numbers to Fast in all categories. Eakin makes $3.85 million while Fast makes exactly $2 million less. See the difference?
Ryan McDonagh-
There is almost nothing one could say about the Rangers captain. Ryan McDonagh deserves the pay of a Norris Trophy winner despite being an underrated defenseman.
McDonagh always plays to the best of his ability. Even during times when the rest of the defense was playing poorly. The American born defenseman finds ways to make smart plays which is why his +/- rating is always so high. This past season, Ryan finished with a +20 on a poor Rangers defense. Next year with Kevin Shattenkirk, McDonagh’s numbers are projected to be better in all categories.
There are many players that Ryan McDonagh can be compared to including Duncan Keith, Drew Doughty and more. However, any defenseman easily categorized amongst elite NHL defenders should be making more than $4.7 million.
Next: New York Rangers: Five Potential Contract Extensions
Amongst NHL defenseman, Ryan McDonagh makes the 53rd highest salary according to Sportrac. Considering the consistent play we see every night from McDonagh, any GM in the NHL would call that a bargain.