In anticipation of tomorrow’s noon opening of the NHL free agent market, the Rangers began negotiations aimed at keeping impending free agent enforcer Jody Shelley in New York and off the market. General manager Glen Sather is believed to have offered Shelley, who earned $725,000 last year, a two-deal deal in the neighborhood of $850,000 per.
Erik Christensen, the mid-season waiver acquisition from the Ducks who worked his way onto the first line centering Marian Gaborik, rejected a two-year offer believed worth $750,000 per and will become a free agent following the Blueshirts’ decision not to give him a qualifying offer.
The Rangers placed Donald Brashear, Aaron Voros and Patrick Rissmiller on waivers yesterday, but they have no intention of buying out any of their contracts should they clear. Buyouts count against the cap.
The Blueshirts’ priority tomorrow will be to sign a backup goaltender who is ready, willing and able to play 15-18 games in support of Henrik Lundqvist. Martin Biron and Johan Hedberg would be prime candidates.