Update, 10:42 p.m.:
Andrew Gross at Rangers Rants reinforces the notion that the Rangers will not be buying out Wolski…
“But not only is there no buyout of Wolski coming over the next couple of days, it’s almost a near certainty he will not be traded between now and the start of training.”
Gross adds that the “trick may come if the Rangers want to start the season with both Tim Erixon ($1.75 million) and Michael Del Zotto ($1.09 million) on their roster. They have approximately $700,000 left in cap space including Erixon as one of the six defensemen on the roster but not including Del Zotto. However, it also includes center Erik Christensen ($925,000) who may find himself squeezed from a roster spot now that the team has signed Brad Richards. The Rangers currently have 14 forwards, including Mats Zuccarello ($1.75 million) and could opt to carry just 13.”
…carrying just 13 forwards seems like the most likely scenario.
Update, 4:34 p.m.:
Arthur Staple refutes Lawton by saying the Rangers have no plans to buy out Wojtek Wolski in the 48-hour buyout window.
…so the roster is set. Let’s drop the puck!!!!
Update, 4:06 p.m.:
Player agent Brian Lawton says to expect the Rangers to make a trade or exercise their buy-out rights in the next 54 hours on Wojtek Wolski.
…the more I hear about Wolski being bought out the more I hate it. Tell me he won’t look great on a line with Richards & Gaborik. It also sets up the rest of the line-up as Dubinsky & Callahan can continue to be where they below on the the 2nd line and Stepan can continue to develop into a solid NHL center on the 3rd line.
…plus the Rangers lack offensive skill big time on this team. And despite being inconsistent at times Wolski has plenty of offensive talent.
Original Post:
Jesse Spector at the Daily News reports that regardless of whether Ryan Callahan receives a new contract through arbitration or signs one before the hearing, the Rangers will get a buyout window 48-hours later.
A source told Spector that if Glen Sather is unable to make a trade to get some money off the books, using the buyout window is a definite possibility.
…Wolski better be packing his bags.
…although I’d much rather see EC or (gulp) Avery sent to Hartford than a buyout of Wolski.
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