Rangers general manager Chris Drury has spoken about change in the lineup after their disappointing loss in the Eastern Conference final against the Florida Panthers.
It appears the team is now interested in acquiring Jake Guentzel from the Carolina Hurricanes.
Just a few days ago, it seemed that Carolina and Guentzel were close to making a deal but according to Elliotte Friedman of the 32 thoughts podcast who was a guest on the Pat McAfee show it was revealed that the price tag was eight years for 8 million per season.
The Rangers would need to send a deal to the Hurricanes to acquire his rights and when doing so would guarantee Guentzel his eight years with the Rangers prior to July 1st. This price is high but for the quality of player he is and what he would bring in terms of production would go beyond his number.
"The belief is that Jake Guentzel had an ask for Carolina which I believe is 8x8.. I think the Hurricanes have indicated that they will do that contract and now we're waiting to see if it gets hammered out" ~ @FriedgeHNIC
The Rangers would need to perform surgery on their lineup to fit at $8 million cap hit, and there appears to be rumblings throughout the organization that Jacob Trouba may be on his way off the team. The team in question is the Detroit Red Wings.
Trouba holds an $8 million cap hit over the next two seasons and if he can be dealt that would open a possible roster spot for Guentzel. The Rangers also only have 8 contracts signed after next season which gives them a minumum of $37 million in cap room.
The off season is just beginning an it's likely that Drury is going to be very busy and he will certainly be fielding calls with Carolina Hurricanes GM Eric Tulsky.