The Rangers and Chris Kreider settled on a two-year deal worth $2.35 million in year one and $2.60 million in year two for an average AAV of $2.475 mil. This is a bridge deal pretty much in between what both sides were offering, with Kreider making out slightly ahead.
Kreider wanted $2.8 mil in each year of the two-year deal while New York offered $1.9 and $2.2, for an AAV of $2.05 mil. Kreider went down an average AAV of $325k while New York came up $470k. The deal rewards Kreider for the strides he has made but also reflects the growth still needed, which we all believe will be evident over the next two seasons. Those strides need to come defensively and in on-ice situational awareness. If that occurs, Kreider could be used in late-game, small lead situations, as well on the 4-on-4 in overtime, where now he sits in the latter case and at times on the former.
With Mats Zuccarello also signed, Derick Brassard needs to be locked up to avoid his arbitration hearing Monday. Brassard is asking $5.5 mil on a long-term deal while New York is likely (and this is my projection) offering something in the $4-$4.5 mil range, though that might what the Rangers propose in arbitration or on one-year contract and closer to the higher amount on a long-term deal.
The two sides, like what NY did with Zucc, could reach an accord on a one-year deal and negotiate a longer-term one. In my opinion, unlike Zucc, I think Brassard is a better bet to walk, given what first and second line centers demand, seeing what he asked for and how Zucc seems to be more of the fabric and framework of the team with a desire to stay, so a long-term deal would be in the best interest of the Rangers.
In addition, since Brassard filed for arb, New York can decide if a one- or two-year deal, but because Brassard is slated to be a UFA after the season, he can elect to opt out of the second year only if his salary is less than the Average League Salary for such League Year, which is unlikely to be the case. If New York can lock in the second year, which buys them time to sign a longer-term deal, depending on the request and award, if makes a lot of sense.
John Moore is also still a RFA, but he likely will get a deal close to $850k, which would be a relative bargain compared to what others in the same boat, like Denis Savard and Sami Vatanen. That said, I could see a two-year deal also being worked out for $900k this year and $1.1 mil the following season. Moore has shown he can be a solid, third pairing defenseman and that salary is still reasonable for that status.
Projected Lineup with Salaries and Remaining Cap Sapce:
Forwards:
Kreider ($2.475) - Stepan ($3.075) - Nash ($7.8) Zuccarello ($3.5) - Brassard (xx) - MSL ($5.625) Hagelin ($2.25) - Miller ($894k) - Lombardi ($900k) Stempniak ($900k) - D. Moore ($1.5) - Glass ($1.45)
Defensemen:
Girardi ($5.5) - McDonagh ($4.7) Boyle ($4.5) - Staal ($3.975) J. Moore (xx) - Klein ($2.9)
Goalies:
Lundqvist ($8.5) Talbot ($562,500)
Bench:
Mueller ($600k) and Kostka ($650k)
Total cap space: $69,000,000 Total cap space utilized $62,156,667 Total cap space remaining $ 6,843,333