Rangers set to buy out remainder of Dan Girardi's contract
There’s a reason why the New York Rangers did not ask Dan Girardi to waive his no-move clause in order to be exposed for next week’s expansion draft. On Wednesday, the team announced it was buying out the 33-year-old’s defenseman’s contract.
“Dan’s contributions to the New York Rangers organization have been immeasurable,” Rangers President Glen Sather said. “He has been a role model through his relentless determination, giving everything he had to this organization both on and off the ice. He, Pam, Landon, and Shaye will always be a part of the Rangers family.”
“I would like to thank Dan for everything he has given of himself to the Rangers over 11 seasons,” Gorton said. “He has been one of the key contributors to our success over the past decade. We have the utmost respect for Dan and wish him all the best going forward.”
Girardi, who played 788 games over 11 seasons with the Rangers after going undrafted, released a statement of his own through the team.
How does this affect the Rangers’ salary cap picture now? Here’s the cap hit breakdown over the next six seasons via CapFriendly:
2017-18: $2.61M
2018-19: $3.61M
2019-20: $3.61M
2020-21: $1.11M
2021-22: $1.11M
2022-23: $1.11M
If Kevin Klein does indeed retire to go play in Europe, as the New York Post reported this week, that would open up around $6 million for Gorton to spend to upgrade the team’s blue line this summer.
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Sean Leahy is the associate editor for Puck Daddy on Yahoo Sports. Have a tip? Email him at puckdaddyblog@yahoo.com or follow him on Twitter! Follow @Sean_Leahy
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