I will get to the loss to Boston later, but Larry Brooks reported overnight that the Rangers and Marc Staal are closing in on a six-year deal worth a reported $5.6 and $5.9 million per season. I wrote way back on September 17 (http://www.hockeybuzz.com/blog.php?post_id=62343) that: "With the cap rising and since Staal has a $3.975 cap hit and $5.45 million salary this year, my view is that a rise of $2 million per year in the cap hit can be met, even while factoring in the other contracts needed to be doled or already doled out," so this deal would fall right in line with that projection. (Updated: Deal looks to be six years at $5.7 million per, so two sides met close to the middle of what was offered and requested. However, Katie Strang reports it will have a full NMC, which is something I highly disagree with and sets a bad precedent, especially after seeing what happened with the Ryan Callahan negotiations.)
The rumors had been that Staal wanted $6mil per while New York was willing to give him $5.5 mil per season, which is what Dan Girardi received. Staal, who is fully healthy and over the concussion and eye woes that plagued him for several years, has become a stalwart on the team's blue line. The offensive progress he showed a few seasons ago never parlayed itself forward but he is a top-four defenseman, who is solid in his own end and can join the rush.
If signed, Staal, who is 28 and in his eighth season as a Ranger after having been selected 14th overall in the 2005 Entry Draft, would be the first of several free agents locked up by the team. After Staal, New York also has to deal with Martin St. Louis, Mats Zuccarello, Lee Stempniak and Matt Hunwick as pending unrestricted free agents while Derek Stepan, Carl Hagelin, Jesper Fast and John Moore are pending restricted free agents. Brooks reports that he Blueshirts appear to have approximately $20 million of available cap space for 2015-16, depending upon exactly where the cap is set for next season. That number is likely based on a $72-73 mil cap number.
You know my view as i have been pushing for Staal to be signed, allowing Brady Skjei time to develop and grow, likely first as the sixth d-man. After Staal, the Rangers should deal with signing Stepan and than Zuccarello.