Kevin Paul Dupont at the Boston Globe reports that the Rangers are believed to be interested in trading for the Bruins' restricted free agent Phil Kessel...
"For the Rangers to get into the Kessel mix, they would have to offer a package such as Ryan Callahan, a first-round pick, and perhaps Chris Kreider, who was their first-round pick in June."
...for the Rangers to get in the Kessle mix, they'll need to somehow find a taker for Redden or Rozsival b/c they don't have the cap room to sign him.
...if they had the cap room, I would make the proposed trade. I know PR wise its not a smart trade because of Callahan's popularity with the fans, but the Rangers need a #1 center and with the way they're jerking around Dubinsky who knows if he'll be back next year.
Sunday, September 6, 2009
Cloutier to Try Out for Red Wings
Ansar Khan at Mlive.com reports that former Rangers goaltender Dan Cloutier will attend the Detroit Red Wings' training camp on a tryout.
"A 10-year NHL veteran who also has played for the Rangers, Tampa Bay and Vancouver, Cloutier is best remembered -- by Detroit fans -- for letting in Nicklas Lidstrom's shot from center ice in Game 3 of the 2002 first-round playoff series against the Canucks."
...and he's best remembered by Ranger fans for this:
...good luck Danny, I'm rooting for ya.
"A 10-year NHL veteran who also has played for the Rangers, Tampa Bay and Vancouver, Cloutier is best remembered -- by Detroit fans -- for letting in Nicklas Lidstrom's shot from center ice in Game 3 of the 2002 first-round playoff series against the Canucks."
...and he's best remembered by Ranger fans for this:
...good luck Danny, I'm rooting for ya.
Saturday, September 5, 2009
Gross: Dubinsky's Absence Nothing to Do with Contract
Andrew Gross at Ranger Rants corrects a post from yesterday, stating...
"Brandon Dubinsky's absence from the informal skates the past two days likely has nothing to do with his contract status. Not sure why he wasn't around but both sides still are very confident an agreement is coming soon."
Yesterday, Gross said Dubinsky's recent absence made him wonder whether the young forward is feeling a little less confident that a deal would get done before training camp.
...looks like someone either in the Rangers organization or Dubinsky's camp put a call into Gross.
"Brandon Dubinsky's absence from the informal skates the past two days likely has nothing to do with his contract status. Not sure why he wasn't around but both sides still are very confident an agreement is coming soon."
Yesterday, Gross said Dubinsky's recent absence made him wonder whether the young forward is feeling a little less confident that a deal would get done before training camp.
...looks like someone either in the Rangers organization or Dubinsky's camp put a call into Gross.
Callahan, Dubinsky are NHL's Big Hitters
John McGourty NHL.com ranked the leagues top 10 big hitters and Ryan Callahan and Brandon Dubinsky each made the list...
4. Ryan Callahan, New York Rangers, RW, 265 hits -- Callahan hit career highs with 22 goals and 40 points and has endeared himself to Rangers' fan with his unflagging energy and bone-jarring checks. The team signed him to a two-year contract this season and the U.S. Olympic team invited him to their summer evaluation camp.
7. Brandon Dubinsky, New York Rangers, C, 251 hits -- He comes from a nice family and had every advantage -- why is this 23-year-old so angry? Dubinsky smashes sticks when he loses faceoffs. He transfers that burning desire to win and a quick fuse into an energetic game that is hard to keep up with. Getting better and better and may center the first line this year.
...this is what makes Callahan and Dubinsky so important to the success of the Rangers franchise. They're not just about scoring they're complete players. Which makes it all the more baffling that the Rangers would be playing hardball with Dubinsky.
4. Ryan Callahan, New York Rangers, RW, 265 hits -- Callahan hit career highs with 22 goals and 40 points and has endeared himself to Rangers' fan with his unflagging energy and bone-jarring checks. The team signed him to a two-year contract this season and the U.S. Olympic team invited him to their summer evaluation camp.
