While CBA talk rages on, the New York Rangers still have business to attend to with restricted free agent Michael Del Zotto.
Larry Brooks of the New York Post reports the Rangers and Del Zotto are still not close on a new deal for the 22 year-old defenseman.
The Blueshirts are believed to be offering a multi-year deal in the neighborhood of $2.2 million to $2.5 million per season to Del Zotto, who faces some urgency given the looming Sept. 15 shutdown of business and the possibility that less will be available under the cap under the next CBA.
Getting Del Zotto locked in now would also help the Rangers in case of a salary rollback is agreed to in the new CBA. Suddenly that $2.2 or $2.5 million is a lot lower.
Del Zotto emerged as a solid offensive weapon on the blue line for New York after racking up 41 points including 10 goals last year. At his age, getting a good deal locked in for him would be wise.