Tony DeAngelo and Brendan Lemieux are the Rangers remaining unsigned RFA’s. Neither has any arbitration rights but claiming they have no leverage because of that is erroneous. In truth, both are not dealing from a position of strength, but they can make one play that neither side wants… a hold out.
What We Know
- The Rangers sent qualifying offers to both RFA’s
- Tony DeAngelo liked a tweet (since removed) stating he wouldn’t play for $1M (basically his qualifying offer)
- Claude Lemieux (Brendan’s dad and agent) told Forever Blueshirts that both sides have spoken but are not close to a deal
- A source close to the situation said all parties would like to work out at least 2 year bridge deals
This Could Take Awhile
It doesn’t take an insider to know that no one wants a hold out.