NHL Rumours: Projected Contract for New York Rangers RFA Forward

It’s time for another round of NHL rumours. We’re almost to the Stanley Cup Final, but teams that didn’t make the post-season are still being talked about. Some clubs are coming off disappointing campaigns and have to reassess things in order to get on track. A number of these moves include adding new pieces. However, some include trying to retain younger talent.

One of these teams looking to keep a key younger player is the New York Rangers. This edition of NHL rumours deals with an important restricted free agent forward seeking a new contract.

All NHL rumours come from the original source and are subject to change.

NHL Rumours

Projected Contract Details for an RFA New York Rangers Forward

Rumour: Peter Baugh of The Athletic recently had a mailbag answering big off-season questions for the Rangers. One of the main talking points was a new deal for young forward William Cuylle.

Analysis: The Rangers had a disappointing campaign, but Cuylle was one of the bright spots. He broke through with a 20-goal season and netted 45 points for the Blueshirts. The 23-year-old is due for a big raise along with defeneman K’Andre Miller in the summer.

Cuylle recently finished up his entry-level deal that saw him make over $828,000. The Toronto native will be looking to cash in on one of his first big contracts of his professional career.

However, one wonders what Rangers General Manager Chris Drury will have to make sure that Cuylle doesn’t get to July 1 without a contract. The recent offer sheets by the St Louis Blues to former Edmonton Oilers players Philip Broberg and Dylan Holloway last off-season may force Drury to exercise some urgency when it comes to Cuylle.

Offer sheets used to be taboo, but the recent signings by the Blues may force GMs to be proactive. A decision on Cuylle will have to come soon regarding a contract.

What It Means

Cuylle and Miller could be the target of offer sheets if one or both aren’t signed. Signing Cuylle before July 1 would be a solid pre-emptive strike by Drury and keep the youngster on the roster.

Baugh brings up a projected contract via AFP Analytics that would see Cuylle get a three-year deal worth $3.43 million per season. It wouldn’t be the long-term deal, but it would keep both sides happy until the next contract rolls around. This would be the prototypical bridge deal, but it would keep the cap hit down while Drury sorts out the team’s cap situation.

One thing work in the Rangers’ favour is that Cuylle does not have arbitration rights. This is leverage in the Blueshirts’ favour, but even the $3.43 million hit could be a tight squeeze. Drury could make some moves to clear out space to make the signing possible in the summer.

According to Baugh, a team could come in with an offer sheet of $4.67 million. That would be just under the threshold that requires a first-round selection.

Edmonton wasn’t able to match Broberg and Holloway due to its cap crunch and that’s how St Louis swooped in to get both players. The Rangers know the clock is ticking and signing Cuylle should be a priority.