Free agents and contract extensions in the NHL can be hit or miss. Just ask the New York Rangers, who have had their share of bad contracts over the past decade.
Some of the worst were from the Glen Sather era, including Dan Girardi, who was later bought out after signing a six-year, $33 million contract extension in 2014, and Barclay Goodrow’s long-term contract with a $3.6 million cap hit, who ended up as an expensive fourth-line penalty kill specialist.
However, the Rangers have also made some great moves and currently have several team-friendly contracts as they prepare for the 2024-25 season.
Jonny Brodzinski
Jonny Brodzinski might be the most underappreciated Ranger. His ability to play both wing and center provides head coach Peter Laviolette with flexibility. Last season, the 31-year-old was asked to center the third line after Filip Chytil was sidelined long-term. Despite the challenge, Brodzinski thrived playing alongside Kaapo Kakko and Will Cuylle, giving the front office time to acquire a center at the trade deadline.
Although Brodzinski lost his regular spot due to the Alexander Wennberg acquisition, his play was rewarded with a two-year contract extension worth $787,500 annually. This contract carries virtually no downside for the Rangers, as he can be sent to the AHL with little cap impact if his performance declines.
The question remains where Brodzinski will fit this season. Assuming Chytil is healthy, the third line is unlikely. Additionally, the Rangers signed Sam Carrick to a three-year, $3 million contract, likely to center the fourth line. Brodzinski will compete for a spot in training camp, with the potential to be a fourth-liner or even a third-liner, making his $787,500 salary a steal for a third-line center.
Braden Schneider
Braden Schneider has been a steady third-pairing defenseman, providing great value on his entry-level contract. After proving his worth, he received a small raise with a two-year contract carrying a $2.2 million AAV.
Schneider was leaned on heavily by Laviolette during the playoffs, finishing with the fourth-most ice time among Rangers players and playing primarily alongside K’Andre Miller on the second pair. If he continues in this role, the $2.2 million AAV will be a bargain. If not, that salary is still reasonable for a third-pairing defenseman, especially with the cap expected to increase by $4 million annually.
Adam Fox
Although $9.5 million per season may seem high, it’s a good deal for Adam Fox considering the contracts of lesser-quality defensemen like Drew Doughty ($11 million cap hit) and Seth Jones ($9.5 million cap hit).
In the past three seasons, Fox ranks fourth among NHL defensemen in scoring, whereas Doughty is 20th. Fox, who is 26, has already won one Norris Trophy and was a finalist for a second. By the time his deal ends, he will be 31, likely continuing to provide elite play for the Rangers.
Vincent Trocheck
Vincent Trocheck offers the best value for the Rangers. Initially, his seven-year, $39.375 million contract was viewed as an overpay. However, that perception has changed. Trocheck proved to be the clear number two center behind Mika Zibanejad and ahead of Filip Chytil, helping to stabilize the team’s most dynamic line with Artemi Panarin and Alexis Lafrenière.
With the salary cap no longer flat, any team would be eager to have Trocheck with his $5.6 million cap hit. Getting a top-six center who can score between 60 and 75 points for that price is almost unheard of. Trocheck has four years left on his deal, making it one of the best team-friendly contracts in the NHL.
Honorable Mentions
Artemi Panarin didn’t make the list due to his $11.6 million cap hit, but he has been worth every penny, with a 120-point season in 2023-24 and a spot as a Hart Trophy finalist. Jimmy Vesey also provided great value at $800,000 AAV, but with only one year left on his contract, his role this season is uncertain.
Overall, Chris Drury has managed the salary cap well. His stars are fairly or under-compensated, and he has found value in inexpensive bottom-six forwards. While the Goodrow signing wasn’t great, Drury mitigated it by getting the San Jose Sharks to claim him on waivers. The Jacob Trouba contract was from a previous regime, so it’s tough to fault Drury there. The front office will need to continue finding value in both role and top-line players, which is crucial in the hard salary cap era.