Friday, July 31, 2009
Dubinsky Update, Higgins Hits the Stage
"The Post has learned the team is in conversations with Dubinsky's representative regarding contracts of varying lengths, though neither party would characterize the state of the discussions that will accelerate upon the conclusion of Zherdev's final 96 hours."
As I have stated before, I feel Dubi will be signed once the whole Zherdev thing is settled, but until then, it is still up in the air. Read my post on Dubi from last week HERE.
Also, newly acquired Ranger, Chris Higgins participated in the 12 Angry Mascots Show at Comix Comedy Club last night. The Blueshirt Banter was there, and interviewed him after the show. I highly recommend reading the interview. Here is a portion of what Higgins had to say on stage, courtesy of Blueshirt Banter:
"Anyway onto Higgins: During the show he admitted to only having met two Rangers in person—Avery and Voros. Also in the interview—which is below the jump—Higgins also said he hasn’t met Tortorella yet but they have spoken on the phone. He also said that Lundqvist was the best goalie in the league and they would always have a shot with him in the pipes."
Make sure to check out my post about Zherdev's arbitration hearing (below) that I posted earlier in the day, if you have not done so just yet.
(Image courtesy of AP Photo)
Zherdev's Day Has Finally Come
Thursday, July 30, 2009
Around the NHL: Sergei Zubov to KHL
Cablevision to Spin Off MSG
Here is the quote from Bloomberg.com:
"Cablevision Systems Corp. said today it will spin off its Madison Square Garden assets, including the New York Knicks basketball team and Radio City Music Hall, sending the stock up as much as 14 percent.
Cablevision Chief Executive Officer James Dolan will become executive chairman of Madison Square Garden and keep his role as head of the New York-area cable-television provider, the company said today in a statement. Hank Ratner will lead Madison Square Garden."
Wednesday, July 29, 2009
THN Sets Rangers Lines for 2009-10
S. Avery - B. Dubinsky - M. Gaborik
C. Higgins - C. Drury - N. Zherdev
A. Kotalik - A. Anisimov - Ryan Callahan
D. Brashear - T. Arnason - P-A Parenteau
M. Staal - D. Girardi
M. Rozsival - W. Redden
M. Gilroy - B. Sanguinetti
H. Lundqvist
S. Valiquette
Alright, I will start with the offense, as that is where I notice the major problems. I agree with the Gaborik and Dubinsky pairing, but I do not think that Sean Avery will be the winger on that line. I would maybe lean more towards placing Callahan there instead. Now, if you look on the second line, you notice that Nikolai Zherdev is on the left wing. Well, it seems doubtful that we will keep Zherdev, simply because he will be too expensive. Now don't get me wrong, I would love to have Nik back, but he will be too much money for Slats to fit him in. If we were to miraculously keep Zherdev, then he is also a great option for the first wing, opposite Gaborik. Also, I believe that Drury will be playing with Kotalik, as they had decent chemistry beck in their Buffalo years together. Finally, the fourth line. I do not see Arnason and Parenteau making the team, but I do see Byers and Boyle obtaining those two fourth line spots, along with Brashear.
As far as the back end of the lineup goes, I have no problems. Gilroy will most likely be a definite for making the sixth pairing, and then Del Zotto and Sanguinetti will fight for that last spot on the blueline. Training Camp and pre-season will determine who gets the gig. Staal and Girardi should be played together for sure, as they were stellar in the playoffs, going against Washington's top line.
And then obviously Henrik Lundqvist and Steve Valiquette in goal. There are no ifs, ands or, buts about that.
So Hockey News, in my opinion, made the most mistakes when laying out the offense, but besides that, they were pretty spot on.
My Rangers Third Jersey Design
The third jerseys were done away with once the NHL switched to all Reebok sweaters two years ago, but just last year, teams started to bring them back. I have a feeling that the entire NHL will eventually add an alternate jersey to their arsenal, and that could happen within the next two seasons. If the Rangers were to bring the alternates back, they should let Sean Avery design it, he is a fashion professional after all. So without further or do, here is my third Jersey Design, which was also featured on the Manic Ranger (second jersey):
It is basically the current version of the former Navy Blue Liberty Jersey that the Rangers wore back in the day. I also wouldn't mind this design in a white jersey, because I was one of very few fans of the white liberty jerseys. Comment and tell me what you think.
Tuesday, July 28, 2009
Rangers Represented Well on USA U20 Team, Grachev?
Joel Lundqvist to Sweden
(Sent from my BlackBerry)
Monday, July 27, 2009
Rangers Sign Sam Klassen
ISS Scouting Report per Zipay:
"A late bloomer who plays both ends of the ice very well. Has impressed ISS scouts with his play. Developing into a very good two-way defenseman. Currently the Saskatoon Blades top pairing and plays against the other team's top line on a regular basis."
Klassen did take part in the Rangers Development Camp earlier this month, and must have caught the eyes of coaches, and Glen Sather. Sam is a defensive-defensemen and is not afraid to drop the gloves. Overall, I am liking all these signings of prospect defensemen, and we will have a great blueline down in Hartford for years to come.
(Photo courtesy of Liam Richards)
Zherdev Submits Arbitration Bid: $4.5 Million
Saturday, July 25, 2009
Rangers Current Cap Situation (UPDATE- Full Roster)
Gaborik- 7.5
Drury- 7.05
Kotalik- 3
Callahan- 2.3
Higgins- 2.25
Avery- 1.94
Brashear- 1.4
Voros- 1
Arnason- TBA
Lisin- .790
Redden- 6.5
Rozsival- 4
Girardi- 1.6
Staal- .830
Lundqvist- 6.88
Valiquette- .725
--------------------
Total Cap: 47.9
Cap Space: 8.89
Just something to look at for the weekend, but keep in mind, this is without any of our third paring defensemen, Dubinsky, Zherdev, Anisimov, fourth liners on the NHL roster. So that is about eight or nine positions that need to be filled with the remaining cap space.
