Jan Levine: Skjei re-signs for six years, $31.5 million, news on Hayes not as positive D-man locked up long-term, but same looks not to be the case for center

Locking up Skjei long term would be somewhat diminished in value if signing Hayes only for this upcoming season, and then allowing him to potentially walk away free next summer to affect their rebuild's success. It could also lower his trade value from that had they sold high during the past 6 weeks, due to as you wrote in this great blog, Jan, with them likely knowing they were far apart on a new long term deal.
They must now meet Hayes' demands as close as possible, especially if being in the range of others respectable in comparison have agreed to long term in past months. Also, they were only active outside free agent wise to the tune of $700K spent on Claesson, & were quiet on the trade front. They did spend about $11.5M in cap on their own in Skjei, Vesey, & Namestnikov in key. But there is no guarantee that any of the elite current expected 2019 free agents would still be ones come next July, if that's their current thinking on how much they can afford to pay Hayes long term.
Or could it be that Gorton and Columbus have had trade talks involving Hayes being used as a piece in part, to acquire the B.J.'s own 2019 top potential free agent in Panarin, prior to Columbus trading him elsewhere than risk losing him for nothing. That, especially given Panarin having the Rangers as one of his few preferred landing spots, provided he as per his known desire, is not first dealt to another team located within a not too far away distance of ocean waters.

Jan Levine: Skjei re-signs for six years, $31.5 million, news on Hayes not as positive
D-man locked up long-term, but same looks not to be the case for center
- airjan23

I don't know if I necessarily believe that the team isn't willing to commit to Hayes long term.

Obviously we'll soon find out, but Larry's been wrong a time or two.

If it's true, then they go into the season like the Islanders are with Brock Nelson, one year away from him being a UFA.

But really questioning if this is true, why roll out Hayes as team spokesman when Quinn was hired?

https://www.nhl.com/range...nn/t-277437422/c-60513403

I don't know if I necessarily believe that the team isn't willing to commit to Hayes long term.

Obviously we'll soon find out, but Larry's been wrong a time or two.

If it's true, then they go into the season like the Islanders are with Brock Nelson, one year away from him being a UFA.

But really questioning if this is true, why roll out Hayes as team spokesman when Quinn was hired?

https://www.nhl.com/range...nn/t-277437422/c-60513403
- jimbro83

not sure if this made him 'the team spokesman' though

not sure if this made him 'the team spokesman' though
- 21peter

Brooks also guaranteed the Rangers wouldn't be signing all their RFA's this summer and there would be a trade, lets wait and see on this Hayes thing.

Brooks also guaranteed the Rangers wouldn't be signing all their RFA's this summer and there would be a trade, lets wait and see on this Hayes thing.
- jimbro83

you're ok with Haze at 5.5-6 for 5-6 years? where's the 'limit'?

you're ok with Haze at 5.5-6 for 5-6 years? where's the 'limit'?
- 21peter

I'd be ok with those numbers, ultimately I do believe the'd be really sorry they let him go. He's only getting better.

Now, that doesn't mean I oppose a sensible trade either...

I'd be ok with those numbers, ultimately I do believe the'd be really sorry they let him go. He's only getting better.

Now, that doesn't mean I oppose a sensible trade either...
- jimbro83

Haze for a blue chip prospect to a contender maybe...?

I'd be ok with those numbers, ultimately I do believe the'd be really sorry they let him go. He's only getting better.

Now, that doesn't mean I oppose a sensible trade either...
- jimbro83

Clearly, Gorton and company believe in the notion good defensemen are harder to find and keep than centers and wingers. Odd though, if Brooksie is right, you would think there’s a solid connection between Quinn and Hayes.

- mdw7413

Clearly, Gorton and company believe in the notion good defensemen are harder to find and keep than centers and wingers. Odd though, if Brooksie is right, you would think there’s a solid connection between Quinn and Hayes.
- OLDSCHOOL#6

yeah, I am still not believing this until I see it

NYR seems to see Zib, Chytil, Andersson, as future past this year. One would think they will be ALL in on any 1C UFA in the offseason next year. Hayes is simply the odd man out in their minds.