7. Brandon Dubinsky, New York Rangers, C, 251 hits -- He comes from a nice family and had every advantage -- why is this 23-year-old so angry? Dubinsky smashes sticks when he loses faceoffs. He transfers that burning desire to win and a quick fuse into an energetic game that is hard to keep up with. Getting better and better and may center the first line this year.
...this is what makes Callahan and Dubinsky so important to the success of the Rangers franchise. They're not just about scoring they're complete players. Which makes it all the more baffling that the Rangers would be playing hardball with Dubinsky.
Kotalik: Tortorella Similar to Ruff
Newest Ranger Ales Kotalik told Jim Cerny at Rink Rap that he is not worried about John Tortorella's expected grueling training camp as playing for Tortorella should not be too dissimilar from playing for Lindy Ruff, his coach in Buffalo, because Ruff was also an intense leader.
...i hope Tortorella didn't hear that quote or there could be some extra wind sprints for Kotalik.
On playing in New York Kotalik added...
"I really liked both Buffalo and Edmonton, the people were very nice, and I liked the cities," said Kotalik. "New York is much bigger, and I am looking forward to it as a great life experience."
Cerny adds that Aaron Voros, who has worked out at the Rangers tarining facility all summer, is champing at the bit to win a spot on the team...
"I'm probably in the best shape of my life" Voros said.
...i don't think Voros is done on this team. I think he has a legit chance to win a spot on the fourth line. Where he should of been last year.
...i hope Tortorella didn't hear that quote or there could be some extra wind sprints for Kotalik.
On playing in New York Kotalik added...
"I really liked both Buffalo and Edmonton, the people were very nice, and I liked the cities," said Kotalik. "New York is much bigger, and I am looking forward to it as a great life experience."
Cerny adds that Aaron Voros, who has worked out at the Rangers tarining facility all summer, is champing at the bit to win a spot on the team...
"I'm probably in the best shape of my life" Voros said.
...i don't think Voros is done on this team. I think he has a legit chance to win a spot on the fourth line. Where he should of been last year.
Friday, September 4, 2009
Dubinsky a No-Show for Second Straight Day at Pre-Camp
Andrew Gross at Ranger Rants continues his daily report from Rangers pre-camp by stating that Brandon Dubinsky was no where to be found for the second straight day..."Brandon Dubinsky also wasn't around the facility for the second straight day. And while both he and the Rangers are publicly confident a deal will get done before training camp, his recent absence makes me wonder whether Dubinsky is feeling a little less so. He told me earlier in the week he probably wouldn't be on the ice if he wasn't sure a deal would get done."
...ugh.
Gross adds that Lundqvist's first skate with the team probably won't be until camp opens on September 12th and that Swiss defenseman Andres Ambuhl scored a goal in the scrimmage skating toward the net and deflecting a low centering pass high over goalie Matt Zaba.
...man Zaba's been swiss cheese during this pre-camp.
Steve Zipay at Blue Notes also has a report from pre-camp.
Bourque Ends Preseason Schedule on High Note
Newyorkrangers.com reports Ryan Bourque, the Rangers 2009 3rd round pick, continued his successful QMJHL preseason on Thursday with a goal and assist in the Quebec Remparts' 5-2 win at Victoriaville.
Bourque ended the four game preseason schedule with four goals and three assists.
...talk about a great first impression. Now its on to the Traverse Tourney for Bourque.
Bourque ended the four game preseason schedule with four goals and three assists.
...talk about a great first impression. Now its on to the Traverse Tourney for Bourque.
Rangers Playing Hard Ball with Dubinsky
Larry Brooks at the New York Post says the Rangers are squeezing Brandon Dubinsky in their contract negotiations..."The Rangers, who for the first time in memory are exercising all the systemic leverage they own under the CBA against a significant young player who is entirely without leverage, also have multi-year offers on the table ranging from two-to-five years."
The Rangers have currently given Dubinsky a one-year, $522,500 qualifying offer. Brooks adds that Dubinsky is arbitration eligible next summer.
