Jeff Gorton told Larry Brooks of the NY Post that the Rangers have ruled out any potential buyouts during the first period of June 15-June 30 or the second window that is activated if later in the summer with arbitration.
Larry Brooks notes that Brendan Smith and Kevin Shattenkirk are potential candidates for buyouts with Smith being the “prime” candidate. (NY Post)
Buyouts for Smith and/or Shattenkirk, who both have two years left on their contracts, would leave the Rangers with the following cap hits for the next four seasons. (Cap Friendly)
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- 2019-20: Smith $970,3833 | Shattenkirk $1.483 million
- 2020-21: Smith: $3.145 million | Shattenkirk $6.083 million
- 2021-22: Smith: $1.45 million | Shattenkirk $1.433 million
- 2022-23: Smith: $1.45 million | Shattenkirk $1.433 million
Brooks notes that the Rangers have “found essentially” no interest in Shattenkirk or Smith on the trade market even if the Rangers were to retain 50% of their cap hits. (NY Post)
Adam Rotter: I’m no fan of buyouts and the extra years of cap hits that come with them but the Rangers had a log-jam on defense last year and it’s only going to get more crowded this coming season. I think that both Smith and Shattenkirk have value on the trade market but I don’t think it will be fully realized until after July 1 when teams that have missed out on trades and free agents look for other options. That doesn’t mean that come July 5th the Rangers will be able to move either Smith or Shattenkirk for top prospects or picks, but I’m sure the Rangers will be able to find teams willing to make a deal for them to fill holes. The Rangers need to determine what the objective for moving them is. Is it to save cap space, open up their roster spot or, more likely, a combination of both? Would the Rangers prefer to buy them out, keep them or take very little in return to move them and half their cap hit off the team? I think there is a better chance of Shattenkirk staying and working with Tony DeAngelo, Neal Pionk and, maybe most importantly, Adam Fox.