Using cap space as an asset: Which contracts can the Rangers acquire?

AP Photo/Kathy Willens

One of the things we’ve been discussing a lot on this blog lately is the ability for the Rangers to exercise their financial clout this offseason. In the past, the Rangers have been able to offer a ton of money to free agents because they had the deepest pockets. The cap has changed that, but now the Rangers have another unique possibility.

The Blueshirts will have about $30 million in cap space this offseason, assuming an $80 million cap ceiling. With just a few RFAs to sign this year, and even fewer heading to big contracts the year after, the Rangers can use that cap space to take on a contract and get some assets in return. There are a few interesting targets as well.

Scott Darling

The Hurricanes swung for the fences with Darling, acquiring him from Chicago and thinking he could be their consistent netminder. Instead he was downright terrible. He’s also signed for another three years at $4.15 million. This could be a contract Carolina wants to shed.

This may not be the most ideal target, but he’s a target nonetheless. He’d fill the role of backup goalie, and you’d have to assume Benoit Allaire could do something with him to make him passable. Or the Rangers could just demote him and have him play in the AHL. The cap to them doesn’t matter.

All this said, Carolina isn’t really hurting for cap space. It’s possible, but likely not happening.

Marian Hossa/Johan Franzen

This was discussed a little bit yesterday in the mailbag, but Hossa’s deal is one the Hawks may look to trade. Hossa has another three years at $5.275 million on his deal, but it only pays $1 million a season. He’s basically retired, although he’s going the Chris Pronger route and not officially announcing it.

I don’t see this happening though, mostly because I can see a team needing to get to the floor (Colorado?) acquiring his contract. I can see Vegas making a play for it too. I get the feeling they’d make a better offer than the Rangers. But what do I know?

Franzen sits in the same boat as Hossa. He’s not playing ever again. He only has two years remaining at $3.954 million left. The real dollars are also $1 million. Same logic above applies here.

Plus, neither Detroit nor Chicago are budget teams. They can LTIR either contract and be fine with it.

Bobby Ryan

I’ve covered this a lot lately. I’m not going to rehash it here. Just remember that the 2020 lockout is looming, as is the likely compliance buyout. If it’s a Ryan/Staal or Ryan/Smith swap, there isn’t much of an increase in the cap it either.

Brandon Dubinsky

This one hurts to write. Partially because I loved him as a Ranger, but mostly because it looks like he’s been having some major off ice issues. Either way, Columbus isn’t up against the cap, but they will need the cap space if they truly want to contend. Dubinsky isn’t producing enough to warrant his contract when he’s on the ice, and CBJ could probably use that extra money.

Dubi has three years at $5.85 million remaining on his deal. That’s a lot to take on, especially if it’s the full cap hit. CBJ would need to throw something in to make it worth the time. I don’t know what that is, though. I highly doubt it would be someone like Sonny Milano. Maybe a mid level prospect? Their second rounder? I don’t know, quite honestly.