Okay, let’s not beat around the bush. We’re talking about Auston Matthews. He’s one of the best players in the NHL and is a game changer. He’s the kind of player the New York Rangers have not had in their lineup since Mark Messier in his prime (sorry Jags).
Can the Rangers buck the rest of the league and steal a generational player from an original six team?
First, it must be made absolutely clear that the compensation for signing a Group 2 restricted free agent is punitive and it increases based on the salary offered. Here are the rules regarding compensation:
OFFER SHEET COMPENSATION
$1,110,249 or below: None
Over $1,110,249 to $1,682,194: Third Round
Over $1,682,194 to $3,364,391: Second Round
Over $3,364,391 to $5,046,585: First Round and Third Round
Over $5,046,585 to $6,728,781: First Round, Second Round, and Third
Round
Over $6,728,781 to $8,410,976: Two First Rounds, Second Round, and
Third Round
Over $8,410,976: Four First Rounds
What makes a potential play for Auston Matthews possible is that the timing is perfect because Toronto is up against the salary cap, big time.