New York Post - Rangers trade for JokinenDaily News - It's official: Rangers get Jokinen for Kotalik
Bergen Record - Rangers complete trade with Flames for Olli Jokinen
Newsday - Rangers complete deal for Jokinen, Prust
Tuesday, February 2, 2010
Monday, February 1, 2010
Rangers/Flames Trade Update Post
Update, 12:55 a.m.:
TSN officially announces it.
...now I can go to bed. Just want to thank everyone who visited the blog today and added to my running updates. I'll have a lot more tomorrow.
Update, 12:53 a.m.:
Larry Brooks adds that the acquisition of Prust could mean the end of Brashear.
...it's like Christmas all over again.
Update, 12:49 a.m.:
Darren Dreger tweets that one of the most bizarre trades he has ever covered is done.
...hallelujah
Update, 12:46 a.m.:
Steve Zipay is saying, via Twitter, that it sounds like deal is done. Bob McKenzie agrees. Jokinen/Prust for Kotalik/Higgins.
Update, 12:43 a.m.:
Daren Millard of Sportsnet, via Twitter, says that trade may not be formally announced until tomorrow morning.
...please don't tell me I stayed up for nothing. 1 a.m. is my limit.
Update, Tuesday, Feb. 2nd, 12:37 a.m.:
Hearing trade will be announced any minute now.
Update, 11:59 p.m.:
Flyers defeat the Flames 3-0 with Jokinen ending the game with a -1 in 15:08 of ice time. While Prust played just a mere 7:27.
...nice to see both players make it out of the game alive. Now let's announce this trade so I can go to sleep.
Update, 11:41 p.m.:
George Richards at Miami Herald's hockey blog "On Frozen Pond" tweets that word is Jokinen expects tonight will be his last game as a Flame.
...it's sounding more and more like this is going to happen tonight, which probably means the trade is dead.
Update, 11:25 p.m.:
FYI, almost 8,000 page views and over 5,000 visitors to The New York Rangers Blog today.
...wow!!! Thanks to everyone who stopped by my little blog to follow the goings on of the Rangers/Flames trade saga.
Update, 11:19 p.m.:
Dreger, via Twitter, senses the deal will get done tonight.
...Jokinen and Prust's ice time tonight definitely suggests Dreger may be right.
Update, 11:09 p.m.:
Missed this earlier, Darren Dreger at TSN reports that Kotalik has agreed to waive his limited no-trade clause and accept the move.
...ball's in Calgary's court now.
Update, 10:38 p.m.:
With just under 16 minutes left in the second period of the Flames/Flyers game Jokinen and Prust have each played only a little over four minues each. Which is less than almost every Flames player.
...got to think Sutter is restricting their ice time due to impending trade. Right?
Update, 9:08 p.m.:
Just an FYI, the much talked about Flames/Flyers game starts at 9:30 p.m. in Calgary.
Update, 8:17 p.m.:
Darren Dreger at TSN, via Twitter, says deal is still very much alive and could be finalized after Flames/Flyers game.
While Jim Cerny of newyorkrangers.com, also via Twitter, reports that Dreger has also said that pehaps Darryl Sutter got cold feet.
Also a few rumors out there that the Flames were holding out for Callahan, but I'm not even going to entertain that rumor with links.
...you have to wonder why the Flames would want to wait until after the game tonight risking possible injury to Jokinen. Especially against a very physical Flyers team.
Update, 3:51 p.m.:
Andrew Gross at Ranger Rants speculates that Kotalik is exercising his contract terms to wait on a preferred destination ala Dany Heatley (Blocking trade to Edmonton then going to San Jose).
...i can't even get mad at Kotalik. It's in his contract, so he has every right to do what he's doing. The blame for this as usual falls at the feet of Sather.
Gross also pours salt in the wound by reminding Rangers fans that not even the great Brian Leetch was given a limited no-trade clause.
Update, 2:27 p.m.:
In other potential Ranger trade news, Mark Everson at the New York Post reports that the Rangers are said to have made low-ball bids for Thrashers forward Ilya Kovalchuk.
...wow, Sather's got his hand in everything. I wonder what that low-ball bid was. Kovalchuk for Drury, Redden and Rozsival. Sounds good to me.
...h/t to reader Bob for the link.
