Brian Boyle and Dominic Moore are two key free agents Glen Sather faces challenging decisions on this offseason.
AP Photo/Kathy Willens

Amazingly, it’s a week since the Rangers lost a classic Game 5 in double overtime to the Stanley Cup champion Kings. Hard as it is to believe, they were one shot away from extending a hard fought series back to Madison Square Garden. Had they been able to, no one knows what might’ve happened. Perhaps they would’ve forced a Game 7 at Staples Center. Instead, unlikely hero Alec Martinez closed it out allowing Los Angeles to win a second Cup in three years.

In the aftermath, a downcast Blueshirts were left to ponder what could’ve been. They gave everything during what was a great run. In delivering the franchise’s first Eastern Conference Championship since 1994, pride was restored. On the strength of Henrik Lundqvist, they now know what it takes to get there. What remains to be seen is who might leave due to free agency and how it will impact them long term.

Over the next two weeks, Rangers architect Glen Sather faces crucial decisions on potential UFA’s Brian Boyle and Anton Stralman. Both had strong postseasons which will result in plenty of suitors on July 1. Each could wind up with big paydays. The question is will either take a home discount to stay? It seems highly unlikely especially for Boyle, who might even command an average of $3 million over three to four years. The hard checker who became a fixture on the penalty kill will want a larger role. If he goes, he’ll be hard to replace.

The same can be echoed for the underrated Stralman, who continued his meteoric rise as a reliable top four defenseman capable of big minutes. One half of a consistent second pair that features potential 2015 unrestricted Marc Staal, Stralman’s steadiness makes him a candidate for teams to offer in the neighborhood of five years for a cap hit of approximately $5 million. Loose translation. Sather will be hard pressed to retain him. If he doesn’t, he’ll have to find a suitable replacement.

The first order of business is whether to use an amnesty buyout on Brad Richards. Richards had a nice bounce back season becoming the de facto captain following the trade of Ryan Callahan for Martin St. Louis. Enough can’t be said about Richards’ leadership. When they trailed the Penguins 3-1, he along with St. Louis held a team meeting reminding them how quickly a series can change. They were able to summon up the energy with fittingly Richards getting the series clincher. Sweet redemption for a prideful veteran who was benched last year.

Sather must also re-sign key Group II’s Derick Brassard, Chris Kreider, John Moore and Mats Zuccarello. He also must decide on Benoit Pouliot, who indicated that he wants to stay after having his best season playing with Brassard and Zuccarello on the third line. Versatile fourth liner Dominic Moore deserves to be rewarded following an inspirational season that will result in winning the Masterton Trophy for his perseverance after losing wife Katie to cancer. At worst, Slats needs to keep one half of Boyle or Moore with the latter being more affordable.

Daniel Carcillo is probably gone after Alain Vigneault didn’t play him following his suspension. He was a solid addition rewarding the Rangers with two goals in the playoffs including a big one against the Flyers. Raphael Diaz could still be brought back as a key extra blueliner. He filled in admirably when called upon. Justin Falk is also restricted.

With so much attention focused on the roster, it doesn’t leave much room to fill other holes. Of course, that hasn’t stopped Joe Thornton from preferring a trade to New York if he is asked to waive his no-trade clause. The playmaking top pivot has three years remaining at a whopping $6.75 million cap hit. Obviously, any potential deal would result in Sather shedding salary. A likely candidate could be Brassard if his demands aren’t met. Figure Slats to squeeze him in arbitration. With Thornton about to turn 35 and not having the best reputation, I’m not too keen on acquiring him. Especially with a potential reunion with Rick Nash. Our $7.8 million headache.

I’d prefer Sather attempt to bring back our core. If he loses key pieces, then let him get creative. It’s sure to be a tumultuous offseason. One which I’m dreading.