In today's column, Larry Brooks, NY Post, reports that Dubinsky's asking price is north of $5million per year, which the New York Rangers are not willing to give him. The Rangers have the rest of the day to sign him before Thursday's salary-arbitration hearing, in which the Rangers are expected to ask for a one-year deal (they have an option to sign him to a one- or two-year contract).
Last season, Dubinsky, 26, led the Rangers in all offensive category's with 24 goals, 30 assists and 54 points. He also amassed 100-penalty minutes. He also led the team with two playoff goals and three playoff points in five games.
During tomorrow's hearing, Jeff Gorton, an Assistant GM for the Rangers, will present the Rangers' case with previous offers, and he is also expected to present several player comparisons.
Winnipeg Jets' forward and captain, Andrew Ladd is one player who may be brought up during tomorrow's discussion. Ladd, 26, led the Atlanta Thrashers in goals (29) and points last season (59), making him a strong comparison for Dubinsky. The Jets' recently re-signed Ladd to a five-year deal with an annual cap-hit of $4.4million, which is a price that the Rangers can afford if it becomes Dubinsky's rewarded salary.
In his column this morning, Brooks says that Anaheim Ducks winger Bobby Ryan is another possible comparison. Last season, Ryan scored 34 goals and 37 assists in 82 games for the Ducks. Last summer, Ryan was re-signed to a five-year deal with an annual cap-hit of $5.1million, which is reportedly Dubinsky's asking price. If Dubinsky is presented with this reward, the Rangers may have to move a player or two in order to accept the salary and still have a good amount of space for RFA winger Ryan Callahan.
Buffalo Sabres winger, Drew Stafford is another player who the Rangers will likely use as a comparison. Stafford, 25, scored 31 goals and 21 assists in 62 games last season, and Buffalo re-signed him to a four-year deal worth $4million per season.
If I had to predict how much money Dubinsky will be rewarded with, I'd say between $4.25-4.5million for one-year. Ladd and Stafford make excellent comparisons for the Rangers, as they play a similar style to Dubinsky and they recorded similar scoring stats in 2010-11. Dubinsky's camp might bring up Ryan, but I highly doubt the arbitrator will grant them a $5million contract.
In other news, the Rangers are closing in on a one-year deal worth $950,000 with defenseman Steve Eminger.
Follow me on twitter @NickPerriNYR. Contact me through email at nickpnyrwriter@gmail.com.
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