Update, 1:38 p.m.:
Steve Zipay at Blue Notes says even if this trade doesn't go through the Rangers have showed their hand and will be buyers at the trade deadline.
...when are they not?
Update, 1:34 p.m.:
Andrew Gross at Ranger Rants says Higgins and Gilroy are scheduled to board the Rangers’ charter for Los Angeles while Kotalik will remain in New York and if this trade is completely dead, he’ll rejoin the team Thursday.
Gross adds that Sather does not want to address the media until the whole situation resolves itself.
...so what Gross is saying is that nothing is happening.
Update, 1:16 p.m.:
Elliotte Friedman at CBCSports says that Jokinen offers cap flexibility which the Rangers are aware of and hopes, for the Flames sake, it’s not wasted on Ales Kotalik.
...got to agree this is a very curious trade from the Flames perspective, but hey it's all good for the Rangers.
Update, 12:52 p.m.:
Larry Brooks at his blog Slap Shots reports the Rangers/Flames trade remains on hold because Kotalik has yet to waive his limited no-trade clause that includes Calgary and has told Glen Sather he needs time to ponder his options.
Brooks also says reports of Gilroy being involved in the trade have been disputed by reliable sources and appear to have no validity.
...right now the New York media is reporting that Kotalik is holding this up, while the national media is saying the Flames are. I'd have to go with the New York guys on this one as we all know the national media (mostly Canadian) love their hockey rumors.
Update, 11:05 a.m.:
Steve Zipay at Blue Notes chimes in saying this trade could happen in "some shape or form" after the Flames/Flyers game tonight.
Update, 10:55 a.m.:
NHL writer Andy Stickland, via Twitter, says the Flames are holding the deal up because the Rangers are offering Gilroy and they want Higgins. Stickland also reports that Flames GM Sutter hasn't spoken to Jokinen about the trade.
...huh? Why would the Rangers be offering Gilroy if the Flames for some odd reason want Higgins? This information is puzzling to say the least.
Update, 10:43 a.m.:
Bob McKenzie at TSN, via Twitter, says that Olli Jokinen and Brandon Prust are scheduled to be in the Flames lineup tonight against the Flyers and that the trade is not expected to happen today or at all. However, McKenzie also says that trade could happen after the game.
...my head is officially spinning.
McKenzie now has a more in depth blog post on his above tweet at TSN.
Update, 10:35 a.m.:
In actual Ranger news, Steve Zipay at Blue Notes has this quote from John Tortorella on Michael Del Zotto wearing down...
“We’ve got to try to help him out here, to get him to the Olympic break,” Tortorella said. “It’s been a struggle for him, he was front and center on a couple of (goals) Saturday night. We don’t want him to lose his swagger, but we have to be careful. We did a pretty good job of trying to bit-and-piece him through the game until the third. We don’t want to keep putting him into a situation where it snowballs on him. So we are monitoring that.”
...this is something we were all worried about at the beginning of the season and I'm hopeful that the Olympic break is really going to help MDZ out.
Update, 10:25 a.m.:
TSN is now reporting that the deal is stalled with the Rangers waiting on the Flames final approval.
Posts from earlier today:
Darren Dreger of TSN, via Twitter, says that no one seems to know why Calgary is stalling on the Jokinen trade and wonders if a 3rd team has surfaced.
Rick Carpiniello at the Rangers Report says the holdup is Ales Kotalik’s limited no trade clause, which lists Calgary as one of three teams he cannot be traded without his permission.
Elliotte Friedman at Hockey Night in Canada, via Twitter, reports he received word last night that the deal has fallen apart.
Original post:
Instead of starting a new post everytime something happens with the Rangers/Flames deal, I'm just going to continue to update this one post with the most current information at the top.
TSN officially announces it.
...now I can go to bed. Just want to thank everyone who visited the blog today and added to my running updates. I'll have a lot more tomorrow.
Update, 12:53 a.m.:
Larry Brooks adds that the acquisition of Prust could mean the end of Brashear.
...it's like Christmas all over again.
Update, 12:49 a.m.:
Darren Dreger tweets that one of the most bizarre trades he has ever covered is done.
