Also, Andrew Gross of Ranger Rants, while at day two of prospect development camp, spoke with general manager Glen Sather and asked him a bit about the team's free agents and what the plan is moving forward.
First off, I asked GM Glen Sather about the players who were tendered qualifying offers and Sather said it was everybody on the list (namely Staal, Girardi) but not Erik Christensen and Enver Lisin. But, Sather said, the Rangers would like everybody back, they’re just unwilling to pay at the qualifying price and also risk the arbitration. Of the two, the Rangers clearly are looking to bring back Christensen - the reports are there might be a two-year offer on the table. The Rangers have also placed Aaron Voros, Patrick Rissmiller and Donald Brashear on waivers, which was no surprise. Only Voros has a shot of playing for the Rangers next season but the club likely wants to go in a different direction.
I would not mind having Christensen back for two years at the right price, and I think that is the objective here with him not receiving a qualifying offer. Erik can be a great third line centerman or winger for this team and bringing him back would be a wise move.
Lastly, former Ranger Willie Huber passed away today at the age of 52 due to a tragic heart attack. Our condolences to his family.