UPDATE: Took my research a bit farther using Cap Geek, a tool that allows you too add/subtract players to the roster with their cap hits and more. So this tool is taking Cap Calculating to the next level.
Here is Cap Geek's Calculation of the below roster. I gave Dubinsky $2 million, as he will probably get something around there. (Cap Geek Automatically made the lines, that is not my doing)
FORWARDS
Marian Gaborik ($7.500m) / Chris Drury ($7.050m) / Ales Kotalik ($3.000m)
Ryan Callahan ($2.300m) / Chris Higgins ($2.250m) / * Brandon Dubinsky ($2.000m)
Sean Avery ($1.938m) / Donald Brashear ($1.400m) / Artem Anisimov ($0.822m)
Enver Lisin ($0.790m) / Brian Boyle ($0.525m) / Dane Byers ($0.500m)
DEFENSEMEN
Wade Redden ($6.500m) / Michal Rozsival ($5.000m)
Matt Gilroy ($1.750m) / Daniel Girardi ($1.550m)
Bobby Sanguinetti ($0.855m) / Marc Staal ($0.827m)
GOALTENDERS
Henrik Lundqvist ($6.875m) / Steve Valiquette ($0.725m)
ROSTER: 20; PAYROLL: $54.156m; CAP ROOM: $2.644m
Morris Signs With the Bruins
Friday, July 24, 2009
About that First Line Center...
Then comes the majority of the Blueshirt Faithful that feel Glen Sather needs to show off his trading talent by bringing in an accomplished center that way. From what I have heard, the Rangers have had talks with the Dallas Stars regarding 29 year-old center, Brad Richards. Richards recorded 16 goals and 32 assists for 48 points in 56 games played with the Dallas Stars last season. Based on that, you can tell that Brad's game is playmaking, and that is what the Rangers lost in Gomez, and possibly now Zherdev. If Richards played the full season last year, he was on pace to scoring somewhere between 20-25 goals and 50-55 assists, landing him around 70 points on the season. That is a decent improvement from Gomez, maybe not worth his 7.8 cap hit, but it is not horrendous. Plus, those numbers would inflate a bit when playing with Gaborik.
As far as making a deal for Richards, it was rumored that the Blueshirts had either Redden or Rozsival on the table, plus a prospect and a pick, maybe more/less. The fact that Slats had conversations with the Stars was confirmed by sources close to the Rangers, but what has not been confirmed is that it is a done deal. As I have stated before, my feeling is that all talk is on hold until the Zherdev situation is over, because Nik could become a key trading component, and maybe that is what Dallas wants.
Another player that was brought up as a possibility is Marc Savard of the Boston Bruins. The Bruins are currently in a Cap Dilemma and are looking to shed some salary. Getting rid of Savard would dump salary, but who would we have that they want that wouldn't be adding the salary back on? Noone.
So my thoughts are this. If Sather cannot find a way to trade for a first line center in a good deal that meant getting rid of Rozsival/Redden, then just let Dubinsky (once he is signed) play with Gaborik for this year, as that will help develop his game big time, and also let all the new rookies have a season under their belt, and then make a run for Savard or someone like him in free agency next summer. We are not making a legitimate run at the cup this season, so there is no reason to rush the process. Plus, you could always experiment with the players we have now, and then make a move at the trade deadline. But once again, I don't think that anything is happening until Zherdev's situation is settled in arbitration, which is next week.
(Photo courtesy of Getty Images)
Construction Day
Thanks for your cooperation.
Thursday, July 23, 2009
Avery Makes a Fashion Statement
Wednesday, July 22, 2009
Roenick: "Chelios Wants to Play in New York"
"Chelly wants to play until he's 50," Roenick said. "Chelly wants to play in New York, for the Rangers and Glen Sather. And I'll tell you this: No person had a bigger effect on my career."
Chelios, 47, filled the role of seventh defenseman for the Detroit Red Wings in the last two seasons. In 2008-09, Chelios only played in 28 games in the regular season, and six in the playoffs. It is a great accomplishment to be able to play a sport even at such an old age like Chris does, but the Rangers are in the process of a youth movement, and Chelios would not fit well in the lineup. Chelios is a great leader and personalityto have in the locker room, but that is about it. Chris' days are limited, and I don't believe that the fans of New York want to see those limited days spent here in New York.
Rangers have plenty of defensive depth in Del Zotto, Sanguinetti, McDonagh, Potter, Sauer, and Gilroy. So there is really no need to add a player that is way past his prime to the lineup. Thanks, but no thanks, Chris.
(Image courtesy of AP Photo)
What About Dubinsky?
After yesterday's signing of Enver Lisin, many began to worry why Dubi has yet to be re-signed by the Blueshirts. Well, I will present you with the most realistic situation to try and explain this puzzling situation. Dubinsky and his agent realize that the team needs a center to play with Gaborik, and Drury is not the favorite for that position, and that coming straight from Tortorella's mouth. They are also cognizant of the fact that Dubi's availability is always asked by General Managers when talking trade with Glen Sather, mainly because of the bulky potential and expectations that Brandon carries along with him. With all that said, Dubinsky and his agent are probably looking to make a bargain here and cash out for more than Sather would like. We know that Dubinsky rejected his qualifying offer, which is common among RFAs, but this has been on-going since then, and I believe that the Ryan Callahan contract changed the direction of conversation that Dubi's agent and Slats were having. Many will say, "Well how does a 41 point scorer bargain for a high-paying contract?". This is how.
