Rangers Analysis: What if Redden Played Well?

Just something quick for you hockey deprived Ranger fans to discuss on this beautiful Sunday. Our good friend Larry Brooks updated his Slap Shots blog this morning - which means controversy galore - and of course presented readers with a thought provoking situation. I quoted portions of his story below.

There's no doubt the plan calls for Redden to be waived at some point during camp so his $6.5 million albatross of a cap hit can be removed from the ledger when the season commences, no doubt whatsoever.

And what if Redden, who knows his NHL career is on the line here, who knows that if he is waived through the league in September he will never get back, what if Redden plays assertive, sharp hockey beginning with the first scrimmage and maintains his level? What if Redden outplays just about every defenseman in camp?

Then the Rangers will be in a state of severe stress. Then, incorporating that $6.5 million onto the season cap would mean that Sather would have to slash the roster in order to leave enough space to match on Staal, who at that point would become a very inviting target for an offer sheet.