...while Dubinsky and his agent are saying all the right things, you have to wonder if he's feeling a bit disrespected by the Rangers. Especially after watching Sather give Kolalik at three-year $9 million contract this offseason.
...not really sure the mindset with Sather here. You have to assume Dubinsky is asking for the same deal as Callahan (two-year $5.6 million). Which seems more than fair to me. Unless Dubinsky is asking for more years and Sather isn't willing to give in.
...the most likely scenario is Dubinsky will accept the qualifying offer and file for salary arbitration next season.
A&R Stick Vault Hockey Stick Cover
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Thursday, September 3, 2009
Rangers Release Training Camp Roster
Newyorkrangers.com released the names of the 44 players who make up the current roster for the Rangers' main training camp, which begins on Sept. 12.
An interesting addition to the roster is former San Jose Shark D Kyle McLaren, who spent last season in the AHL. If you remember, McLaren was traded to the Flyers at this year's trade deadline but it was voided when he failed his physical.
Steve Zipay at Blue Notes has more on McLaren's invite to camp.
...i was really hoping to see Theo Fleury's name on the roster.
An interesting addition to the roster is former San Jose Shark D Kyle McLaren, who spent last season in the AHL. If you remember, McLaren was traded to the Flyers at this year's trade deadline but it was voided when he failed his physical.
Steve Zipay at Blue Notes has more on McLaren's invite to camp.
...i was really hoping to see Theo Fleury's name on the roster.
Lundqvist Worth the Money
Seth Rorabaugh at Pittsburgh Post-Gazette takes a look at the top paid goaltenders in the NHL to see if they're worth the money. Here's what he had to say about the highest paid per year goaltender Henrik Lundqvist..."-Henrik Lundqvist (right) has won an Olympic gold medal and has been a rock of consistency for the Rangers who are always in flux. We have no problem with him pulling in a some major cash. Without him, the Rangers probably don't reach the postseason. That said, he did lose head to head to Fleury in a playoff series once."
...Rorabaugh is dead-on correct. Despite my views on Richter vs. Lundqvist, I shutter to think where the Rangers would be these last four years without him between the pipes.
...h/t to Puck Daddy.
Redden Looking Forward to New Year
Andrew Gross at Ranger Rants was able to get some quotes from Wade Redden during today's informal camp..."For whatever reason, the year I had wasn't nearly the one I wanted too much," Redden said. "That said, you've got to look forward. It's a new year and everyone's looking forward to it. Torts is here and there are some new faces. From Day 1, we definitely feel eager to get going."
Gross also notes that Redden, who said he was a bit surprised at the rapid turnover this offseason (really?), is glad to be among the returners and believes he learned from his first season in New York.
...the only good thing about Redden this year is that he can't be worse than last year. Right?
Kotalik Looks Sharp; Del Zotto & Gilroy Impressive on Day 4 of Pre-Camp
Andrew Gross at Ranger Rants reports from Day 4 of the Rangers informal camp with this on the recently arrived Ales Kotalik...
"Kotalik looked sharp as soon as he stepped on the ice, despite the jet lag from flying from Prague yesterday. His first shift resulted in some nifty stickwork down the right wing and a good centering pass from behind the net. Then, he made a nice defensive play at the left point, stopping the opponent's transition and re-cycling the puck down low."
...wow, I didn't realize Kotalik knew what playing defense was.
On rookie defensemen Michael Del Zotto and Matt Gilroy, Gross says...
"One thing that should be noted from these informal skates: Young defensemen Matt Gilroy and Michael Del Zotto have both been impressive. Del Zotto obviously still needs to grow into his body a little more but he's shown good poise, speed and hockey sense. Gilroy is a good finisher and a pinpoint passer who always seems to be around the net. Defensively, his game definitely needs work but, more and more, it seems like his ticket is punched for New York this season."
...i'm definitley excited that Gilroy is going to get a real shot to make this team. I'm sure he'll go through some growing pains throughout the year, but that's why we have one of the best goaltenders in the league behind him.
