I would be shocked if Ranger management hasn't already made it clear to both Girardi and Staal that neither one of them figures in the Rangers plans moving forward. The fact that AV referred to these playoffs as one last kick at the can for this group only certifies it stronger for me. I believed at the time that the deal for his brother was a parting gift to Staal. There is going to be turnover. The question is, will it go beyond the obvious - Nash, the Staals, Girardi, Moore and Boyle. Could players like Brassard, Klein..possibly Hayes, also get moved?
I said this as well. Not only was it a parting gift but it was also to get Marc going. Marc being homegrown made this make even more sense.
I think at this point the older guys with currently-active big contracts know their time is up on this team. That means ALL of Staal, Girardi, Nash, and Glass (considering his position and point output) are all on the hot seat. Honestly, I think we get better returns than we think.
Girardi can be traded with $1M retained to a team desperate for defense (Boston or Colorado come to mind). Could easily return a 2nd/3rd and a throwaway prospect, maybe another bad contract (Jason Pominville?)
Staal can be traded for a 2nd, prospect, and low end replacement roster player. Add in $1M retained and that trade becomes a 1st, Up and coming player (Nichushkin), and a prospect.
Nash could be traded for a 2nd, 4th, and prospect/roster player. Retain $1.8M and that easily becomes a 1st, 3rd, and up and coming prospective roster player
Glass could easily be traded with his play improving this year for a 5th
Those are still decent returns. It would have been better to do this at the deadline but it is what it is at this point.
The others with expiring contracts will walk:
Dan Boyle
Dom Moore
Eric Staal
The only question mark at this point is Yandle. it's up to the team to decide if they want to keep him or if they trade his rights for a 5th and someone gives him an 8 year deal.