What’s the hold up with Brendan Lemieux and a new deal?

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Almost as soon as the season ended, the one tap in goal of the offseason was believed to be Brendan Lemieux signing a new deal. I mean, it’s not like he didn’t intimate a new deal wasn’t close or anything.

Lemieux said a new deal was close three weeks ago

Restricted free agent Brendan Lemieux was on the Spittin’ Chiclets podcast three weeks ago and said a new deal was close. “I am excited, I am sure we will get something done. Something done here soon,” Lemieux answered when asked about his RFA status.

So what’s the hold up with Brendan Lemieux?

Brendan Lemieux contract
Lemieux (Getty Images)

The biggest issue blocking the Rangers from signing Brendan to a new deal is Ryan Strome. That’s because the Rangers need to know what they would be left with once this deal is done.

It is also a calendar issue. The Rangers basically have announced new deals for all four of their RFA’s in the order of their arbitration dates starting with Tony DeAngelo who was set for 10/20. Strome’s date is set for 11/5 and Lemieux’s is the day after.

Here’s the rub, if the Rangers can’t work out a deal with Strome in ample time before Lemieux’s hearing, they should just bite the bullet and give the gritty forward a new deal.

That could impact their decision to walk away from Strome if his reward is too high. So buckle up, the next two weeks should be interesting.

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By Anthony Scultore

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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