Rangers top RFAs arbitration dates set and possible reward projections
The Rangers top RFA’s all filed for salary arbitration this past weekend. Now all four have dates. We will address each of them in date order and give a potential reward scenario.
Understand, these never usually get to an arbitrator. The closest in recent memory was Chris Kreider on the morning of his hearing. He settled on a four year deal in Toronto in 2016. The only time the Rangers walked away from a reward was Nikolai Zherdev in 2009.
10/20: Tony DeAngelo
The first one up on the calendar is defenseman Tony DeAngelo. The 24 year-old blue-liner is coming off a season where he scored 53 points in 68 games. Had he played a full season at his .77 points per game, he would have notched 63 points.
This is one that could take the longest to settle and has a high chance to get to arbitration. Tony DeAngelo is coming off one year deal at $925,000 and is represented by Pat Brisson one of the toughest in the business.
Tony DeAngelo ask: $6 million
NYR offer: $4 million
Projected reward: $5 million (1 year)
10/31: Alexandar Georgiev
Alexandar Georgiev should be settled well before Halloween. Now that Henrik Lundqvist has been bought out, he knows the Rangers need him. His agent, former goaltender Mike Liut knows that too. He will be looking to get Alex a nice raise coming off his three year deal at $792,500 annually.
The 24 year-old net minder struggled late in the season getting caught up in the three man rotation. Still, he played 34 games and notched a team leading 17 wins to go with 14 losses and 2 OT losses. His GAA was 3.04 and his SV% .914.
Alexandar Georgiev ask: $3.5 million
NYR offer: $2.5 million
Projected reward: $3 million (1 year)
11/5: Ryan Strome
The 27 year-old pivot is up for a significant raise this offseason. Jeff Gorton knows it, Ryan Strome knows it, and his agent Mark Guy does too. The Rangers second line center is coming off a 2 year deal that paid him $3.1 million annually.
This season was Ryan’s best as he notched 59 points in 70 games. Had he played a full 82, his .84 points per game would have been good for 69 points. Strome finished two points behind players like Ryan O’Reilly ($7.5M) and three points behind Anze Kopitar ($10M), so you know he’s getting paid.
This is one I can see going all the way to arbitration.
Ryan Strome ask: $6.5 million
NYR offer: $4 million
Projected reward: $4.95 million (1 year)
11/6: Brendan Lemieux
First off, I expect this one to get done soon. Brendan Lemieux has even hinted as much. He is represented by his father, Claude Lemieux who is a shrewd agent. Brendan is a rugged forward coming off a one year deal at $925,000. His agent knows the Rangers lack what he brings so he will drive a hard bargain.
The 24 year-old winger scored 18 points in 59 games and would have notched 25 points in a full season. Of course, he’s not there for just points as he led the team in hits for forwards.
I am telling you though, this one isn’t going anywhere near arbitration.
Brendan Lemieux ask: $2.5 million
NYR offer: $1.25 million
Projected reward: $1.9 million (1 year)
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