Bickel will at least get Joel Ward money. There are precedents set, and it is what sets market value. When a team overpays, new precedents are set (one of the reasons why the Vanek contract was such a big deal, as it eliminated the second contract).
Most agents have a legal background, and so do some GMs, so it isn't an uncommon practice to see players get similar contracts based on what others received. A player like Bickel will have plenty of suitors, and this is where precedents gets broken, as Joel Ward money will be the low end for him, and then you have the bidding war. Signing Bonuses, contract structure, and no move, no trade clauses are used to sweeten the deals alongside money.
Now if the Rangers could replace Pyatt and Asham with size, grit, actual toughness, and penalty killers, you have a team that jumps into the 4-5 slot in the East without question. Shore up the PP with a solid PK, then you might have a division winner. The Rangers don't need a rebuild, but just to tweak role players, and shore up the special teams.
