The New York Rangers have not qualified defenseman Zac Jones or forward Arthur Kaliyev, making them both unrestricted free agents. Lucas Edmonds and Jake Leschyshyn did not receive qualifying offers either. All of Talyn Boyko, Will Cuylle, K’Andre Miller, Brendan Brisson, and Dylan Garand received qualifying offers, extending their stays in New York for at least a little longer.
Qualifying offers prevent players who are arbitration eligible from receiving offer sheets, so that protects Miller. Naturally only Cuylle is a real offer sheet risk, but the risk may be a tad overstated.
It’s worth noting that there’s a solid chance Jones didn’t want to re-sign with the Rangers, having voiced his frustration over his playing time. Jones was healthy scratched repeatedly over the last few seasons despite having objectively better numbers than at least half the defensemen dressing on a regular basis. Can’t really blame him for wanting a fresh start.
Whichever team signs him will be getting a solid player who has earned more playing time to show he belongs.
