Understanding NHL roster construction is a challenge comparable to open heart surgery. There are lots of moving parts surrounding what the person is trying to do, that if messed up could throw the whole system into disarray. For an NHL general manager, the players on a roster are the different systems within the human body.
Right now, the New York Rangers are an extremely sick patient with rotting off parts. Of course, instead of infectious diseases, these are players on expiring contract on the verge of being an unrestricted free agent. This is where a G.M needs to decide whether or not a piece belongs with the team based on the long-term direction.