New York Rangers: Better Know a Ranger on the Bubble - Enver Lisin

Enver Lisin’s $790,000 contract with the New York Rangers has expired. He is now a restricted free agent.

In his first full season with the New York Rangers, Lisin managed 6 goals and 8 assists in 57 games for 14 points. With only 18 minutes in penalties, Lisin did a good job of staying out of the penalty box. The speedy right wing has promise to spare, occasionally dazzling with his blazing pace and stick-handling ability. Some concerns stem from Lisin’s lack of offensive production and his lack of consistency in his most recent big chance on the NHL stage.

Prediction:

The Rangers would like to retain Lisin, if only because the club’s depth chart is so thin at right wing. However, if Lisin and his agent are unwilling to consider a two-way contract (at the tender age of 24, Lisin could benefit from a couple of good years in the AHL), or ask for a significant raise beyond his last contracted salary. Lisin and the Rangers may just as easily decide to part ways. The Rangers possess the bargaining leverage as young Dale Weise seems like he might soon be ready to make the leap to Broadway. Lisin’s agent should be mindful that Weise is not only developing a consistent scoring touch in Hartford, but also has a rugged component to his game that Lisin does not seem to possess.

New York Rangers: Better Know a Ranger on the Bubble - Brandon Prust

Currently a restricted free agent, Brandon Prust made half a million dollars last year playing for the New York Rangers.

At the age of 26, Prust has newly come to the New York Rangers by way of Calgary. The trade sent underachievers Chris Higgins and Ales Kotalik to Alberta in return for Olli Jokinen and Prust.

A developing player with 115 NHL matches under his belt, Prust was given a chance to contribute...and contribute he did.

Prust’s game is simple and has few unnecessary parts in it. He works tirelessly, keeps his feet moving, delivers crunching body checks any chance he gets, and should someone in the lightweight to middleweight divisions get out of hand - keep the peace. Prust was assessed with 25 major penalties for fighting last season. Of those 25 times Prust bested his opponent or held his own 18 times (If you don’t believe me, check it out at hockeyfights.com). Prust took on the job of Sheriff of Rangertown after his predecessor, veteran tough guy Donald Brashear failed to keep the peace on Broadway. Prust sent the message that any grievous offenses against his Calgary and New York teammates would be unacceptable, with severe consequences for offenders.

In addition to the tough rugged game he plays, Prust also actually knows how to play hockey. Yes, hockey - skating, passing, and shooting. In his 26 matches with the Rangers, Prust scored 4 goals along with 5 assists for 9 points. Not bad for a tough guy. In addition, Prust finished +3 in plus minus, on a Ranger team that had a habit of bleeding goals at inopportune times.

Near the end of the season formed a potent checking line with Jody Shelley and rookie center Artem Anisimov that not only stayed the opposition, but also added goals. The Anisimov/Shelley/Prust line experiment was considered a limited success in a season where success often went wanting.

Prediction:

The Rangers opt to retain Prust.

The Rangers would be insane to not resign this player. Prust has proven his commitment to the Rangers, often with his own blood, bumps, and bruises. I believe that Prust would re-sign for a modest to decent raise, which I believe that he has earned. The bargaining leverage is a little bit in Prust’s favor as not only did he do very well in defending his teammates and add a bit of scoring, but that the Rangers don’t necessarily have a replacement enforcer on standby as Kris Newbury and Jody Shelley are also free agents with little organizational depth behind them in the tough guy department.

New York Rangers: Better Know a Ranger on the Bubble - Brodie Dupont

At the tender age of 23, Brodie Dupont’s career with the New York Rangers hockey club is at a crossroads. He is now a restricted free agent. His salary last year was $62,500.

What he’s done so far for the Rangers organization is to play three yeoman-like seasons for the Hartford Wolf Pack, the club’s AHL affiliate. He has played 225 matches for Hartford in the left wing position (Though he is able to, and has played at center), racking up 44 goals and 59 assists for 103 points. He has logged 311 minutes in penalties, which suggests that he has a reasonable amount of grit.

Prediction: Rangers retain Dupont

Although the Rangers have great depth at the center and left wing positions within the organization, Dupont seems to actually have a shot at making it in Manhattan. In addition, Dupont is a proven player at the AHL level where his contributions are consistent, as befits a professional player.

Dupont is going to want more money, so the Rangers will have to give it to him if they want him to stay. If Dupont demands a 1-way contract, all bets are off and Dupont will likely be cast adrift to be replaced by a forward from the new wave of entry-level talent who might fill in quite well at the AHL level once their amateur preparation is complete.