"Kotalik looked sharp as soon as he stepped on the ice, despite the jet lag from flying from Prague yesterday. His first shift resulted in some nifty stickwork down the right wing and a good centering pass from behind the net. Then, he made a nice defensive play at the left point, stopping the opponent's transition and re-cycling the puck down low."
...wow, I didn't realize Kotalik knew what playing defense was.
On rookie defensemen Michael Del Zotto and Matt Gilroy, Gross says...
"One thing that should be noted from these informal skates: Young defensemen Matt Gilroy and Michael Del Zotto have both been impressive. Del Zotto obviously still needs to grow into his body a little more but he's shown good poise, speed and hockey sense. Gilroy is a good finisher and a pinpoint passer who always seems to be around the net. Defensively, his game definitely needs work but, more and more, it seems like his ticket is punched for New York this season."
...i'm definitley excited that Gilroy is going to get a real shot to make this team. I'm sure he'll go through some growing pains throughout the year, but that's why we have one of the best goaltenders in the league behind him.
More Photos From Cherepanov Monument Ceremony
Via Beyond the Blueshirts Twitter page, here is a link to photos of the Alexei Cherepanov monument unveiling ceremony....couple pics of Jagr included.
Brashear Answers Fans Questions
...looks like Brashear is being very active in reaching out to Ranger fans who are obviously very lukewarm about his acquisition.
Newyorkrangers.com also has photos from last night's season subscriber event at the WaMu Theater at Madison Square Garden.
Great NHL Nicknames
SI.com has a photo gallery of the best nicknames in NHL history including former Rangers Chris "Knuckles" Nilan and Lorne "Gump" Worsley....no King Lundqvist? What's up with that?
Gaborik Seeks Redemption
John Grigg at The Hockey News gives his Top 10 redemption-seeking players this season, where Marian Gaborik checks in at number two...
2. Marian Gaborik, RW, New York Rangers
He just may be the most electrifying player in the league, when he’s actually playing. Gaborik’s reputation precedes him - and it’s not a good one. He topped an unflattering Top 10 list earlier this summer. And he made headlines late last season when he was quoted basically as saying he hadn’t been watching Minnesota games and only cared about his comeback, not the Wild’s playoff aspirations. When he did get back, Gaborik posted 13 goals and 23 points in 17 games, numbers that would have won him the Rocket Richard Trophy and placed him second in the scoring race if he had played the full season. Gaborik is looking to show Rangers fans he is worth $7.5 million a season by staying healthy, putting up lots of points and being a good teammate. If those don’t happen, Broadway will be merciless.
...no pressure or anything Marian.
2. Marian Gaborik, RW, New York Rangers
He just may be the most electrifying player in the league, when he’s actually playing. Gaborik’s reputation precedes him - and it’s not a good one. He topped an unflattering Top 10 list earlier this summer. And he made headlines late last season when he was quoted basically as saying he hadn’t been watching Minnesota games and only cared about his comeback, not the Wild’s playoff aspirations. When he did get back, Gaborik posted 13 goals and 23 points in 17 games, numbers that would have won him the Rocket Richard Trophy and placed him second in the scoring race if he had played the full season. Gaborik is looking to show Rangers fans he is worth $7.5 million a season by staying healthy, putting up lots of points and being a good teammate. If those don’t happen, Broadway will be merciless.
...no pressure or anything Marian.
Cherepanov Monument Unveiled in Omsk
Beyond the Blueshirts reports that a permanent memorial marking the final resting place of former New York Rangers prospect Alexei Cherepanov was unveiled in Omsk on Wednesday during a somber ceremony attended by Cherepanov’s parents, his Avangard Omsk teammates, club officials, junior team members, friends and fans."The design for the sculpture, which depicts the young hockey player in full equipment with his stick raised as if he’d just scored a goal, was based on a sketch by Denis Speransky, who submitted the drawing as part of a competition held earlier this year."
...a very fitting tribute to a talented hocket player.
