Why would NYR buy him out? He is on a 35+ contract so the buyout wouldnt affect his cap hit. they might as well keep him on their roster if he counts against the cap anyway

Not sure I understand why the Rangers would do that.

Also, why would Kapanen accept a bridge for less money than he expects to get in arbitration?

Kappy does't have arbitration rights

okay, this is the first, and I mean the very first instance where I've seen a Marleau move that makes any sense. Rangers ditch a contract they don't want, get a couple picks in return, and Marleau gets a more competitive team to play for. Interesting stuff.

I still think there's a chance the league shuts this down. I get the feeling they weren't happy with the Orpik stuff, and viewed it as cap circumvention. There is a precedent for them saying, "enough is enough, this isn't against the rules, but we're not allowing it." (Kovalchuk).

Gratitude 4 epitomizing the meaning of
"fantasy leaves logic"..-~

Thanks Man! TBH i don't think Marleau will move but if he does it should at least make some sense financially for another team.

It bugs me that the league can just allow the Orpik deal then deny something like this under the same CBA. You're right they have done it before but it just doesn't seem fair to punish one team and not another for the same thing, such is the NHL though

This is actually a great deal for the Rangers.

Get Smith off the Roster 2 years early. Frees up money, plus a Roster spot for a D Man.

Absorb Marleau for 1 year, when they have the space to do so.

Pick up Draft picks.

A good cost cutting move for both sides.

Marleau wouldn't waive his NMC to play for a rebuilding team. Rags agree to buyout so they can get for picks and not have to pay Smith in 20/21. Rangers have to buy him out if they want picks and Smith off the books.

Rangers are rebuilding and are a rich team. They get long term cap relief, and picks to build for the future.

Leafs get short term cap relief to help fit Kappy and Marner, a Hainsey replacement (albeit overpaid) while they wait until one of their prospects (Dermott, Lily, Sandman) can play top 4.

Marleau gets money real $ and stay on a contending team.

sounds like cap circumvention to me

literally happened last year with Orpik.

Different situation. Washington didn't tell Colorado to buy him out, Colorado bought him out for their own benefit. With Marleau there is no benefit to NYR for buying him out since he is on a 35+ contract (aside from the picks they get from the leafs) which screams cap circumvention. Colorado was also looking to flip Orpik in a trade before deciding to buy him out. The whole arrangement wasn't pre planned.