The 26-year-old defenseman would benefit from negotiating a new contract one year ahead of unrestricted free agency, as a new CBA will be in place and could affect contract length and front-loading that would most likely cost the blueliner millions of dollars.
The Post notes that unlike a potential trade with the Columbus Blue Jackets for forward Rick Nash, only a few untouchables would remain in the Rangers' lineup, which include goaltender Henrik Lundqvist, Ryan McDonagh, Ryan Callahan, Dan Girardi and Chris Kreider as well as Brad Richards and Marian Gaborik, who have no-move or no-trade clauses in their contracts.
Weber is likely to command a heftier contract that the one former defense partner Ryan Suter signed with the Minnesota Wild.
The Post suggests Weber could sign a 14-year contract worth in between $112 million and $119 million, front-loaded for the first nine seasons with $1 million per in each of the last five years, for an annual cap hit of between $8 million and $8.5 million.
Although the Rangers have been looking to boost their offense, especially since their elimination from the Eastern Finals this spring, they could do so by having Weber as a powerplay quarterback.
The star defenseman was on for 47 of the 54 goals the Predators collected on the man-advantage. He posted 19 goals and 30 assists for 49 points in 78 games last season.
