Boo Nieves played less than 30 games with the New York Rangers in two seasons. This summer, he is a restricted free agent and his future in New York is uncertain.
Season in Review
Boo Nieves had only one NHL game under his belt before entering the 2017-18 season. Nieves looked to earn a more permanent spot on the New York Rangers roster this year.
However, Nieves would struggle to stay in New York. He spent the majority of the season in the AHL with the Hartford Wolf Pack. While he showed some promise during his multiple stints in the NHL, his role was more of a replacement when injuries occurred.
Nieves earned his first NHL points, and had a comparable season to last year in Hartford. He did not prove to be an irreplaceable part of the Rangers lineup. He did provide some extra forward depth and was useful in emergency call up situations.
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Stats and Info
Age Entering Next Season: 24
Seasons with NYR: 29 games over two seasons
Previous Cap Hit: $755,000
Games Played: 28
Goals: 1
Assists: 8
Points: 9
+/-: +6
Corsi: 44.8
AHL Stats: 40 GP, 8 G, 13 A, 21 P, -9
Projected Contract
1 year, $750,000
With all of the other RFAs that need contracts this summer, I would think Nieves is not as high of a priority as players like Brady Skjei and Kevin Hayes.
If the Rangers decide to keep Nieves on the roster, it will most likely be a short and inexpensive contract. Nieves is currently exempt from waivers and I’m sure the Rangers will try to carry that over to the next contract as well.
Having said that, trading Nieves is just as likely as re-signing him. He is an asset that could be used as a piece in any big trade package the Rangers may come up with this summer.
Whether it’s in the NHL or AHL, Nieves can provide depth at center. His time in New York wasn’t a total disappointment. He just has not been able to find his place permanently in the NHL.
What SHOULD Happen
I think the Rangers should seriously explore trade options involving Nieves. The Rangers traded for more young, talented prospects at the deadline and have plenty of draft picks going into June. Maybe Nieves’ time in New York is coming to an end.
The Rangers are in the market to make one (or more) big trades this summer. Including Nieves in a trade package could get them a greater return than if they leave him out. The center would not net an amazing asset on his own, but in a larger bundle of assets for a rebuilding team, he could push it over the top.
This obviously all depends on the offers from other teams, but I think there is potential for a good return for trading Nieves.
What WILL Happen
It’s hard to definitively say what will happen with Nieves. I honestly think it is a toss up between re-signing him and trading him. It will depend on the offers general manager Jeff Gorton gets this summer.
If the Rangers re-sign Nieves, they can continue to use him in those emergency situations. Or, who knows, he could end up earning a permanent roster position.
If the Rangers trade Nieves, they may end up adding onto the return of a bigger package or just simply gain more draft picks. Either way, this will aid in the rebuild.
Teams to Watch
Teams are always looking for AHL depth and players that can fill the emergency call up role. A team that sees potential in Nieves could be willing to make a trade offer.
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With an inexpensive, short, two-way deal, Nieves would be low-risk. With such little NHL experience, he could maybe find more success with a new team.