This series examines the free agent scenarios of New York Rangers players who are currently out of contract. Today we examine restricted free agents Justin Soryal & Brodie Dupont.
Justin Soryal, Left Wing
Reasons to stay – If offered a contract, it would be sensible to re-sign, as Soryal’s numbers might not float him to a new pro hockey destination. As a restricted free agent, has very little bargaining power.
Reasons to leave – Considering retirement from hockey. Thinks he can get a better deal from another team.
Analysis – Soryal, 23, is currently a fringe player in the Rangers’ organization. He is a very hard character and handles part of the policing duties on the Wolf Pack/Whale. In his 3 AHL pro seasons, Soryal has been unable to match his best scoring numbers from his junior days at Peterboro. It seems the hope here, as it is with DiDomete, was that Soryal would not only bring his toughness from junior but also some of his offensive ability. In 3 seasons with the Wolf Pack/Whale (189 games) Soryal has managed a total of 11 goals, 14 assists for 25 points and 493 minutes in penalties. Soryal was a scratch in 5 of his club’s 6 Calder Cup Finals matches this year.
Speculation – If the Rangers believe that Soryal can develop enough to contribute more offensively and/or that he is a must have as an enforcer Soryal will be offered a contract. If the Rangers feel they have many redundancies in the enforcer department, Soryal may be allowed to remain a free agent as a means of releasing him from the club. Soryal gets offered either a one year contract, or isn’t offered a contract at all.
Brodie Dupont, Center/Left Wing
Reasons to stay – At 24, Dupont is a mainstay player for the Rangers’ AHL affiliate. His AHL salary at the end of his contract was $75K/year, this is a good real-world salary. Got his first game with the parent club during the Rangers’ winter injury difficulties. As restricted free agent he has little bargaining power.
Reasons to leave – Has toiled on the farm for 4 seasons and only has one NHL game to show for it. Thinks he can get a better deal from another club.
Analysis – Has played 297 games for the Wolf Pack/Whale posting numbers of 58 goals, 90 assists for 148 points with 389 minutes in penalties. With AHL goal totals in the range of 9-18 and points in the range of 22-45, Dupont has established himself as a gritty and consistent player who can make decent offensive contributions. Played in all 6 of the Whale's Calder Cup Finals matches. Seems to have the confidence of management going forward as he got his first NHL game this last season. Essentially the club likes Dupont’s work rate, scoring, and consistency.
Speculation – Dupont will likely be offered the same contract or one with a slight AHL raise. The deal must be two-way and will likely have no increase for the NHL salary level. I expect Dupont will be offered a deal for 2-3 years duration.
Tomorrow's segment will have a look at the free agent scenarios of RFAs John Mitchell & Tyson Dowzak.
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