Tells me 2 things: 1. They couldn't agree on a long term deal to buy out UFA years, so they said let's get 1 year locked up and go from there. AND/OR 2. They know the Rangers can't afford a cap hit in the 4's or low 5's for Zucc this upcoming season, so they said let's settle on this now, and in Jan we'll sign you for something in the 4's per season for 3 or 4 years (Zucc cannot sign a new deal until after Jan 1). Also gives us 3 months to see if this past season was for real with Zucc. After this we have about 8.8 mill left. Figure around 2.5 for CK. 1.2 for Moore. 4.5 for Brass. Leaves us with maybe 500 K to 1 mill left under the cap +/- depending on which players we fill out the roster with.
Wasnt expecting a one year deal but glad to see we are done at 3.5 and will surely try to work out longer term after Jan 1 if Zucc continues to play well. That extra million might be very important down the line if they move Klein or something... I would actually like to see the same thing with Brass, but doubt we get that lucky..... Surprised to see Zucc get done before Krieder though.
That number is pretty fair for both sides, he triples his salary after a solid year. He's not worth 4.5, yet at least.
I do not know if he'll ever get straightened out, but if he does he'll definitely go back to test the market. It's a move that works for both sides. He'll prolly test the market anyway.