Marty St. Louis’ slump complicates things

Feb 11, 2015

(December 12, 2014 – Source: Rich Lam/Getty Images North America)

The Rangers will have a decision to make with Martin St. Louis. He is a free agent at the end of the year and has been in a rut as of late. Despite his less than stellar play, St.Louis told Chris Johnston that he doesn’t plan on retiring.

(December 12, 2014 – Source: Rich Lam/Getty Images North America)

St.Louis has 37 points in 51 games heading into tomorrow’s contest against the Colorado Avalanche.

It was reported by Larry Brooks of the New York Post that the Rangers and St.Louis had not made any progress on a new contract. This comes as no surprise as the Rangers are trying to keep as much money free as possible. They don’t want to commit money to St.Louis until they have a better idea of what will happen with the salary cap.

The Rangers will also have to work out new deals for Mats Zuccarello, Derek Stepan, and Carl Hagelin to name a few.

Read CBS’s Sean Hartnett’s take here.

My Take

I’m not sold on St.Louis at his $5.6 million cap hit. To me as the season has drawn on he has been less effective. He has essentially turned into a power play specialist. If the Rangers are going to bring St.Louis back it has to be at a massive pay cut. Likely around 2.5 to 3 million per season. At that pay the Rangers can keep St.Louis in a cozy position, while keeping their core talent, and perhaps even adding a piece or two.

Please don’t misunderstand me, I think St.Louis is a legend and I truly respect him, I just think it is in the Rangers best interest to realize that this 1st Ballot Hall of famer can’t get paid the big bucks anymore.

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You can follow me on Twitter @StevenLoffredo

 

Here are some classic Martin St.Louis moments with the Rangers

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Hm0BJ6HnYCU

 

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Cdz0dbh3_mY

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