...hallelujah
Update, 12:46 a.m.:
Steve Zipay is saying, via Twitter, that it sounds like deal is done. Bob McKenzie agrees. Jokinen/Prust for Kotalik/Higgins.
Update, 12:43 a.m.:
Daren Millard of Sportsnet, via Twitter, says that trade may not be formally announced until tomorrow morning.
...please don't tell me I stayed up for nothing. 1 a.m. is my limit.
Update, Tuesday, Feb. 2nd, 12:37 a.m.:
Hearing trade will be announced any minute now.
Update, 11:59 p.m.:
Flyers defeat the Flames 3-0 with Jokinen ending the game with a -1 in 15:08 of ice time. While Prust played just a mere 7:27.
...nice to see both players make it out of the game alive. Now let's announce this trade so I can go to sleep.
Update, 11:41 p.m.:
George Richards at Miami Herald's hockey blog "On Frozen Pond" tweets that word is Jokinen expects tonight will be his last game as a Flame.
...it's sounding more and more like this is going to happen tonight, which probably means the trade is dead.
Update, 11:25 p.m.:
FYI, almost 8,000 page views and over 5,000 visitors to The New York Rangers Blog today.
...wow!!! Thanks to everyone who stopped by my little blog to follow the goings on of the Rangers/Flames trade saga.
Update, 11:19 p.m.:
Dreger, via Twitter, senses the deal will get done tonight.
...Jokinen and Prust's ice time tonight definitely suggests Dreger may be right.
Update, 11:09 p.m.:
Missed this earlier, Darren Dreger at TSN reports that Kotalik has agreed to waive his limited no-trade clause and accept the move.
...ball's in Calgary's court now.
Update, 10:38 p.m.:
With just under 16 minutes left in the second period of the Flames/Flyers game Jokinen and Prust have each played only a little over four minues each. Which is less than almost every Flames player.
...got to think Sutter is restricting their ice time due to impending trade. Right?
Update, 9:08 p.m.:
Just an FYI, the much talked about Flames/Flyers game starts at 9:30 p.m. in Calgary.
Update, 8:17 p.m.:
Darren Dreger at TSN, via Twitter, says deal is still very much alive and could be finalized after Flames/Flyers game.
While Jim Cerny of newyorkrangers.com, also via Twitter, reports that Dreger has also said that pehaps Darryl Sutter got cold feet.
Also a few rumors out there that the Flames were holding out for Callahan, but I'm not even going to entertain that rumor with links.
...you have to wonder why the Flames would want to wait until after the game tonight risking possible injury to Jokinen. Especially against a very physical Flyers team.
Update, 3:51 p.m.:
Andrew Gross at Ranger Rants speculates that Kotalik is exercising his contract terms to wait on a preferred destination ala Dany Heatley (Blocking trade to Edmonton then going to San Jose).
...i can't even get mad at Kotalik. It's in his contract, so he has every right to do what he's doing. The blame for this as usual falls at the feet of Sather.
Gross also pours salt in the wound by reminding Rangers fans that not even the great Brian Leetch was given a limited no-trade clause.
Update, 2:27 p.m.:
In other potential Ranger trade news, Mark Everson at the New York Post reports that the Rangers are said to have made low-ball bids for Thrashers forward Ilya Kovalchuk.
...wow, Sather's got his hand in everything. I wonder what that low-ball bid was. Kovalchuk for Drury, Redden and Rozsival. Sounds good to me.
...h/t to reader Bob for the link.
Update, 1:38 p.m.:
Steve Zipay at Blue Notes says even if this trade doesn't go through the Rangers have showed their hand and will be buyers at the trade deadline.
...when are they not?
Update, 1:34 p.m.:
Andrew Gross at Ranger Rants says Higgins and Gilroy are scheduled to board the Rangers’ charter for Los Angeles while Kotalik will remain in New York and if this trade is completely dead, he’ll rejoin the team Thursday.
Gross adds that Sather does not want to address the media until the whole situation resolves itself.
...so what Gross is saying is that nothing is happening.
Update, 1:16 p.m.:
Elliotte Friedman at CBCSports says that Jokinen offers cap flexibility which the Rangers are aware of and hopes, for the Flames sake, it’s not wasted on Ales Kotalik.
...got to agree this is a very curious trade from the Flames perspective, but hey it's all good for the Rangers.
