Rangers sign Fast and Miller, pave the way to re-sign Stepan
The New York Rangers have announced the signings of Dylan McIlrath, Jesper Fast and J.T. Miller, one day after signing Emerson Etem and Oscar Lindberg. GM, Jeff Gorton has now locked up his RFA’s except for Derek Stepan and that looks like it’s coming sooner rather than later.
Fast in at $950,000 per on two-year deal, Miller takes one year qualifier at approx $874,000…Rangers done with roster RFAs pending Stepan.
— Larry Brooks (@NYP_Brooksie) July 15, 2015
Miller opted to protect arbitration rights next year by accepting qualifier…
— Larry Brooks (@NYP_Brooksie) July 15, 2015
McIlrath, who would need to clear waivers, in for one year at $600,000.
— Larry Brooks (@NYP_Brooksie) July 15, 2015
These moves leave the Rangers with approximately 7.5M in cap space to lock up their star center, Derek Stepan for the foreseeable future. Keep in mind the Rangers will need to allot for some breathing room for emergency call ups, so that means the Blueshirts will try and lock Stepan down to a tune of about 6.5M.
Jeff Gorton deserves credit for coming in this summer and taking care of business, including trading away a fan favorite in Carl Hagelin in order to sign Stepan. His moves have been swift and decisive, signaling a clear vision for his version of the Rangers. Gorton recognizes how close this group is to winning and isn’t looking to make any major changes.
Derek Stepan’s arbitration hearing is Monday, July 27th. Don’t expect it to get there.
#NYR may not carry 23, but 22-man roster accounts for $64,524,625. Carrying $125K overage on Duclair bonus. Leaves $6.75M for Stepan.
— Larry Brooks (@NYP_Brooksie) July 15, 2015
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