Unless they deal #5 or #18, i think this is pretty much where they are at. After the RFA arbitration hearings, the buyout window opens up again as the Rangers had more than (2) RFA's. Still don't see them buying out #5 or #18.

Lindberg will miss some time early, wonder if Grabner will play C on the 4th line or if Fogarty at C will get a look or Hrivick on LW/RW. Or Nieves LW/RW,

I think Buchnevich, whether he likes it or not , would be served well to start the season in Hartford. They could keep another forward that could be lost via waivers.

Bodie & Jensen will not be waiver exempt, as will Hrivick if he's resigned, (Gerbe,Fast McIlrath, & Holding would need to clear as well) So if those guys are gonna stay Rangers, they need to make the big club.

I think the dollars for the RFA's may be a bit inflated. Was thinking more along these lines:

Kreider : 5 years @ 4.275 MIL AAV (3.725, 4, 4.275, 4.55, 4.825) 21,375,000

Miller: 2 Years @ 2 MIL AAV (1.65, 2.35) 4,000,000

Hayes: 2 Years @ 1.65 MIL AAV ( 1.55, 1.75) 3,300,000

McIlrath: 2 years @ 700 AAV (675, 725) 1,400,000 K

I like your plan. I agree that neither 5 or 18 are getting bought out and bar a miracle they won't be traded either, think we have to go into this season hoping and praying that they both benefit from a long summer of rest and plenty time to focus on what is important: getting back to where they both were 2/3 years ago, while battling through the inevitable difficulties of getting older. I for one think G will have a bounce-back year.

Regarding the RFAs, while i like the numbers you've got there, i think across the board they're going to be higher cap hits, particularly Kreider. I'm not sure if you posted this before or after the Palmeri contract signing, but their numbers are very similar and he'll get closer to that ($4.65m AAV), not a huge difference, but every little will help/hinder the team against the cap. Whether Miller gets a 2 year bridge or a longer term deal i;m not sure. AV appeared to like him a lot more this past season so i can see management trying to lock him up for longer and more $$.

Hayes...i just don't know. Guy is talented, but needs work and i don't think you can throw 'big' money at a guy who's not proven which way (2014-15 or 2015-16) he really will pan out.