Brashear Turns Boos into Cheers with Threat
Seth Rothman at Inside Hockey reports on how Donald Brashear began changing Ranger fans' opinion of him by threatening them at Wednesday night's Rangers Fan Fest event in the lobby of The Theater at Madison Square Garden...
"In fact, when Brashear was introduced Wednesday night at a Rangers Fan Fest event in the lobby of The Theater at Madison Square Garden by emcee Dave Maloney, he was received by a mix of boos and cheers. Brashear quickly attempted to quell the uprising when he reached the stage.
“Enough booing,” Brashear said. “I’ll take you all one by one.”
Predictably -- and perhaps intelligently, the boos changed to cheers and laughter, and the fans seemed to warm to Brashear’s self-deprecating humor as the hour-long event went on."
...while Ranger fans may be complaining about Brashear now, the first time he pummels someone who sneezes near Gaborik we'll all be reminded of his value to this team.
Rothman also offers highlights of a Q&A, including this confrontation between newest Ranger Chris Higgins and fans who booed him for growing up a Canadiens fan...
At one point, Higgins even chastised the fans for booing, to which an adult fan yelled: “Get used to it!”
...Higgins better grow some thick skin fast.
Andrew Gross at Ranger Rants has more on the event here.
"In fact, when Brashear was introduced Wednesday night at a Rangers Fan Fest event in the lobby of The Theater at Madison Square Garden by emcee Dave Maloney, he was received by a mix of boos and cheers. Brashear quickly attempted to quell the uprising when he reached the stage.
“Enough booing,” Brashear said. “I’ll take you all one by one.”
Predictably -- and perhaps intelligently, the boos changed to cheers and laughter, and the fans seemed to warm to Brashear’s self-deprecating humor as the hour-long event went on."
...while Ranger fans may be complaining about Brashear now, the first time he pummels someone who sneezes near Gaborik we'll all be reminded of his value to this team.
Rothman also offers highlights of a Q&A, including this confrontation between newest Ranger Chris Higgins and fans who booed him for growing up a Canadiens fan...
At one point, Higgins even chastised the fans for booing, to which an adult fan yelled: “Get used to it!”
...Higgins better grow some thick skin fast.
Andrew Gross at Ranger Rants has more on the event here.
Wednesday, September 2, 2009
Individual Tickets Go on Sale September 12th
Newyorkrangers.com reports that individual seats to all 41 home games will go on sale September 12th at 10 a.m....while the price of tickets have increased, I'm begging all my readers to purchase tickets so that the Ranger players are actually playing front of real Ranger fans not just clients of AIG.
Dubinsky Scores Twice in Pre-Camp Scrimmage
Steve Zipay at Blue Notes continues his great work reporting from pre-camp by telling us that Bradon Dubinsky scored two goals today including a laser shot under the crossbar past Matt Zaba from the left dot....Sather sign this guy now!!!!
Other Zipay observations include...
"Donald Brashear set up Patrick Rissmiller for a high backhanded flick past Zaba from in tight...Corey Potter zipped a wrister past Zaba as well....Dan Girardi was paired with Potter... Evgeny Grachev played back on D for awhile near the end of the workout..."
...the demise of Patrick Rissmiller has been greatly exaggerated.
Don't Be Caught Dead Wearing Potvin Jersey at MSG
Sean Leahy at Puck Daddy takes a team-by-team look at jerseys that a fan wouldn't be caught dead wearing in an opposing arena...In New York Rangers: Denis Potvin
It's the chant that reaches saturation after the eighth time in a period; Denis Potvin is not a welcomed guest inside Madison Square Garden. His hit on Rangers forward Ulf Nilsson during the 1978-79 season was the beginning of the hatred for the former Islanders defenseman. Nilsson would break his ankle on the play and miss the rest of the season. The fact that Potvin was a member of the hated Islanders made the hit even more unforgivable.
