Stone ugh

Looking at the UFA market, he's the best RD outside of Shatenkirk. Wideman? Franson?I guess they could fill that RD spot as well. Although i view none of them as Top pair but Stone is the only one i think that could develop with #27. I think a short 2 year deal, which he is expected to get as opposed to a longer 4-5 deal for a soon to be 27 year old RD that had a down year no doubt last year, another year removed from knee surgery in a puck moving system could be a steal. This is a scenario where NYR trading for a RD is off the board.

think the Rangers will pick up someone on a one year deal for flexibility and to allow Day/Graves/whomever coming through after another year of development.
I also think the Hanzal contract is an absolute albatross

That's why i was thinking Stone on a 2 year deal. Day & Graves won't be rushed & I don't think they will get a top 4 RD for less than 2 years. Im not sure NYR sees Graves as a Top 4 and they are both LD.
Yes, the Hanzal deal has risk. he's a 3C on a Cup contending team & a 2 C on an average team. That's what he's gonna get on the market, maybe 3 years. He fills the void down the middle & can play against other teams top centers & maybe put up 45 pts. Plus it would be nice to have a guy that can win a face off. Helps on the PP. PK & at even strength & he's got size and an edge, and for a big guy he may be a better skater than Stepan.

I don't think Hanzal is a better skater than Stepan, Personally I think it's a huge overpayment for a 3C when Brian Boyle could come back and provide size and better skating with very good FW and PK. Also, I don't like stone but he is the best option as they're all bad. Personally I would rather wait until next year for a better D. For Gagner, no way he takes that low of a deal, this year earned him at least 4+ million for 2 years.

I'm not seeing Hanzal as a true 3C. The Rangers play there top 9 with pretty equal ice time. His TOI would be more than Hayes about (about 18 Mins) giving the situations he can play in. So more like a 2C -B ? He addresses a lot of what NYR needs, i know h'es not the flashy pick up. Early rumors say Boyle going back to TB or Toronto. I am a fan of Boyle if they passed on Hanzal & he was available but, 2 years at 2.5 for a true 4 C???
NYR still need a TOP 4 RD for 17-18. they don't have one internal & without a trade for Trouba or Faulk. Stone or Franson appear to be he best options. I like Stone's upside as he's 2 years younger.
Gagne was a reach but, I don't see anyone giving him 4 million. Maybe 3 @ 3-3.5. Him taking a 2 or another 1 year deal with a good team that fits his style of play could create a windfall in 2 years as a UFA at 29 or 28 with 2- 3 solid seasons. His value on the PP and playing up and down all 4 lines at C & RW could be huge for NYR, even with his defensive deficiencies.

he's off the board 3 years @3.5 to the Flames.