Rangers' Arbitration Evaluation
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Not much time to post the last couple of days, but here's a bit of analysis and an updated cap situation. If you haven't heard, Marcel Hossa signed for one year at $780,000 to avoid arbitration while Sean Avery received $1.9 million in arbitration, exactly what was expected. The Rangers immediately accepted the Avery ruling. Both these signings complete the Rangers cap picture AND raise some interesting issues.
First to examine the Hossa situation. While the price is in the Rangers favor, the one-year term is intriguing. This essentially forces Hossa into a make or break year. Hossa has one year to prove himself. It also shows a lack of confidence in him to a degree, considering Petr Prucha got a two-year deal.
Another interpretation could be that the Rangers in fact have no interest and are just using a filler until a Hartford player is ready after next season. Perhaps an Alex Bourret or Alexei Cherepanov. Either way, unless Hossa has a stand out year, don't expect him around long term.
Despite the arbitration being fairly contentious, I have a feeling that there is some sense of security for Avery. True it was only a one year deal, the Rangers will have the opportunity to extend him in January, like Henrik Lundqvist. While Lundqvist saw that taking a lesser one-year deal benefits the team and the cap, Avery failed to do so. The Rangers needed every penny, hence creating the questionable image of Avery. However, they didn't hesitate to sign him after the award was sent down, this shows confidence. Following the signing, Sather called Avery an asset and a "terrific competitor." We'll see how that pans out.
Finally a look at the cap. If Kasparaitis is sent down to Hartford and Shanahan's performance bonuses are deferred to next year, the Rangers have $47.7 million committed to a $50.3 million cap. Enough wiggle room and even enough to sign Peca if they really wanted. I'm still waiting on a top-four defenseman though.