Update, 12:52 p.m.:
Larry Brooks at his blog Slap Shots reports the Rangers/Flames trade remains on hold because Kotalik has yet to waive his limited no-trade clause that includes Calgary and has told Glen Sather he needs time to ponder his options.
Brooks also says reports of Gilroy being involved in the trade have been disputed by reliable sources and appear to have no validity.
...right now the New York media is reporting that Kotalik is holding this up, while the national media is saying the Flames are. I'd have to go with the New York guys on this one as we all know the national media (mostly Canadian) love their hockey rumors.
Update, 11:05 a.m.:
Steve Zipay at Blue Notes chimes in saying this trade could happen in "some shape or form" after the Flames/Flyers game tonight.
Update, 10:55 a.m.:
NHL writer Andy Stickland, via Twitter, says the Flames are holding the deal up because the Rangers are offering Gilroy and they want Higgins. Stickland also reports that Flames GM Sutter hasn't spoken to Jokinen about the trade.
...huh? Why would the Rangers be offering Gilroy if the Flames for some odd reason want Higgins? This information is puzzling to say the least.
Update, 10:43 a.m.:
Bob McKenzie at TSN, via Twitter, says that Olli Jokinen and Brandon Prust are scheduled to be in the Flames lineup tonight against the Flyers and that the trade is not expected to happen today or at all. However, McKenzie also says that trade could happen after the game.
...my head is officially spinning.
McKenzie now has a more in depth blog post on his above tweet at TSN.
Update, 10:35 a.m.:
In actual Ranger news, Steve Zipay at Blue Notes has this quote from John Tortorella on Michael Del Zotto wearing down...
“We’ve got to try to help him out here, to get him to the Olympic break,” Tortorella said. “It’s been a struggle for him, he was front and center on a couple of (goals) Saturday night. We don’t want him to lose his swagger, but we have to be careful. We did a pretty good job of trying to bit-and-piece him through the game until the third. We don’t want to keep putting him into a situation where it snowballs on him. So we are monitoring that.”
...this is something we were all worried about at the beginning of the season and I'm hopeful that the Olympic break is really going to help MDZ out.
Update, 10:25 a.m.:
TSN is now reporting that the deal is stalled with the Rangers waiting on the Flames final approval.
Posts from earlier today:
Darren Dreger of TSN, via Twitter, says that no one seems to know why Calgary is stalling on the Jokinen trade and wonders if a 3rd team has surfaced.
Rick Carpiniello at the Rangers Report says the holdup is Ales Kotalik’s limited no trade clause, which lists Calgary as one of three teams he cannot be traded without his permission.
Elliotte Friedman at Hockey Night in Canada, via Twitter, reports he received word last night that the deal has fallen apart.
Original post:
Instead of starting a new post everytime something happens with the Rangers/Flames deal, I'm just going to continue to update this one post with the most current information at the top.
3rd Team Involved?
Darren Dreger of TSN, via Twitter, says that no one seems to know why Calgary is stalling on the Jokinen trade and wonders if a 3rd team has surfaced.
...lots of confusion right now. Hopefully, an announcement on this trade is imminent.
...lots of confusion right now. Hopefully, an announcement on this trade is imminent.
Now Kotalik Blamed for Trade Hold Up; Trade Falling Apart?
Last night, Darren Dreger of TSN blamed Calgary for holding up the Rangers/Flames deal, now Rick Carpiniello at the Rangers Report says the holdup is Ales Kotalik’s limited no trade clause, which lists Calgary as one of three teams he cannot be traded without his permission....Sather's stupidity coming back to bite him. How he can give Kotalik any kind of no trade clause is beyond me.
Elliotte Friedman at Hockey Night in Canada, via Twitter, reports he received word last night that the deal has fallen apart.
...unreal that a marginal hockey player can hold this entire deal up because Sather not only gave him $3 million per year but also a no trade clause.
...got to give myself some props, as I speculated early (before names and team was announced) that Kotalik most likely was not happy with the team he was being traded to and was sent home to speak to family about it.
Final Season for Sather?
Bruce Garrioch at the Ottawa Sun reports this could be Glen Sather's final season as Rangers GM..."This could be the final season for Glen Sather in a dual role as president/GM of the Rangers. The belief is he'll remain president with Mark Messier taking over as GM. Messier is at the KHL all-star game in Russia with Wayne Gretzky."
