New York Rangers Set to Be Disadvantaged by the NHL and Gary Bettman: Here's why

While fans won't experience a lockout for the next four seasons when the new CBA kicks into effect, the Rangers may end up being adversely impacted as a result.

Once the new CBA goes into effect, the Rangers will be at a disadvantage as it gets rid of this contract language, which has allowed them to land free agents over the years.

The new deal will limit bonuses to 60% of a player's salary:

That is effectively handicapping GMs everywhere, including the Rangers' own GM Chris Drury, who uses bonuses as a way of luring talent to New York.

The Rangers will now be at a disadvantage when it comes to competing with teams from tax-free states for talent: the Vegas Golden Knights, Florida Panthers, and Tampa Bay Lightning. Soon enough, Drury will have to find new ways of luring players to Madison Square Garden.

To give you an idea of how this works for an NHL star like Vladislav Gavrikov:

A bonus-heavy contract is buyout proof and is still paid out to the player whether he remains with the organization or they go their separate ways.

It also allows players to earn more money as a lump sum, rather than being spread over the course of a season. Players who suit up for the Rangers could avoid losing significant money by investing their cash with a trusted money manager, while growing it exponentially, making up for the loss of cash paid in income taxes in New York.

It still is egregious that Commissioner Gary Bettman denies that tax-free states don't have an advantage over other franchises, while they introduce this rule in the new CBA.

He's talking out of both sides of his mouth.