New York Rangers

Rangers to buy out Dan Girardi
June 14, 2017, 1:04 PM ET [413 Comments]
Jan Levine
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The Rangers have decided to buy out Dan Girardi from the last three years of his deal. In a decision that many of us thought might happen but several felt likely wouldn't occur, New York is buying out one of their veteran defensemen. Say what you will about G, who came to New York as an undrafted free agent, but he had the heart of a lion and warrior mentality, sacrificing his body for the good of the team.

Personally, I would have preferred if Marc Staal was bought out, but with one extra year on his deal and longer term for the buyout with slightly more money due, it's not surprising they decided to buy out Girardi. However, don't think for a minute that Staal is safe, as free agency and trades could result in a Staal buyout as well during the second buyout period. That period will occur if one of the team's restricted free agents elects to go to arbitration.

Some stats and quotes from management on G, from the team's press release:

Girardi, 33, skated in 788 career games with the Rangers, registering 46 goals and 184 assists for 230 points, along with a plus-54 rating and 275 penalty minutes. He ranks ninth on the Rangers’ all-time games played list, and he ranks fifth among Blueshirts defensemen in career games played, only trailing Harry Howell, Brian Leetch, Ron Greschner, and Jim Neilson. In addition, Girardi, who was signed by the Rangers as an undrafted free agent on July 1, 2006, appeared in more games with the Blueshirts than any other undrafted player in franchise history (among players who were eligible to be selected since the NHL Draft was implemented in 1963).

The 6-1, 212-pounder skated in 788 of 820 regular season games the Rangers played from the time he made his NHL debut on Jan. 27, 2007 through the end of the 2016-17 regular season (96.1%), including 651 of 656 regular season games the team played from Jan. 27, 2007 through the end of the 2014-15 regular season (99.2%). Girardi has skated in at least 80 games in seven seasons in his career, and he has played all 82 games of a season five times. Since the NHL implemented an 82-game schedule in 1995-96, Girardi and Brian Leetch are the only Rangers who have played all 82 games in five different seasons. Since he made his NHL debut, Girardi leads the NHL in blocked shots (1,691) and ranks fourth among NHL defensemen in games played (788).

Girardi skated in 122 career playoff games with the Rangers, registering six goals and 27 assists for 33 points, along with 36 penalty minutes. He is the franchise’s all-time leader in playoff games played (among skaters) and only trails Henrik Lundqvist (128) in career playoff appearances by a Ranger. Girardi also holds the franchise record (among skaters) in consecutive playoff games, as he skated in 109 consecutive playoff games with the Rangers from his NHL playoff debut in Game 1 of the Eastern Conference Quarterfinals against Atlanta in 2007 to Game 1 of the First Round against Pittsburgh in 2016.


“Dan’s contributions to the New York Rangers organization have been immeasurable,” Rangers President Glen Sather said. “He has been a role model through his relentless determination, giving everything he had to this organization both on and off the ice. He, Pam, Landon, and Shaye will always be a part of the Rangers family.”

“I would like to thank Dan for everything he has given of himself to the Rangers over 11 seasons,” GM Jeff Gorton said. “He has been one of the key contributors to our success over the past decade. We have the utmost respect for Dan and wish him all the best going forward.”


Girardi statement below. This move clearly had been in the works for while and does make you wonder why not ask him to waive his NMC, unless he preferred the buyout. Hopefully, he returns to the organization in the future.



I poured my heart and soul into this team for the past 11 seasons and I enjoyed every minute of it. I want to acknowledge that the Rangers are a first class organization who have always treated our players in a first class fashion. My family and I are most grateful for the way we have been treated during our stay in New York.


Dan Girardi's buyout cap hit, per @CapFriendly




In essence, it's 2017-18: $2.61M, 18-19: $3.61M, 19-20: $3.61M, 20-21: $1.11M, 21-22: $1.11M and 22-23: $1.11M. Girardi's contract was for three years left at $5.5 million per season. In the next three years, the cap savings ($5.5 million salary less dead can space) are $2.89 million next season and $1.89 million for each of the following two years. If Kevin Klein does retire, his $2.9 million becomes available. That salary combined with the G savings next season will more than be sufficient to fit in Brendan Smith's salary with some left over.

New York also can protect one more defenseman. If Nick Holden isn't protected, it's a pretty good indication that the Rangers hope he is the one taken and also could have a deal worked out with Vegas. If Holden is, then New York will have to scramble to find a match to avoid losing one Antti Raanta, Jesper Fast or Oscar Lindberg.

The wear and tear on Girardi took a toll on him and his game. I was all for the contract extension he signed, but his play rapidly declined from there. G might have been a solid third pairing d-man with sheltered minutes, but the Rangers were loathe to use him that way. Now, he will be a free agent and it will interesting to see where he lands or he retires. If he does retire, make him part of the organization ASAP. Initial reports are that he will not retire, if that is the case, look for several teams, including possibly Columbus (Torts' factor), Toronto (veteran mentor) and Chicago (third-pair, d-man), to have interest.

Girardi, thanks for the sacrifices you made to play daily and lunch pail mentality you brought nightly. More players on the team should endeavor to live up to the example you set on the ice. Good luck in the future.

More to come!!!!