Quoting: Ledge_And_Dairy
Many things I don't agree with here or just dont really get your argument.
Being good with the NHL depth on defense does not mean you don't want to improve it.
Lundkvist has come out and said he will not be attending camp so no he doesn't have a chance at the 3LD role.
I don't see how the waiver exempt part is relevant since Jones is exempt and clearly less proven. And the cost difference also shouldn't be particularly relevant either
"Being good with the NHL depth on defense does not mean you don't want to improve it."
The priority is spending resources on center depth, not LHD. Sandin will block other cheap highly rated prospects
"Lundkvist has come out and said he will not be attending camp so no he doesn't have a chance at the 3LD role."
He had the chance to compete but chose to forgo it. Something that points to why he will not be happy on another team in a diminished role.
"I don't see how the waiver exempt part is relevant since Jones is exempt and clearly less proven. And the cost difference also shouldn't be particularly relevant either"
Rangers are in a cap crunch with many implications including cap growth at the trade deadline
Sandin was looking for guarantees about playing time and I guess you would say he definitely will be 3LD but that is not certain. He could be occupying a spot on the roster that would prevent other roster moves from happening during the season.