It's the chant that reaches saturation after the eighth time in a period; Denis Potvin is not a welcomed guest inside Madison Square Garden. His hit on Rangers forward Ulf Nilsson during the 1978-79 season was the beginning of the hatred for the former Islanders defenseman. Nilsson would break his ankle on the play and miss the rest of the season. The fact that Potvin was a member of the hated Islanders made the hit even more unforgivable.
Other notable jerseys include Mark Messier jersey in Vancouver and Jaromir Jagr in Washington.
...i don't think a person wearing a Potvin jersey at MSG would last two seconds.
Limited Season Tickets Available
Newyorkrangers.com reports that a limited number of seats are available for full-season subscriptions that include full playoff rights and more....anyone interested better get on them fast as despite the high price they will go fast.
Zherdev Going to Atlanta?
CHAMPIONAT.RU reports that Nikolai Zherdev may be close to a deal with the Atlanta Thrashers..."Negotiations are underway with several teams, but while I'm in limbo - the contract is signed. I hope in the next two or three days all will be determined. The most serious dialogue is precisely the" Thrashers ". However, there are other options. But personally I would like to get into the "Atlanta", which serve several good Russian players. With them, it would be easier and more enjoyable to play. " - Zherdev said in an interview with Sport-Express.
Lyle Richardson at Spector's Hockey says Zherdev would have to accept a one-year contract worth probably around $1.5 million if he wants to play with the Thrashers.
...the guy rejects the Rangers one-year $3.25 million offer and may now have to accept a one-year $1.5 million contract to play for Atlanta? Zherdev needs to fire his agent immediately.
Gaborik Couldn't Be Happier
Newyorkrangers.com has a nice feature on Marian Gaborik with lots of quotes...
On coming to the Rangers...
“It’s a new challenge and a new opportunity, and I am looking forward to it,” said Gaborik.
On Tortorella...
“He seems like an offensive-minded coach,” Gaborik, 27, said of Tortorella. “Obviously, though, we have to take care of things defensively. But I don’t have a problem with that since I played in Minnesota for nine years."
On his health...
“I am skating free,” stated Gaborik. “Obviously it is still before training camp and I still have to tune things up, but I feel good and excited.”
On playing at MSG...
“I haven’t played at MSG very often, but when I did it was always a great atmosphere, so it’s got to be even better when you are playing for the Rangers. It’s going to be a fun ride.”
...right now I'm loving what I'm hearing from pre-camp. Dubinsky close to signing, Gaborik healthy, players arriving early. Loving it!!!
On coming to the Rangers...
“It’s a new challenge and a new opportunity, and I am looking forward to it,” said Gaborik.
On Tortorella...
“He seems like an offensive-minded coach,” Gaborik, 27, said of Tortorella. “Obviously, though, we have to take care of things defensively. But I don’t have a problem with that since I played in Minnesota for nine years."
On his health...
“I am skating free,” stated Gaborik. “Obviously it is still before training camp and I still have to tune things up, but I feel good and excited.”
On playing at MSG...
“I haven’t played at MSG very often, but when I did it was always a great atmosphere, so it’s got to be even better when you are playing for the Rangers. It’s going to be a fun ride.”
...right now I'm loving what I'm hearing from pre-camp. Dubinsky close to signing, Gaborik healthy, players arriving early. Loving it!!!
Tuesday, September 1, 2009
More Pre-Camp Reports
Steve Zipay at Blue Notes reports from pre-camp practice with this update...
"Chris Drury, Sean Avery and Steve Valiquette (absent yesterday) were on the ice for the loose, close to two hour-session....Vinny Prospal eventually will be en route from Tampa, Ales Kotalik due in tomorrow....Drury at one point was centering Marian Gaborik (on the left) and Ryan Callahan..."
Zipay also adds that Girardi was paired with Redden on defense and Dubinsky centered Brashear and Rissmiller (he's still on the team?).
...i'm starting to get excited!!!
For Zipay's interview with Enver Lisin click here.
