The New York Rangers have a lot of work to do and a reasonable amount of cap space (~$14 million) to do it with. A majority of that will go to their four restricted free agents and rounding out the roster with cost controlled young players like Libor Hajek and possibly both Vitali Kravtsov and Morgan Barron.
That doesn’t leave much for unrestricted free agent Jesper Fast. And what’s going on with Lundqvist? Let’s find out.
Henrik Lundqvist status update
In order for the Rangers to really move forward, the Henrik Lundqvist situation needs to be resolved. What we know in published reports and interviews with John Davidson is that Hank was informed the team will not carry three goalies next season.
Since that time, both sides have been on radio silence, especially Henrik who has not posted on social media even before that meeting. I finally was able to connect with Lundqvist’s agent and asked if there was any status update. In particular, I wanted to know who’s court the proverbial ball was in. “Any decision making by either side is simply between the parties,” Don Meehan told me via email.
While this isn’t a huge update, it is the first bit of news coming from either side in some time. The only clarity it provides is that nothing seems to be set in stone as to exactly how they are moving forward. One thing still seems apparent is that the Rangers appear to be doing so without Henrik.
Jesper Fast going to free agency
Jesper Fast has been with the Blueshirts for the last seven seasons. The 28 year-old was on pace for a career high 35 points before COVID-19 stopped the NHL cold. He finished with 29 points in 69 contests and was the defensive conscience on a line with Artemi Panarin and Ryan Strome.
According to the source with knowledge of the situation, the Rangers have not had any substantial talks with Jesper Fast this offseason and there will be plenty of teams that would love to have him. One of those teams could be the Nashville Predators for which he was linked to at the NHL trade deadline this past season.
We know that the Rangers and Fast talked an extension before the trade deadline but could not agree on a deal. During the pause, Fast told a Swedish news outlet he would love to remain a Ranger but he is well aware of the business end of it all. “I want a good deal for myself and the Rangers obviously want a deal that is fair to them,” Fast said.”I hope we come to an agreement. If not, I will test the market.”
The window to reach an agreement seems to have passed for the Fast camp and they will very likely test the market. The source did note that there is a chance for him to remain with the Rangers, but it would take some serious work to make it happen. That could be giving Fast the money and term he wants and it is unlikely Jeff Gorton will do that at this time.
More New York Rangers and NHL news
Lodud continues its series on Rangers free agents touching this time on Ryan Strome and Brendan Lemieux.
Catch up on all the latest NHL rumors at the Daily Goal Horn. So Max Domi fired his agent? What does that mean? Find out that and more here.
Finally, want to wake up everyday and be on top of all the NHL news for conversations with friends and co-workers? Start your day at DGH with the NHL Headlines.
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