The NHLPA released the dates for each restricted free agent's arbitration hearing yesterday, and on that list was Brandon Dubinsky, Ryan Callahan and Brian Boyle, all of which are obviously still unsigned. Arbitration always presents an awkward and uncomfortable situation for both sides, since it's the team's job to argue against the player in order to prove their case of why he is not worth what he wants. That sometimes results in sour feelings between the player and management, but that's how the system works and there is no getting around it.
The only possible way to avoid arbitration with one of your restricted free agents is to sign them prior to their hearing. That has yet to be the case for any of the Rangers' RFAs, and there's no sign that any of them will come to an agreement any time soon. The Rangers, though, will want to avoid arbitration at all costs, and here's why...
Brandon Dubinsky - July 21
With Brandon Dubinsky's hearing being the first of the three, there's more of a chance he actually enters into arbitration before a deal is met since they now have less than two weeks to get something done. I should remind you that Dubinsky led the entire Ranger squad in scoring last season, and that will do him wonders in his arbitration case. There's no questioning his value to the team and his contributions, especially since he is still young and on the rise. The Blueshirts will have a difficult time arguing against Dubi, and I think that will result in Brandon's award (determined by the arbitrator) to be a bit higher than GM Glen Sather would like to lock him up for.
Of course, the cap space is there and the Rangers will most likely to be able to afford whatever Brandon ends up being rewarded, but we know well that Slats is not very generous when it comes to his restricted free agents. I just think that if Dubinsky's situation is taken to arbitration,which I have a feeling it just might, the final decision will be in favor of him, not the Rangers.
Brian Boyle - July 25
Boyle is the only player of the three restricted free agents that I think there is a serious chance of the Blueshirts walking away from. Boyle was a surprise 20-goal scorer and contributed much more offensively than anyone expected last season. That right there equals money in the bank, which is exactly what the Rangers do not want to give him. Boyle needs to prove that he can have a stellar season like his last again and again - if he's a one-season wonder, the Rangers certainly don't want to be paying him a high salary.
Boyle is going to be awarded much more than he is worth if he ends up going to arbitration - mark my words - and he isn't a player that I want to see the team lose. But if he does go to arbitration, I think there is a good chance the Rangers may walk away.
Ryan Callahan - July 28
Let me start off by saying that I have a very good feeling Ryan Callahan will be signed before his arbitration date and that he and his agent only filed as part of the process. However, if the Rangers and Callahan end up having to go to arbitration, the team will have to fight against their future captain, and that's not a good thing by any means. Tearing him apart may create bad blood between the two and may even crush the possibility of Callahan even getting the "C" next season.
Plus, what bad can they say about him? He risks his body too much? It's a lose-lose situation if the Rangers have to go to arbitration with Cally.
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