The implication is hugely different.
(For simplicity let's assume Strome is the last player they need to sign and the roster is as indicated on CF.)
Rangers could sign Strome for just under 7M this year (obviously they won't sign him to anywhere near that) and be cap-compliant, although right up to the max they can go to.
Then, the only way they are faced with cap-repercussions next season, is if their young players earn more than 3.95M in bonuses. The difference, upwards of 6.11M, would then be an actual penalty next season.
If, however, the Rangers were to sign Strome to that 4.5M walk-away-zone, then they are obviously cap-compliant this year and only face cap-penalty next season if their young players earn ~7M of their 10M bonuses.
And then of course next season the Rangers lose nearly 15M on cap simply due to Smith's contract expiring, Lundqvist, Shatternkirk and Spooner's buyout differences so they certainly have no cap-concerns next season unless they get 3 of the 4 top UFAs pretty much.
Last edited by Oling_Roachinen; 11-03-2020 at 01:46 PM.
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