Another situation, which is total speculation, is if Glen Sather was holding out to re-sign Brandon, and waiting for the Zherdev situation to be completed. If Sather ends up signing Zherdev and needs to trade him, which is likely to happen, Slats can then have a solid package of Zherdev and Dubinsky to ship away for a number one center in return. Slats would have a solid foundation for a trade with Dubi and Zherdev, and he would build on it from there, based on what the specific team's asking price was. This move would leave us with a decent center to compliment Gaborik, and it has been rumored that the Blueshirts were in search of just that.
Situation one, where Dubi and his agent try to cash out is the much more likely one. Sather has made a clear youth movement based on the moves he made, and I doubt he will go and trade one of our better youngsters that is talked so highly upon withing the organization. Dubinsky is a big part of this team's future plans, and Tortorella knows that, and always explains his liking for Brandon's game, and how he will turn him into the player he is expected to be. Yet another reason to keep him here.
In the end, Dubinsky will most likely be re-signed, and playing in a Ranger uniform next season. Worst comes to worse, another team gives Brandon an offer sheet, and Slats has to match/top it, but that is even doubtful. If Dubinsky was traded like my pure speculated theory above, the Blueshirt faithful would be irate, so I don't see that happening, just projecting a possible scenario. (Photo courtesy of Getty Images)
Tuesday, July 21, 2009
Rangers Sign Lisin
For more on Lisin, read last Monday's Post: http://www.rangerstribune.com/2009/07/more-on-enver-lisin.html
"Z" Situation Heats Up, Everything on Hold
Monday, July 20, 2009
Torts Sends Clear Messages, "Shut Up and Play"
Tortorella on Donald Brashear (NY Post): "I don't agree at all with what happened with Blair Betts. We all know that was wrong," Tortorella said of the blind-side hit to the head from the then-Washington winger that concussed the now former Rangers center and broke his orbital bone. "But . . . but . . . you also have to understand the situation that we're in now where we're looking to make changes on the hockey club and believe that Donald has a unique presence that will help us.
"I don't condone anyone trying to hurt another player. I don't know that's what happened with Bettsy, but if I ever think that Donald is trying to injure someone while he plays for the Rangers, that will be addressed.
"Things happen in hockey. We have to block out what happened to Blair Betts. The organization has to block it out," Tortorella said. "If any of our guys have an issue with Donald, then settle it like men, because they are going to be teammates and they are going to have to respect each other."
"I think Donald is a good enough skater that we'll be able to move him up and down our lineup depending on game situations," the head coach said. "He's an intimidating force with good enough hockey sense, who knows how to play on the defensive side of the puck.
"He's going to bring a certain demeanor to our team that we need a lot more of. We were too non-descript last year. I don't want a team that's non-descript. I want a team that has personality."
Tortorella on Team's Toughness (Newsday): "The time of trying to maneuver and whine behind people's backs is over," Tortorella told me this week. "Shut up and play."
Drury's reaction: "We're a soft team," he said. "I don't think we're physical enough on the ice, and I think [the players] want to have a say in what we do. And it's got to change. It's a disease if you let it go on."
"I think all the guys that are left appreciate what coach Tortorella wants to do," Drury said. He also knows what's coming in September. "Just from what I've been reading, I think this training camp is going to test us mentally and physically like we've never been tested before."
-----------------------------------------------------------
As you can see, Tortorella is not holding back from saying ANYTHING to these players. The head coach's messages are sharp and clear, leaving no questions from anyone. Players now know what is expected of them when they hit the ice in Camp in September.
I like that Torts addressed the whole "Brashear thing" the way he did, basically saying that players have to get over what Donald did to Betts, and learn to respect him as a teammate. Also, Tortorella made it clear that he will not stand for Brashear taking any of his usual cheap shots on opponents.
These are some of the best quotes from a Ranger Coach since Herb Brooks. "Shut up and play", gotta love it! Looking forward to the 09/10 post-game press conferences.
(Image courtesy of AP Photo)
Sunday, July 19, 2009
Dull Weekend, Another Video
Saturday, July 18, 2009
Hockey's Finest- Brandon Dubinsky Video
Just a video that I found Interesting and thought I should share with my readers on this Saturday, which probably will not hold much hockey news. Great video, now get Dubi re-signed! He is a great leader all around, and shows heart in every game, just as teammate Ryan Callahan. Both of these players should be Blueshirts for a very long time.
Friday, July 17, 2009
Shanny to Make a Return to the Blueshirts?
Thursday, July 16, 2009
Nigel Williams, Addition to Very Bright Future
"Williams possesses a big 6'4 225 lb frame. He has unusually good puck-handling and skating skills for a player of his size."
Fahey Traded for Williams/ Gaborik to Wear 10
Also, it was confirmed that newly acquired winger, Marian Gaborik will be wearing the number 10 with the Blueshirts.
Sullivan Confirmed
Cherepanov Case Ruled an Accident
"Cherepanov, a first-round New York Rangers draft pick in 2007, died after collapsing on the bench during an Oct. 13 game in Chekhov, a small city outside Moscow. Authorities say an autopsy showed he suffered from myocarditis, a condition that obstructed blood flow to his heart and other organs.
Investigators questioned Avangard's players, coach and doctors as well as other medical specialists after Cherepanov's parents suggested team doctors were negligent in allowing him to play hockey, the Investigative Committee said in a statement.
But doctors had no way of knowing about Cherepanov's condition, according to the statement — which seemed to lay more blame on Cherepanov than anyone else."
