"Should’ve been Trouba first" "End of an error": NHL fans react as Rangers place buyout candidate Barclay Goodrow on waivers

The New York Rangers placed Barclay Goodrow on waivers on Tuesday to create cap space. The Rangers want to clear Goodrow's $3.64 million per year salary.

Goodrow has two Stanley Cups with the Lightning. He also helped New York reach the Eastern Conference Final twice. This season, he scored six goals and had two assists in 16 playoff games. However, his contract limited the Rangers' financial options.

Fans had mixed reactions when NHL insider Elliotte Friedman shared the news on X (formerly Twitter).

"End of an error," one fan wrote.

"Should’ve been Trouba first," another commented.

"You misspelled Jacob Trouba," a third fan said.

Fans were confused about the Rangers' decision to waive Goodrow.

"I have no idea how Drury does this. He was the second best forward on the roster during the playoffs. ... This is silly. I fear a big mistake," one X user said.

"Shows up in the playoffs anddddd he’s gone," Another fan added.

"What why? Waive Trouba out of all people," one fan tweeted

By placing Goodrow on waivers, the Rangers hope for more cap flexibility. If another team claims him, his entire cap charge will be off their books. If he clears waivers, they can move his contract to the minors. This would save them $1.15 million for now. They could also trade him later.

Another option is to buy him out. The buyout period starts 48 hours after the Stanley Cup Final and ends on June 30. This would give the Rangers a $247,222 cap credit for the first year. However, they would face a $1,002,778 dead cap charge next season. In 2026-27, the hit would be $3,502,778. Additionally, there would be a $1.111 million charge for the next three seasons.

New York Rangers extended Kaapo Kakko's contract for 2024 season

On June 13, the New York extended Kaapo Kakko's contract by one year. He will earn $2.4 million for the 2024 season. His new salary matches his qualifying offer. Kakko was drafted second overall by the Rangers in 2019. He had his best season in 2022-23 with 18 goals and 40 points.

This past season, he struggled and just had 19 points in 61 games. He scored one goal and one assist in 15 playoff games. This extension gives Kakko a chance to improve next year. It also provides cost certainty for the Rangers as free agency approaches on July 1.