If Arizona put its unprotected 24 1st on the table they could aim much higher than Laf, and I like Laf

4.2 probably gets it done for laf tbh

There are better uses of your 2024 1st (but knowing how Arizona drafts maybe not.... Maveric Lamoureux)

Definitely gonna be a top 5 pick

Wasn't a top 5 pick this year, so can't just assume.

And they have prospects finally starting to trickle in, not to mention a very good head coach.

I don't think they make the playoffs, but I can totally see them starting to right the ship and playing decently. And with the west not being super deep, who knows where they finish

Nah. Has to be the higher tier or the Rangers 100% match. They'd move Goodrow (with whatever cost) just to match it. They're not gonna let Laf go for a 2nd.

Moving Goodrow is an option but one I think the Rags do not want to make. Another part of the calculus is the terrible player development system, trading for talent may be what NYR needs to do. I agree that a 2nd for a one-year offer sheet is something that could be matched with some work and a cost that NYR would be willing to spend. Turn that into a 4.28MM/4-year offer sheet and that changes the dynamic for all of the signings and long-term progress planning moves they will need to make. AZ can make the gamble right now but I am not so sure that NYR can.

I have confidence that they would still match that. And yes to your point they don't want to move Goodrow, it's why they haven't done so, but given the ultimatum between him or Lafreniere, they would still pick Lafreniere and bite the bullet on moving Goodrow. I think in the multiyear scenario you proposed, the Rangers would have to move Trouba next summer, even with the cap going up.