Wednesday, July 15, 2009
Sullivan to Join the Coaching Staff Next Season
As you know, Tortorella does not like more than two coaches on the bench at a time, so that means interim assistant coach, Jim Schoenfeld, will return to his main job as assistant General Manager. I felt like Schoenfeld did a solid job during his temporary position as assistant coach, and handled the defense well.
Sullivan
2009-10 Rangers Regular Season Schedule
Date--------------Away-----Home----Time
October 2010
Fri Oct 2, 2009 Rangers Penguins 7:30 PM
Sat Oct 3, 2009 Senators Rangers 7:00 PM
Mon Oct 5, 2009 Rangers Devils 7:00 PM
Thu Oct 8, 2009 Rangers Capitals 7:00 PM
Sun Oct 11, 2009 Ducks Rangers 5:00 PM
Mon Oct 12, 2009 Maple Leafs Rangers 7:00 PM
Wed Oct 14, 2009 Kings Rangers 7:00 PM
Sat Oct 17, 2009 Rangers Maple Leafs 7:00 PM
Mon Oct 19, 2009 Sharks Rangers 7:00 PM
Thu Oct 22, 2009 Devils Rangers 7:00 PM
Sat Oct 24, 2009 Rangers Canadiens 7:00 PM
Mon Oct 26, 2009 Coyotes Rangers 7:00 PM
Wed Oct 28, 2009 Rangers Islanders 7:00 PM
Fri Oct 30, 2009 Rangers Wild 8:00 PM
November 2010
Sun Nov 1, 2009 Bruins Rangers 1:00 PM
Tue Nov 3, 2009 Rangers Canucks 10:00 PM
Thu Nov 5, 2009 Rangers Oilers 9:30 PM
Sat Nov 7, 2009 Rangers Flames 10:00 PM
Thu Nov 12, 2009 Thrashers Rangers 7:00 PM
Sat Nov 14, 2009 Rangers Senators 7:00 PM
Tue Nov 17, 2009 Capitals Rangers 7:00 PM
Sat Nov 21, 2009 Panthers Rangers 7:00 PM
Mon Nov 23, 2009 Blue Jackets Rangers 7:00 PM
Wed Nov 25, 2009 Rangers Panthers 7:30 PM
Fri Nov 27, 2009 Rangers Lightning 7:30 PM
Sat Nov 28, 2009 Rangers Penguins 7:30 PM
Mon Nov 30, 2009 Penguins Rangers 7:00 PM
December 2010
Sat Dec 5, 2009 Rangers Sabres 7:00 PM
Sun Dec 6, 2009 Red Wings Rangers 7:00 PM
Wed Dec 9, 2009 Rangers Blackhawks 8:30 PM
Sat Dec 12, 2009 Sabres Rangers 7:00 PM
Mon Dec 14, 2009 Thrashers Rangers 7:00 PM
Wed Dec 16, 2009 Islanders Rangers 7:00 PM
Thu Dec 17, 2009 Rangers Islanders 7:00 PM
Sat Dec 19, 2009 Rangers Flyers 1:00 PM
Mon Dec 21, 2009 Rangers Hurricanes 7:00 PM
Wed Dec 23, 2009 Panthers Rangers 7:00 PM
Sat Dec 26, 2009 Islanders Rangers 7:00 PM
Wed Dec 30, 2009 Flyers Rangers 7:00 PM
Thu Dec 31, 2009 Rangers Hurricanes 8:00 PM
January 2010
Sat Jan 2, 2010 Hurricanes Rangers 1:00 PM
Mon Jan 4, 2010 Bruins Rangers 7:00 PM
Wed Jan 6, 2010 Stars Rangers 7:00 PM
Thu Jan 7, 2010 Rangers Thrashers 7:00 PM
Sat Jan 9, 2010 Rangers Bruins 1:00 PM
Tue Jan 12, 2010 Devils Rangers 7:00 PM
Thu Jan 14, 2010 Senators Rangers 7:00 PM
Sat Jan 16, 2010 Rangers Blues 8:00 PM
Sun Jan 17, 2010 Canadiens Rangers 7:00 PM
Tue Jan 19, 2010 Lightning Rangers 7:00 PM
Thu Jan 21, 2010 Rangers Flyers 7:00 PM
Sat Jan 23, 2010 Rangers Canadiens 7:00 PM
Mon Jan 25, 2010 Penguins Rangers 7:00 PM
Wed Jan 27, 2010 Hurricanes Rangers 7:00 PM
Sat Jan 30, 2010 Rangers Coyotes 8:00 PM
Sun Jan 31, 2010 Rangers Avalanche 8:00 PM
February 2010
Tue Feb 2, 2010 Rangers Kings 10:30 PM
Thu Feb 4, 2010 Capitals Rangers 7:00 PM
Sat Feb 6, 2010 Devils Rangers 7:00 PM
Wed Feb 10, 2010 Predators Rangers 7:00 PM
Fri Feb 12, 2010 Rangers Penguins 7:30 PM
Sun Feb 14, 2010 Lightning Rangers 1:00 PM
March 2010
Tue Mar 2, 2010 Rangers Senators 7:30 PM
Thu Mar 4, 2010 Penguins Rangers 7:00 PM
Sat Mar 6, 2010 Rangers Capitals 7:00 PM
Sun Mar 7, 2010 Sabres Rangers 7:00 PM
Wed Mar 10, 2010 Rangers Devils 7:00 PM
Fri Mar 12, 2010 Rangers Thrashers 7:30 PM
Sun Mar 14, 2010 Flyers Rangers 3:00 PM
Tue Mar 16, 2010 Canadiens Rangers 7:00 PM
Thu Mar 18, 2010 Blues Rangers 7:00 PM
Sun Mar 21, 2010 Rangers Bruins 3:00 PM
Wed Mar 24, 2010 Islanders Rangers 7:00 PM
Thu Mar 25, 2010 Rangers Devils 7:00 PM
Sat Mar 27, 2010 Rangers Maple Leafs 7:00 PM
Tue Mar 30, 2010 Rangers Islanders 7:00 PM
April 2010
Fri Apr 2, 2010 Rangers Lightning 7:30 PM
Sat Apr 3, 2010 Rangers Panthers 7:00 PM
Tue Apr 6, 2010 Rangers Sabres 7:00 PM
Wed Apr 7, 2010 Maple Leafs Rangers 7:00 PM
Fri Apr 9, 2010 Flyers Rangers 7:00 PM
Sun Apr 11, 2010 Rangers Flyers
Hawks Make Sharp Available, Rangers Interested?