Clearly, Gorton and company believe in the notion good defensemen are harder to find and keep than centers and wingers. Odd though, if Brooksie is right, you would think there’s a solid connection between Quinn and Hayes.
- OLDSCHOOL#6

Only connection is they both played/coached in Boston area. Im sure every team in NHL has some sort of connection to every player in NHL....Its being a little overblown w/ Boston connection. It always comes down to $$/years and where organization feels said player falls into their future plans. If we all want a true 1C then someone has to go.

Great to see that Skjei didn't get a full NMC

CapFriendly@CapFriendly
A few Sunday morning updates...

Brady Skjei's new 6 year deal with the #Rangers also includes a 'Modified No Trade Clause' in the final 3 years of the contract (would be UFA seasons).

Jul 1, 2021 to Jun 30, 2024: Player submits a 10 no team trade list.

I don't see any reason JG wouldn't give Hayes 5 or 6 years at 5.5M. That runs through his Prime years, and he showed great improvement last season. Plus those numbers seem to be what the current market average is these days.

90 & 23 aren't in the long term plans, so that leaves Zib, Hayes, Chytl, Anderson and Howden. 3 of them are kids with no experience, who knows how that ends up, if they all reach their potential, then we have a surplus, and those contracts are still tradeable

Larry Brooks hasn't been an"insider" with Ranger news since Sathers early days as GM. I won't believe him any more than I would believe a guy mumbling to himself around Times Square.
Also, remember just recently when Hayes released that message about him not going anywhere? I believe Hayes wants to stay, so I am sure a deal will get done...

Alex Nunn@aj_ranger
Vitaly Kravtsov opens the scoring for Traktor against Neftekhimik. #NYR
(KHL preseason game)
https://twitter.com/i/status/1023591015662460929

Guy can skate:
https://twitter.com/i/status/1023603739670863873

Is that where they play games in the KHL? Looks like the local rinks I coach at

Is that where they play games in the KHL? Looks like the local rinks I coach at
- MeltingPlastic

Looked like Traverse City...

I don't see any reason JG wouldn't give Hayes 5 or 6 years at 5.5M. That runs through his Prime years, and he showed great improvement last season. Plus those numbers seem to be what the current market average is these days.

90 & 23 aren't in the long term plans, so that leaves Zib, Hayes, Chytl, Anderson and Howden. 3 of them are kids with no experience, who knows how that ends up, if they all reach their potential, then we have a surplus, and those contracts are still tradeable
- ELew11

NYR has Zib, Chytil, and Andersson (all younger than Hayes) sloted as Centers for years to come. If Hayes is signed then who goes if/when NYR goes after a 1C via free agency or trade? Someone has to go by seasons end if that is going to happen. It's been waaaaaaay to long since NYR has had a "true" #1C. If Hayes signs then it will only be that much longer b4 another one comes

NYR has Zib, Chytil, and Andersson (all younger than Hayes) sloted as Centers for years to come. If Hayes is signed then who goes if/when NYR goes after a 1C via free agency or trade? Someone has to go by seasons end if that is going to happen. It's been waaaaaaay to long since NYR has had a "true" #1C. If Hayes signs then it will only be that much longer b4 another one comes
- rrentz

Seguin, Pavelski and Duchene the big center free agents. What’s the odds any make it free agency and which one do you prefer over Hayes? Panarin is a winger so still can add him even if sign Hayes to a LT deal

Great to see that Skjei didn't get a full NMC

CapFriendly@CapFriendly
A few Sunday morning updates...

Brady Skjei's new 6 year deal with the #Rangers also includes a 'Modified No Trade Clause' in the final 3 years of the contract (would be UFA seasons).
Thanks for posting, didn’t see that this am.
Jul 1, 2021 to Jun 30, 2024: Player submits a 10 no team trade list.
- 21peter

Seguin, Pavelski and Duchene the big center free agents. What’s the odds any make it free agency and which one do you prefer over Hayes? Panarin is a winger so still can add him even if sign Hayes to a LT deal
- airjan23

Yes, but do we really see Zib, Hayes, Chytil, and Andersson as the centers to bring a rebuilt NYR into contention in a few years?

IF Zib stays healthy and becomes a #1 like some believe he can be, than I can see keeping Hayes, but to offer Hayes a $5.5/6 year deal is very rishky, especially for a guy who is best suited as a 3rd line center.

NO team has ever won a cup w/out a #1 C on the team