Is Brendan Shanahan Worth the Cost for the New York Rangers?

Should the Rangers re-sign Brendan Shanahan? To decide, we have to do a cost benefit analysis of the situation:

Benefits

Shanny would be great on the third line. He has more than adequate scoring for a third-liner, and his toughness and willingness to drop the gloves would be great.

He would also be a leader and an all-time great on the bench and on the ice for the Rangers. That sells tickets.

Costs

The roster is already too cramped for comfort. By signing Shanny, the Rangers would be robbing a young up-and-comer of the opportunity to develop at the NHL level.

I don't see the rangers winning the Cup this year—with or without Shanahan. If this is the case, then even if Shanahan pushes the Rangers past the second round for the first time in a million years, they shouldn't re-sign him.

If the ultimate goal is to build for the future and enable the Rangers to be contenders for a long period of time (like the Wings, Pens, Devils, Habs, Leafs, Oilers, etc.), then the Rangers need to give the young players a chance to play.

Let me know what you think.

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