On a hot summer day of 90-degree temperatures in the metro area, the Rangers made their first change of the off-season.

They placed Barclay Goodrow on waivers. The 31-year-old forward was deemed expendable due to the $3.64 million cap hit that has three years remaining on.

Despite a good postseason in which he posted six goals with two assists to help the Rangers reach their second Eastern Conference Final in three years, the well-respected Goodrow can either be claimed or unclaimed. If he isn’t picked up, the buyout cost would be $6,666,667 over six years.

According to puckpedia.com, the Rangers would get a cap credit in Year 1. That’s due to the base salary ($5 million) being more than the cap hit ($3.64 million) in one year.

When the Rangers acquired the rights to Goodrow from the Lightning and then signed him back in the summer of 2021, they made the move due to what the versatile forward brought to the table. A gritty player who plays the game hard every shift, he added valuable experience, intangibles, and leadership to a team that needed it.

After hitting double digits in goals and going over 30 points over his first two seasons under former coach Gerard Gallant, Goodrow saw his role diminish under Peter Laviolette. He was used primarily as a checking center and key penalty killer. Laviolette even preferred matching the fourth line up against opponents’ top scoring lines.

However, even with Goodrow performing up to expectations in the Rangers’ run to the Conference Finals, where he scored three goals against the Panthers, his ice time didn’t increase at 5-on-5. That might’ve been a mistake. The fourth line provided more than the third line.

With Goodrow reduced to a fourth line center, the Rangers must’ve felt that the salary was too high to justify keeping him. A good player whose leadership definitely helped them in their two trips to the Final 4, Goodrow should draw some interest around the league. The Flyers and Sabres could be possibilities. They can use a high character locker room leader to help them reach the playoffs.

As far as a replacement goes, perhaps they’ll look in-house. Jonny Brodzinski, Matt Rempe, and Adam Edstrom are early candidates. Brodzinski proved that he could shift to center and play a fourth line role. Maybe he’ll get a closer look in training camp.

Rempe came up and brought a physical presence. His energy and enthusiasm, combined with his size and strength, made him a fan favorite. However, as he showed in limited duty, the 21-year-old forward can do more than deliver hits and fight. He’s a highly intelligent player who wants to stick. If his skating improves as be vowed on breakup day, who’s to say Rempe can’t win the job in September? I wouldn’t bet against him.

Edstrom was the other rookie who came up for a brief stint in 2023-24. For a big man, his skating was solid. He acquitted himself well. Unfortunately, he fell victim to the numbers game. Maybe by waiving Goodrow, it opens up a spot for Edstrom.

Filling the void left by Goodrow isn’t the only concern for the Rangers. They freed up necessary cap space to possibly add a scoring right wing. If the core isn’t changing, then Rangers team president and general manager Chris Drury has some more wiggle room to work with. It’s anyone’s guess what he’ll decide.

The off-season will include getting Braden Schneider re-signed. A bridge deal seems likely. Ryan Lindgren is the key restricted free agent who wants to remain a Blueshirt long-term. That’ll be an interesting decision.

It remains to be seen if Jacob Trouba will get moved. His no-movement clause becomes a moderated one on July 1st. That’s when he’ll select 15 teams on his no trade list.

With the Stanley Cup almost certain to end tonight in Florida, then comes the off-season. If the Panthers do close out the Oilers in Game 5, things will move quickly. Even with the scorching hot weather.