There has been speculation about how the New York Rangers would use compliance buyouts if they are made available. The easy choice would be Henrik Lundqvist, freeing up $8.5 million in cap space. The idea of buying out one of the greatest ever don the Rangers uniform would be harsh, but could be chalked up to the realities of business. If there are two compliance buyouts, add Marc Staal or Brendan Smith to the list.
Compliance buyouts are also known as amnesty buyouts and have been used once before. After the 2012-13 lockout, teams were allowed to buy out two players, paying them two-thirds of the remaining value of their contract over twice the remaining length of the contract.