Rangers Roundup: Drury on draft, Erik Karlsson rumors, and more
The latest news and notes on the New York Rangers.
Drury on the draft
TSN spoke with Assistant GM, Chris Drury about the draft and being fortunate to be in a position to draft either Jack Hughes or Kaapo Kakko.
Erik Karlsson a Ranger…again
According to Sportsnet’s Chris Johnston the two front runners for Karlsson this summer are the Rangers and Lightning. The latter being in a cap bind to make such a move, leaving the Rangers as the real favorites.
Here’s the situation, unless the oft injured 28 year old defenseman is willing to take some sort of a discount, I don’t see it happening. Reports out of San Jose were they they were going to give him $11M a season for 8 years. There is no way the Rangers will be handcuffing themselves at that price for so many years. Karlsson would be 36 when that deal expires.
That report was way back in September and things may have changed for SJ. If that market isn’t there for Karlsson, and he is willing to take a discount to play with his good buddy Henrik Lundqvist then it may be possible. Let’s say something similar to what Shattenkirk did, where Karlsson gets 10-11M but for only 4 or 5 years.
Of course, even IF he did take that, Jeff Gorton needs to buyout a defenseman like Smith or Staal and trade one, if not two defenseman in Staal and Shattenkirk. So while the rumors won’t go away, a lot needs to happen for Karlsson on Broadway.
For those who may be too young to remember, get to know JD
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