Elsewhere, Marian Gaborik told Andrew Gross at Ranger Rants that despite skating on the left wing for the most part during today's pre-camp practice that he is more comfortable and used to playing on the right side.
....nice it's only pre-camp and our top player is already unhappy. Please put Gaborik where he is most comfortable.
Newyorkrangers.com also has a piece on the Rangers players work-ethic being the key to this season.
"Chris Drury, Sean Avery and Steve Valiquette (absent yesterday) were on the ice for the loose, close to two hour-session....Vinny Prospal eventually will be en route from Tampa, Ales Kotalik due in tomorrow....Drury at one point was centering Marian Gaborik (on the left) and Ryan Callahan..."
Zipay also adds that Girardi was paired with Redden on defense and Dubinsky centered Brashear and Rissmiller (he's still on the team?).
...i'm starting to get excited!!!
For Zipay's interview with Enver Lisin click here.
Elsewhere, Marian Gaborik told Andrew Gross at Ranger Rants that despite skating on the left wing for the most part during today's pre-camp practice that he is more comfortable and used to playing on the right side.
....nice it's only pre-camp and our top player is already unhappy. Please put Gaborik where he is most comfortable.
Newyorkrangers.com also has a piece on the Rangers players work-ethic being the key to this season.
Rangers Top 20 Prospects
Leslie Treff at Hockey's Future has the Rangers Top 20 prospects with Evgeni Grachev checking in at #1...
1. (3) Evgeny Grachev, C/LW Grade: 8.0C
Acquired: Third Round, 75th overall, 2008 NHL Entry Draft
Age: 19
Grachev has continually risen in both the eyes of the Rangers management and HF since he was drafted in June of 2008. Although at times early in the 2008-09 OHL season, he seemed to give an inconsistent effort on the ice, after he adjusted to North American play, he was a standout for the OHL Brampton Battalion. Named OHL Rookie of the Year in April 2009, Grachev was the top first-year scorer in the league. Although the Russian forward was drafted as a center, he spent much of the 2008-09 season playing on the left wing. At 6’3, 212 lbs, and the ability to make things happen in front of the net, Grachev is a prototypical power forward, who is now thought to become NHL-ready sooner than originally expected. He will get a good look in the Traverse City Rookie Tournament, and then later in the month at the Rangers’ main training camp. Although it is likely that he will start the season as a member of the Hartford Wolf Pack, an excellent showing this fall could lead to a spot on the Rangers roster this October.
Artem Anisimove, Ryan McDonagh, Derek Stepan and Michael Del Zotto round out the top five.
...while Grachev is the obvious #1 prospect, it's nice to see a big return on the Gomez trade with McDonagh as the #3 prospect.
...i can't believe I'm saying this but nice job Sather.
1. (3) Evgeny Grachev, C/LW Grade: 8.0C
Acquired: Third Round, 75th overall, 2008 NHL Entry Draft
Age: 19
Grachev has continually risen in both the eyes of the Rangers management and HF since he was drafted in June of 2008. Although at times early in the 2008-09 OHL season, he seemed to give an inconsistent effort on the ice, after he adjusted to North American play, he was a standout for the OHL Brampton Battalion. Named OHL Rookie of the Year in April 2009, Grachev was the top first-year scorer in the league. Although the Russian forward was drafted as a center, he spent much of the 2008-09 season playing on the left wing. At 6’3, 212 lbs, and the ability to make things happen in front of the net, Grachev is a prototypical power forward, who is now thought to become NHL-ready sooner than originally expected. He will get a good look in the Traverse City Rookie Tournament, and then later in the month at the Rangers’ main training camp. Although it is likely that he will start the season as a member of the Hartford Wolf Pack, an excellent showing this fall could lead to a spot on the Rangers roster this October.
Artem Anisimove, Ryan McDonagh, Derek Stepan and Michael Del Zotto round out the top five.
...while Grachev is the obvious #1 prospect, it's nice to see a big return on the Gomez trade with McDonagh as the #3 prospect.
...i can't believe I'm saying this but nice job Sather.
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