A good problem looming for the New York Rangers

It is well documented that the New York Rangers will be pressed against the salary cap next season due to the number of restricted free agents they must resign, as well as the increase in the team’s bought-out contracts. One way to prepare for this impending issue, is by capitalizing on a good problem that the team currently faces.

The Rangers are currently loaded with talented right-handed defenseman in Jacob Trouba, Adam Fox, and Tony DeAngelo. All three have been putting up tremendous numbers this season as DeAngelo leads the team’s defenseman in points with 25, followed by Trouba and Fox with 17 each, all in 36 games. Although this is a major strength for the organization, the Rangers should move on from one of these defensemen and that one must be DeAngelo. This is not a knock on DeAngelo’s game, but based on the fact  that he is the most expendable option among all three defensemen.

Why DeAngelo?

Trouba is currently signed for another six seasons at $8,000,000 each. After this season his no movement clause will kick in, making him incapable to move. Although perhaps a step behind from his play last season, Trouba has still been a great # 1 defenseman and even if the Rangers were to find a trade partner, it is unlikely they would be able to find someone willing to take on his monster contract.

Fox, currently in the first year of his Entry Level Contract at $925,000 has been a major success for the organization. He will continue to be an Restricted Free Agent without arbitration rights the next two seasons and being able to keep such a high skilled player for such a low contract is ideal for the organization’s current position.

Finally,  there is DeAngelo, who is having a career year. Despite this, there is reason to move on from the defenseman. He is currently in the last year of his $925,000 ELC  and as we saw over this last summer, negotiations with DeAngelo could be difficult.

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Even as a restricted free agent with no arbitration rights, he sat out the beginning of training camp, refusing to play without a higher contract. While he eventually caved, one can imagine the difficulty that will ensue over this summer, now that he has such rights. Even with a presumed deal of around $4,000,000 (which is by no means an overpayment), it is simply a luxury that the team cannot afford.

While it is difficult to let go of such a highly skilled player, the Rangers should capitalize at the trade deadline, possibly earning a late first or early second round pick for the defenseman. His age and restricted free agent status will be appealing to teams seeking a potential Cup run. In his place, a prospect such as Joey Keane or Nils Lundkvist could slip in as early as next season, minimizing any loss of talent the Rangers may face.

Although it does seem crazy to trade the team’s top scoring defenseman who is just entering the prime of his career, it goes to show how well their blue line is beginning to develop. For a team this young, it is a good problem to have.