Additions-Subtractions
Notable Arrivals
- F, Emerson Etem
- F, Jarret Stoll
- F, Viktor Stalberg
- D, Raphael Diaz
- G, Antti Raanta
Notable Departures
- F, Martin St. Louis
- F, Carl Hagelin
- G, Cam Talbot
- D, Matt Hunwick
The offseason for Glen Sather, Jeff Gorton and company can’t be deemed a successful one. There’s no chance the departure and arrival of key players signals the New York Rangers a better overall squad.
That being said, they succeeded based on the spot they were in.
With their salary pinching them right up against the cap, the front office did everything in its power to keep the core intact.
They re-signed Derek Stepan to a lucrative, long-term deal – which was first and foremost goal No. 1.
Trading Carl Hagelin to the Anaheim Ducks for Emerson Etem will turn out to be a bad deal. It’s just that simple. Hagelin brings something to the table very few players can. His speed is immense, his penalty killing spectacular, and intangible play very under appreciated. Etem is, at best, a project.
Another possible bad deal was the one sending Cam Talbot to Edmonton for picks. Many figured Talbot could be kept around another year at his $1 million and change salary. Perhaps he’d be fantastic trade-bait when a team got desperate enough for a goalie during the season.
Then again, every dollar counted against them this offseason. Fans will have to heavily hold their breathe every time Henrik Lundqvist gets run over this season.
Martin St. Louis, whether or not he played a key role in the Rangers run to the finals in 2013-14, was dead weight against the talent of the roster and the salary cap.
Jarret Stoll and Victor Stalberg have already played well enough to believe both could wind up being bargains this season.