Tuesday, July 14, 2009
Pre-Season Schedule Released
Sept. 15 Bruins at MSG, 7 p.m.
Sept. 16 Devils in Newark, 7
Sept. 18 Red Wings in Detroit, 7:30
Sept. 19 Bruins in Boston, 4 p.m.
Sept. 21 Red Wings at MSG, 7
Sept. 24 Capitals at MSG, 7
Sept. 27 Caps in D.C., noon
Regular Season schedule will be announced tomorrow.
Rangers Re-Sign Corey Potter
I feel that Potter will be a contender for a roster spot with the Rangers in the upcoming season, but he has some tough competition in Gilroy, Del Zotto, Sanguinetti, and Sauer. It all depends on his performance in training camp, and in the pre-season.
Rangers Showing Interest in Babchuk
Anton scored 16 goals and 19 assists for 35 points with Carolina last season. The 6-5, 212 pound blueliner would undoubtedly improve the Ranger powerplay with his slick offensive game, but there is still a lot of work that remains to be done on his defensive game. Could this be the puck moving defenseman the Blueshirts are seeking? Could be, but nothing is for sure.
More later....
Sent from my Verizon Wireless BlackBerry
Monday, July 13, 2009
More on Enver Lisin
Lisin, 23, skated in 48 games with Phoenix last season, registering 13 goals and eight assists for 21 points, along with 24 penalty minutes. He established career-highs in games played, goals, assists, points, penalty minutes, game-winning goals (two), and shots (105).
So Lisin had 13 goals in 48 games played last season with the Coyotes, as opposed to Korpedo's 6 goals in 68 games played. That is a major improvement, and this should not be a trade that is overlooked by fans. It would not surprise me to see Lisin get a spot on the 2009-10 Ranger roster. I believe Lisin is an RFA, so the Rangers brass will need to get this kid locked up before he actually plays for the Rangers.
Rangers Re-Sign Ryan Callahan
Callahan Re-Signed/ Korpikoski Traded
Also, Rangers traded forward Lauri Korpikoski to PHX for Enver Lisin, who I am hearing is a very fast. This is a good trade as we swap players that are about equal, but Korpedo has been rumored to go to Russia this season, so we might have lost him anyway.
More in a bit...
Sent from my Verizon Wireless BlackBerry
Henrik Lundqvist's Website
Check it out at: http://henrik-lundqvist.com/
A Portion of the Pre-Season Schedule Announced
-Sept. 18 Detroit Red Wings vs. New York Rangers at Joe Louis Arena, 7:30 p.m.
-Sept. 21 Detroit Red Wings at New York Rangers, 7 p.m.
Not to sure when the Rangers plan on announcing their full pre-season schedule, but the complete 82-game regular season schedule is going to be released sometime this Wednesday.
Sunday, July 12, 2009
Quiet Sunday....
As I reported yesterday, the Arbitration hearing dates were released; Thursday, July 23rd for Callahan and Friday, July 31st for Zherdev. So those are dates to look forward to, but I still think that Cally will be signed before the actual hearing. We are also waiting on the re-signing of Brandon Dubinsky, who also received a qualifying offer several weeks ago.
July Polling So Far
Which Blueshirt prospect most deserves to be included in the 2009-10 Ranger roster?
Evgeny Grachev 29votes
Artem Anisimov 31votes
Bobby Sanguinetti 8votes
Mike Del Zotto 7votes
Matt Gilroy 28votes
So as of now Artem Anisimov, Evgeny Grachev, and Matt Gilroy are three most favored prospects to make the team by the fans. I will say that I agree, as all three are ready for the NHL.
More Later, on this slow Sunday....
Saturday, July 11, 2009
Arbitration Dates Released
Will check in later....
Looks of the Lineup as of Now
Marian Gaborik - Brandon Dubinsky - Ryan Callahan
Christopher Higgins - Chris Drury - Ales Kotalik
Sean Avery - Artem Anisimov - Evgeny Grachev
Donald Brashear - Brian Boyle - Dane Byers
Marc Staal - Dan Girardi
Wade Redden - Michal Rozsival
Matt Gilroy - Bobby Sanguinetti/ Mike Del Zotto
Put it in any order you want, but I feel that this is how the lineup would fall as of now. Also, take notice of the option you have for the sixth defenseman. I feel that Gilroy will most likely be put right into the NHL roster because of age, skill, and the one-way contract. As for the sixth man, it is up in the air, but training camp will fill that spot.
The offense, in my opinion, has a bit more depth than last year. You obviously have Gaborik as your "top" scorer, who we can count on to accumulate between 35-45 goals (maybe more) if healthy. And then we have our 20 goal scorers. I will make a bit of a prediction here, but I believe that all of the following either are, can, or will be 20 goal scorers in the 2009-10 season; Brandon Dubinsky, Ales Kotalik, Chris Higgins, Chris Drury, Ryan Callahan, Artem Anisimov, Evgeny Grachev. So those seven players are the ones that I know can net 20+ goals this season, but I can't predict whether or not they will execute and accomplish that feat. If all of those players find the net like they should, we have seven players that can compliment Gaborik's scoring. That would provide supreme depth for this Blueshirt team.
