After reporting that the New York Rangers and RFA Marc Staal are "a chasm” away from striking an agreement with negotiations, Larry Brooks is now reporting that Staal has turned down a 4-year, $14-million offer from General Manager Glen Sather.
There is plenty of time for the Rangers to resolve the issue with Staal. Our information in this case is that the Blueshirts have made an equitable offer to the defenseman in the range of four years for $14 million, but that his agent — a fellow who once played named Bobby Orr — is seeking substantially more than that.
Absent arbitration rights, Staal’s only leverage would be to attract an offer sheet. Unless one comes in that is totally out of whack — remember, for all his admirable qualities, Staal does not have the puck-moving game that is most valued these days — the Rangers will match without blinking an eye, and everyone knows it.
There are rumors circulating that Staal is looking for a one-year deal, so that he will not lose his arbitration rights next year. Obviously, Sather wants to sign Staal for less than $4 million a year -- that’s apparent from the reported offer (a very fair offer, may I add) that Sather made earlier.
But it would not be insane to assume that Staal, and his agent, know that he would command more than the $3.5 million that he was offered in arbitration.
Obviously, that’s not what Brooks said above, but there is a chance that it’s either much more money or simply a one-year deal. You never know.
So while it’s unconfirmed, maybe Staal wants fewer years, not more money. Make sure to keep coming here for updates and always visit Blueshirt Banter for your in-depth Rangers news and analysis.