Barclay Goodrow, a forward and two-time Stanley Cup winner, has been dismissed by the New York Rangers.
On June 18, the Rangers placed Goodrow on waivers in an apparent attempt to avoid paying the NHL salary cap. Goodrow’s entire salary cap impact transfers to the next team if he is claimed. However, the Rangers will have the opportunity to purchase the remaining seasons of his contract when the buyout window begins, which occurs 48 hours following the conclusion of the Stanley Cup Finals, assuming he remains unclaimed.
Goodrow has three years remaining on his six-year contract worth $21.85 million, with an annual salary of $3.64 million. He signed this contract on July 22, 2021.
If the Rangers decide to buy out Goodrow’s contract, they would receive a $247,000 cap credit next season, as reported by PuckPedia.
Following the cap credit next season, the Rangers would face a $1 million cap hit in the 2025-26 season, a $3.5 million cap hit in the 2026-27 season, and a $1.11 million cap hit in each of the three subsequent years.
After being acquired by the Tampa Bay Lightning on February 24, 2020, at the trade deadline, Goodrow went on to win two Stanley Cups with the franchise in 2020 and 2021. He signed with the Rangers in free agency after leaving the franchise in the wake of back-to-back Stanley Cup victories.
Goodrow had a difficult season with New York, managing only 4 goals and 8 assists for a total of 12 points in 80 games. However, in 16 playoff games, he added 6 goals and 2 assists for a total of 8 points.
Rangers GM Says Nothing Is Off the Table
After the Florida Panthers eliminated New York in the Eastern Conference finals, Rangers general manager Chris Drury indicated that all options were being considered.
“We’re exploring a lot of different avenues,” Drury told reporters on June 7, according to The New York Post. “There are various ways to achieve our goals. In my view, nothing is off the table. We’re focused on improving and striving to reach the ultimate goal. We’re currently in the middle of that process, figuring out our next steps and what actions we can take to get better.”
New York was seeking ways to enhance their roster, and buying out Goodrow could be the first move in that direction.
“We’re looking at a lot of different options,” Drury said. “Some internal, some external, whether it’s through trade or free agency. For me, Mika [Zibanejad] and Chris [Kreider] are terrific players who can drive a line on their own. We’re going to continue to explore and try to find someone who could be a good fit for them.”
New York enters the offseason with just over $9 million in cap space, according to CapFriendly.
Jacob Trouba Another Potential Buyout Candidate
New York defenseman Jacob Trouba has also been considered a potential buyout candidate.
Trouba has two years remaining on the seven-year, $56 million contract he signed in 2019. However, the defenseman faced challenges both towards the end of the season and during the playoffs.
Trouba recorded 3 goals and 19 assists for a total of 22 points in 69 regular season games this past year, while contributing 1 goal and 6 assists for 7 points in 16 playoff games.