This is all possible, and the fact that we have offensive-minded Tortorella as our coach only helps the matter. In a Tortorella system, he tries to get every ounce of production out of his players. Whether that happens or not, I can not control, but I still believe it is possible.
I know I am being very optimistic here, but with the young prospects coming up, and players looking to prove themselves in New York so they can stay, it gives fans like me much hope.
Friday, July 10, 2009
Torts on MSG/ Byers Re-Signs
In other news, the Blueshirts re-signed RFA forward Dane Byers. I am expecting Dane to compete for a fourth line roster spot this season. Having Byers and Brashear on the same line would be frightening for opponents.
Mara Signs with Habs
2009-10 Schedules
More later...
Thursday, July 9, 2009
More on Kotalik and the Signing
The 6-1, 227 pound right wing was born Jindr Hradec, Czech Republic and was drafted by the Sabres in 1998 NHL Entry Draft. Kotalik's best season was in 2005-06 when he scored 25 goals and 37 assists for 62 points. Since then Ales has been a somewhat consistent 20 goal scorer and 40 point producer.
A big reason that I feel Ales signed with Rangers was the fact that the hard-shooting forward played so many of his years with current Rangers forward, Chris Drury. I know that Drury had made a phone call to Kotalik last week, and I am sure it was to try and convince him to join the Blueshirts. Here is Sather's thoughts on the signing:
“Ales is a strong, hardworking player with good skating ability and a heavy shot,” stated Sather. “We think he will fit well into our system and will provide additional offense and scoring from the wing position.”
Rangers Sign Kotalik
I am hearing that the terms of the contract are 3 years at $3 million per. Decent signing by Slats. Kotalik will add to the team's scoring for sure.
More in a bit.....
Top 40 Remaining Free Agents
Forwards
Miroslav Satan
Robert Lang
Brendan Morrison
Jason Williams
Tom Kostopoulos
Maxin Afinogenov
Ales Kotalik
Petr Sykora
Todd Bertuzzi
Mike Grier
Rob Niedermayer
Alex Tanguay
Brendan Shanahan
P.J. Axelsson
Taylor Pyatt
Travis Moen
Andy Hilbert
Mike Comrie
Mats Sundin
Manny Malhotra
Defensemen
Martin Skoula
Mathieu Schneider
Sergei Zubov
Jay McKee
Derek Morris
Paul Mara
Nick Boynton
Darryl Sydor
Dennis Seidenberg
Marc-Andre Bergeron
Goaltenders
Martin Biron
Manny Fernandez
Martin Gerber
Olaf Kolzig
Yann Danis
Brent Johnson
Manny Legace
Antero Niitymaki
Joey MacDonald
Kevin Weekes
Wednesday, July 8, 2009
Boyle Signs with Rangers (UPDATE)
UPDATE: Boyle's contract is 2 years at $525,000 per. A paycut from his salary with the Kings.
Morris to Make a Return?
Tuesday, July 7, 2009
The Interview File: Andrew Gross on 2009-10 Rangers
Q: Before we get started, I would just like you to tell us a little bit about yourself, and how you became a beat writer for the New York Rangers.
A: I was first offered the beat in 2003 while working for Gannett Newspapers. At the time, I was covering St. John’s basketball and other college sports, in addition to plenty of Mets and Yankees games. To be honest, I had to be convinced to make the switch because my two daughters were very young. Turned out to be the best career move I’d ever made. Unfortunately, I decided to leave the beat in 2006 when an opening covering the Jets and the NFL became available since the flagging newspaper economy had sidelined me from traveling with the Rangers and it was driving me crazy missing half the games. I wound up leaving Gannett Newspapers in 2007 for The Bergen Record, though not specifically to cover the Rangers. Needless to say, I’m thrilled and grateful my new employers decided to put me back doing what I enjoy the most and in the manner that I prefer.
Q: What is your take on the Gomez trade, and was it a move, in your opinion, that needed to be made?
A: Taken on its own, I thought being able to trade Scott Gomez’s contract was a brilliant move by the Rangers’ brass. Gomez is a talented player but he’s not a true No. 1 center and the Rangers were financially hamstrung by paying two second-line centers - Chris Drury included - as if they were top-line talent. Without moving Gomez - or Drury, or Michal Rozsival, or Wade Redden - the Rangers would not have been able to start re-shaping their roster. Honestly, I’m still amazed Montreal GM Bob Gainey was willing to not only take on Gomez’s salary but actually give the Rangers back some useful parts in Christopher Higgins and a potential top four or even a top two defenseman in Ryan McDonagh.
Q: Do you feel that Gaborik was the best fit free agent out there for the Rangers, or was there a specific player that you would have liked Sather to sign, instead of Marian?
A: In terms of playing style, and assuming his health for now, Gaborik is a very good fit for what John Tortorella wants to do with the team. Because Gaborik is able to create space and, thus, his own plays often, it’s a very good fit considering the Rangers currently don’t have a No. 1 center. The trick will be getting Gaborik linemates who can skate with him.
Q: If you were Sather, would you have given Gaborik the contract that he did, considering Marian’s injury prone past?
A: Free agency, as we see each season, is all about overpaying to attract talent. Obviously, Sather overpaid for what could be seen as damaged goods. No doubt, though, Sather and company felt an absolute need to bring in an All-Star type scorer. They failed to convince the Senators to send Dany Heatley on the cheap so they were left to go shopping. There’s a very good chance the Gaborik contract becomes the same burden to the Rangers as was the Gomez one that Sather dealt in order to get Gaborik.
