In terms of rebuilding, the New York Rangers are taking the long term path that requires ample patience. There is nothing wrong per se with taking multiple years to overhaul the roster and set the organization up for long-term success through drafting well and acquiring reclamation projects.
However, the players caught in limbo by the organization’s plan need to be handled properly. So far, this has meant dealing away veterans on expiring or soon to be expiring contracts. This was textbook asset management from Rangers’ general manager Jeff Gorton, a successful executive cannot just let a player walk away for nothing in free agency come July 1st.