Doubtful as Fast is UFA at seasons end.

If the team is interested, they may want a first crack at signing him; thereby including him in such a way only allows Calgary extra time and opportunity to sign him (and they actually DO have interest in him).

You don't really need to pay anything for that option. This sure doesn't look like a real rumor. If Gaudreau to NYR is a real rumor which I can understand, I doubt it will end up looking at all like this.

https://www.nhltraderumors.me/2020/07/rumor-ny-rangers-to-make-trade-offer.html

Okay. I don't run after every empty rumor, but this is one that was generated frequently during the regular season. In fact, on trade deadline day, it was the reason why his bathroom visit was widely speculated upon.

Gaudreau could be a pivotal addition; Georgiev (who adds to their much-needed goalie depth) and DeAngelo (who takes both the offensive responsibility from Hanafin and perfectly supplants the three defenders they're going to lose in free agency) are solid players, whose AAVs will be better fits, as well as Fast.

This deal might very well include Howden, who seems to be a misfit in the Rangers' overall plan.

As I suspected, a CBO will be made available, which could see either Marc Staal or Brendan Smith be released. I added Forbort, who could be a either a 6th or 7th defenseman brought in at low cost.