Q: Considering Marian Gaborik’s skill and what he has accomplished, do you believe that he can become the first Ranger to score 50+ goals in a single season since Jaromir Jagr?
A: Only if he has the right players around him. Unless you’re Wayne Gretzky or Mario Lemieux, you need considerable help from your teammates to achieve such lofty goals. Jagr surpassed 50 because he went on the ice, for the most part, with the same four teammates (including defensemen) each shift and everything was geared toward him. You saw Jagr’s production dip as soon as his support system eroded (and he hurt his shoulder). No doubt, Gaborik has the skill to score 50 again. But if you look at the history of the Rangers, that just seems to be a Herculean task to accomplish on Broadway.
Q: In your opinion, which current Ranger is most suited to center a line with Gaborik’s in the 2009-10 season?
A: If the Rangers don’t make any other moves this offseason, my opinion is he’ll start out with Chris Drury and wind up with Brandon Dubinsky. Eventually, though, I’d like to see what Artem Anisimov could do with Gaborik but it’s way too early to put Anisimov in that spot.
Q: Do you think that Donald Brashear is an upgrade, or a downgrade from former enforcer, Colton Orr? How so?
A: Based solely on fighting skills, Brashear is better than Orr. Brashear is also a better skater. Orr, though, didn’t have a knack for getting suspended and, for an enforcer, was a clean player. Brashear’s past argues otherwise. Most likely, Brashear will spend two seasons in New York as a marginalized player under Tortorella. I’m not saying I would have paid Colton Orr $4 million over four years to keep him (besides the fact it seemed Orr had his heart set on playing in Canada) but $1.4 million for Brashear is not likely to be money well spent.
Q: Which Blueshirt prospects do you think will make the team out of camp, and become a part of the 2009-10 Ranger roster?
A: In addition to Anisimov, mentioned above, I definitely look to Evgeny Grachev making the team out of training camp. His conditioning was a little off during the development camp but he hadn’t skated in over two months. As long as he shows he’s in proper NHL shape, he should be a very good addition to the roster. He’s a very fluid skater with a quick shot, plus he adds size. At least one of the Rangers’ defensemen prospects should make it, as well. Probably Bobby Sanguinetti, possibly Corey Potter, possibly Mike Sauer. I really like Michael Del Zotto and what he’s going to bring in terms of moving the puck but I suspect he’ll get one more season in juniors.
Q: Out of the current Rangers, who do you believe will be the “out of nowhere” producer for the Blueshirts this season?
A: I think either Grachev or Anisimov can be a solid NHL scorer. Also, I know he’s more of a veteran, but the Rangers obviously see something in Christopher Higgins in terms of his goal-scoring ability that he might not believe in yet. Plus, he’ll be in a contract year (again).
Q: Based on what you saw last season and what you expect from Tortorella’s training camp, do you believe that we will see great improvements in the games of Brandon Dubinsky and Ryan Callahan in the coming season.
A: Probably more so from Dubinsky and I mean that with all respect to Callahan. I believe Callahan is approaching the ceiling of what he’s going to be as an NHL player, and I’ll admit Callahan and Marc Staal are probably my two favorite Rangers’ skaters to watch. I love the energy Callahan brings to the forecheck. Dubinsky still seems to be finding his way and I think a season under Tortorella will help guide him.
Q: Do you think that with the addition of Gaborik, some pressure will be relieved from Henrik Lundqvist, knowing that there is a goal scorer on this team now, and he may not have to stand on his head to win the team so many 2-1 games anymore?
A: That’s the plan, and not just from Gaborik. Actually, there’s probably more pressure on Lundqvist under Tortorella’s system than there was under Renney. The Rangers were built to play 2-1 games under Renney and they evolved into a very cautious team. Under Tortorella, they’re going to be built to play a lot of 5-3 games and Lundqvist will wind up seeing more shots and, most likely, more breakaways and odd-man rushes.
Q: If things go as planned with the RFA situation, and Nik Zherdev returns to the team, do you expect a more consistent year from the young winger? And will he be a decent pairing with Marian Gaborik, being that Gaborik can play either LW or RW?
A: I’m convinced the odds of Nikolai Zherdev returning to the Rangers are very slim. He has no use for John Tortorella and I don’t think Tortorella has much use for him. The Rangers don’t want to pay him the $3.25 million they qualified him at, let alone any more. In arbitration, if the Rangers’ number is accepted, I’d expect Zherdev to return to Russia. If Zherdev’s number is accepted, I’d expect the Rangers to decline signing him, making him an unrestricted free agent.
Now I know it is still early in the off-season, and we haven’t gone through training camp or anything just yet, but I would like you to make some predictions for us as far as stats go.
Q: Who do you predict will lead the team in goals? Assists? Points?
A: If healthy, you have to pick Gaborik to lead the team in at least goals and points. Chris Drury will likely lead in assists.
Q: Will Henrik Lundqvist have a better or worse year stat wise, when comparing the upcoming season to the 08-09 season?
A: Lundqvist will probably have a worse year stat-wise just because the Rangers’ games will be more high-scoring. At the same time, Lundqvist will probably have a better season.
Q: While looking at the team on paper, are the Rangers of 2009-10, better or worse than the Rangers of 08-09?
A: Cop out answer but I really believe it’s too early to tell until Sather makes a few other moves, if he can. The myth would be just a season under Tortorella will make them better but that’s downplaying what Renney felt he had to accomplish with the team. He saw the roster (even if he had a large hand in shaping it) and saw it was not a goal-scoring machine so he played the defensive system he thought necessary. Tortorella is going to press the attack but his goal-scoring talent is only marginally better at this point.
