Rangers buyout window opens today, list of candidates and savings

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The window to buyout contracts for the Rangers opens officially today at 5PM and closes in 48 hours on Wednesday. Let’s quickly take a look at the most likely candidates in order of probability.

Brendan Smith

2019/20 Savings: $3,378,167 / Cap Hit $970,833
2020/21 Savings: $1,204,167 / Cap Hit $3,145,833
2021/22 Savings: $0 / Cap Hit $1,145,833
2022/23 Savings: $0 / Cap Hit $1,145,833

Kevin Shattenkirk

2019/20 Savings: $5,166,667 / Cap Hit $1,483,333
2020/21 Savings: $566,667 / Cap Hit $6,083,333
2021/22 Savings: $0 / Cap Hit $1,433,333
2022/23 Savings: $0 / Cap Hit $1,433,333

Vlad Namestnikov

2019/20 Savings: $2,666,667 / Cap Hit $1,333,333
2020/21 Savings: $0 / Cap Hit $1,333,333

Marc Staal

2019/20 Savings: $2,800,000 / Cap Hit $2,900,000
2020/21 Savings: $2,000,000 / Cap Hit $3,700,000
2021/22 Savings: $0 / Cap Hit $1,200,000
2022/23 Savings: $0 / Cap Hit $1,200,000

It’s Gorton Time

Jeff Gorton has to continue this amazing offseason by exhausting all possibilities to get cap compliant before the start of the regular season. While there is a CBA imposed timetable on buyouts, there are none with regards to trades. Still if that is his preferred option, he is up against the clock here. Other GM’s know this and have that as leverage.

However, here’s my thoughts on the recent Shattenkirk buyout talks that get heavier each day.

Another thing to keep in my mind is that the Rangers can buyout both Brendan Smith and Vlad Namestnikov* for a cap savings of $6M and only a penalty of $4.5M next season. Buying out both these contracts is better for the Rangers short term and long term than just buying out Shattenkirk.

*Per CBA: Rangers can buyout up to 3 contracts during the 2nd buyout window for the life of the agreement since 2013. They have used none during the 2nd window (ctsy: Steven Voogel)

All buyout numbers per Cap Friendly.

Anthony Scultore has been covering the New York Rangers and the NHL since 2014. His work also appears at... More about Anthony Scultore

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