The New York Rangers pokes into the 2016 Entry draft, and July 1st free agent signing frenzy had all the force of a Pillsbury Doughboy belly slap. The draft pick poor, and cap strapped Rangers General Manager Jeff Gorton pretty much accomplished all he could. Grabbing the still available Sean Day with their third round pick, was a stroke of luck and he just might turn into another Duclair, Buchnevich steal. The Rangers can thank their lucky stars for Gordie Clark’s draft magic, but really should endeavour to get him some first and second round picks to work with. The Rangers also left the draft minus next seasons fourth round pick traded for right shooting defenseman Nick Holden from Colorado. With a cap hit of $1,650,000 over the next two seasons it would appear the Rangers have brought him in to play. 

The free agent signing opened with a thud and nothing much has happened since. Lefty shooting Michael Grabner was brought into replace the ghost of Carl Hagelin, and the recently departed Viktor Stalberg. Personally I’m not so sure he’s going to accomplish any more than Stalberg, who was effective down the stretch, and in the short playoffs. Grabner was signed for two years at $1,650,000 per which is $150,000 more per season than what Stalberg got in Carolina on a one year deal. Nathan Gerbe was also signed on July 1st to a one year $600,000 deal and along with Grabner should bring some more speed to the Rangers lineup. The Rangers also signed a pair of right shooting defensemen in Michael Paliotta and Adam Clendening, both adding some depth in the event of any trade movement of last years regulars. 

The idea of the entry draft and more so the free agent signing is to improve your team. Player movement is at its season peak and opportunistic teams wine, dine and sign. Unfortunately Jeff Gortons hands are tied and his wallet is welded shut until he frees up some cap room. He’s going to have to be patient waiting on a Girardi or Nash deal. Problem is there will be very little interest in Girardi if any, and rumour has it teams are low balling Nash. Make no mistake Gorton has to move Girardi and his contract, and the sooner the better. 

According to Cap Friendly.Com the Rangers have $12,450,000 left in cap space to sign Kevin Hayes, J.T. Miller, Chris Kreider and Dylan McIlrath. Add in the anticipated run at Jimmy Vesey on August 15th and General Manager Jeff Gorton’s calculator will be working overtime trying to keep all the players happy. It would appear Gorton is slow playing the signings until he gets all or most on page. In particular I’m guessing Kreider and Miller will be signed first. Problem is who knows when. Summer is now officially here, enjoy it.