Q: And finally, which current Rangers will be wearing the available A’s (Alternate Captain) on their jerseys come October?
A: I believe Ryan Callahan should get one A. Tortorella is likely going to want a veteran to also wear an A, though my personal second choice would be Marc Staal or Brandon Dubinsky. If you go the veteran route, Gaborik is probably in line given his importance to the team. I could also see Wade Redden getting an A, perhaps as a means to engaging him more emotionally.
Zherdev a Goner?
Monday, July 6, 2009
Rangers Sign RFA Chris Higgins (UPDATE)
UPDATE: Contract is for one year at $2.25 million.
Gaborik's Center of Attention
Sunday, July 5, 2009
Callahan and Zherdev File for Arbitration
Salary Arbitration Explained: When a player elects to file for arbitration, they feel that they deserve more money than what was listed in their Qualifying Offer. The team and the player continue to negotiate a salary by the arbitration date(July 20), but if they cannot come to terms, both the team and the player go to a hearing each with a suggested salary. The Arbitrator at the hearing then takes into consideration both offers and anything about the player from stats to injuries. Based on that information, the arbitrator determines a salary/contract for that player. The team then has the option to accept and sign the player, continue to negotiate, or to walk away and decline the contract. If the team walks, then the player becomes an unrestricted free-agent.
Should Another Move Be Made?
All this talk about the Rangers of 2009-10 being a fast, up-tempo, and offensive team, and all Sather has been acquiring is fourth liners in Arnason and Brashear. Gaborik has been the only real top six forward that we have acquired thus far. When you want to apply an up-tempo offensive system to a team, your top six group of forwards are extremely important.
Some names that have been thrown out there are Saku Koivu, Alex Tanguay, and possibly Phil Kessel. Fans are also looking for a way to rid themselves of either Redden's or Rozsival's contracts. Rozsival is the more likely one that Sather would be able to trade. Now, I just want to go back to Saku Koivu for a moment. Koivu has supposedly talked to 15 teams or more so far. Many of those probably made offers to him, so he is going to tell other teams to match the highest offer or he will go to the team willing to pay the most money for the longest term. As much as I would like Koivu to be a Ranger, I think he will end up being over-payed.
Phil Kessel makes sense to make a run in acquiring to me as well. Kessel, center, scored 36 goals with the Boston Bruins last season, and is a great player up the middle. The only problem is, Phil is a Restricted Free-Agent as of now, and the Bruins own his rights. That means that Sather would have to trade for his rights, so could this be our way to get rid of Rozsival? It is possible and can be done, but I am not sure if Boston is willing to trade the star center.
Overall, one more move would improve this team drastically depending on the player being brought in. Many say that Sather is not done, and Slats himself said if there is a player available to him, he will jump all over it. For now, we have to wait and see.
(Photos courtesy of habsinsideout.com and The Boston Herald)
Saturday, July 4, 2009
Interview Update
Just to keep you up to date, the progress of my interview with Andrew Gross is going as planned, I expect to have it posted up to the blog in the coming days. In the interview, I asked Andrew a lot about the 2009-10 Rangers, and what to expect. I also asked his opinion of Sather's recent moves in the 2009 off-season. Andrew is a great start to the interviewing feature on the Rangers Tribune, and we are thrilled to bring the opinion of "Ranger Insiders" to our readers here on the blog.
Friday, July 3, 2009
Rangers Sign Tyler Arnason/ Corey Locke
The Rangers have also signed Cory Locke, 25, who notched 25 goals and 54 assists with the Houston Aeros of the American Hockey League last season. My guess is that he will be used as depth for the Hartford Wolfpack. I don't see him as an NHL player.
New Monthly Poll
Is Sather capable of building this team into a true contender in 2009-10?
Yes- 18 votes(29%)
No- 29 votes(47%)
Not Sure- 15 votes(24%)
Total: 62 votes
So the majority of voters do not think that Sather is capable of turning this team into a contender next season. We will see, as Slats has already added a scorer in Gaborik, and is supposedly not done.
The July poll asks which Ranger prospects should be present in the 2009-10 roster. I will post it up to the site ASAP. Thanks again for voting in the June Poll, and lets try to break the record of 60 in the July Poll. Thanks again!
Thursday, July 2, 2009
Gaborik/Higgins Reactions on Coming to New York
Gaborik: "When I hit free agency it was 6 p.m. my time and I got a presentation video sent by (the Rangers) scouts and I watched it and it was unbelievable," Gaborik said. "I felt right away that they were very interested and to me it was very important that they came after me this way. There were a few other teams interested, but it was always coming down to the Rangers in every aspect. When somebody is very interested in you, it feels great and certainly the Rangers were most interested and I felt the most comfortable and confident in. I'm happy I became a Ranger."
So Slats sent a scout to Gaborik's house to show a video presentation. That is very interesting, and it means that Sather had planned to go after the star winger prior to July 1st.
You can find Chris Higgins discussing thoughts on coming to New York with the media in total here: http://rangers.nhl.tv/team/console.jsp?catid=765&id=44632. But Chris seemed thrilled to be here in New York, and is anxious to meet the team. He is happy Gaborik was signed, and said that Marian is top talent in the league. Chis went on to say that he feels like he has a lot to prove going into this next season, and he is fully prepared physically for camp after being injured last season with Montreal. I, personally, feel that Higgins will be great here, especially under Torts's system.
Staal Invited to Team Canada Camp
So that is three Rangers that we can potentially see in the Olympics next year so far, and those are Callahan, Drury, and Staal. Congrats to all.
Antropov to Atlanta
Antro was great here in New York, and played a big part in the Ranger's playoff push. I wish him well playing in Atlanta, he will be great while playing with Kovalchuk.