...while I'd be ecstatic seeing Sather leave, I'm not so sure I'd like to see Messier in there as GM just yet. In my opinion, he still needs a few more seasons learning the business.
Gaborik Named 1st Star of the Night
Greg Wyshynski at Puck Daddy names Marian Gaborik "First Star" of the night for his hat trick against the Avalanche last night...No. 1 Star: Marian Gaborik, New York Rangers
Rangers goalie Chad Johnson, who earned his first NHL win in the 3-1 victory against the Colorado Avalanche, said it best: "All it takes sometimes is one guy to kind of lead the team, pick'em up and put them on his shoulders, and Gabby was unbelievable tonight." Gaborik's 10th career hat trick, and first since 2007, powered New York to break its five-game losing streak. Gaborik leads the Rangers in points (65), goals (33) and assists (32); now the hockey world waits to see if he'll get a little help.
The NHL also named Gaborik first star. (Towards the bottom of the page)
...really nice to see him dominate a game again. It had been way too long.
Video: Highlights, Torts & Analysis on Win @ Avalanche
Monday Headlines
Bergen Record - Marian Gaborik's hat trick lifts Rangers over Avalanche, 3-1
Bergen Record - Rangers notes: Trade talk "complications"
New York Post - Gaborik's hat trick leads Rangers; Kotalik trade near
New York Post - Marian's drought is long over
Daily News - Marian's hat trick lifts Rangers
Daily News - Kotalik sent home, trade appears close
Newsday - Gaborik trick helps Rangers win; trade imminent?
Bergen Record - Rangers notes: Trade talk "complications"
New York Post - Gaborik's hat trick leads Rangers; Kotalik trade near
New York Post - Marian's drought is long over
Daily News - Marian's hat trick lifts Rangers
Daily News - Kotalik sent home, trade appears close
Newsday - Gaborik trick helps Rangers win; trade imminent?
Sunday, January 31, 2010
Flames Holding Up Deal for Jokinen (Updated)
Update, 12:15 a.m.:
Larry Brooks, via Twitter, is reporting that the Rangers were originally going to send a defenseman (Gilroy?) to Calgary along with Kotalik, but the Flames made a late demand for Higgins.
...a Hober Baker winner with the potential to be a top offensive defenseman in the league or a forward who couldn't hit the ocean from a pier. Ummm, great choice Flames.
...ok now I'm going to bed.
Update, 11:58 p.m.:
Rick Carpiniello at the Rangers Report says that Kotalik's limited no trade clause could also be a reason for the hold-up.
...just when you're ready to give Sather credit for getting this deal done, you find out he gave Ales Kotalik, yes Ales Kotalik, a no trade clause. Awful.
Greg Wyshyski at Puck Daddy also has more on the potential trade.
...i don't expect anymore updates tonight, so I'm headed to bed.
Original Post:
Darren Dreger of TSN is reporting, via Twitter, that the Olli Jokinen and Brandon Prust for Ales Kotalik and Chris Higgins trade won't be announced tonight as the Flames are holding it up.
Larry Brooks, via Twitter, is reporting that the Rangers were originally going to send a defenseman (Gilroy?) to Calgary along with Kotalik, but the Flames made a late demand for Higgins.
...a Hober Baker winner with the potential to be a top offensive defenseman in the league or a forward who couldn't hit the ocean from a pier. Ummm, great choice Flames.
...ok now I'm going to bed.
Update, 11:58 p.m.:
Rick Carpiniello at the Rangers Report says that Kotalik's limited no trade clause could also be a reason for the hold-up.
...just when you're ready to give Sather credit for getting this deal done, you find out he gave Ales Kotalik, yes Ales Kotalik, a no trade clause. Awful.
Greg Wyshyski at Puck Daddy also has more on the potential trade.
...i don't expect anymore updates tonight, so I'm headed to bed.
Original Post:
Darren Dreger of TSN is reporting, via Twitter, that the Olli Jokinen and Brandon Prust for Ales Kotalik and Chris Higgins trade won't be announced tonight as the Flames are holding it up....they probably just realized they were trading a former 30-goal scorer for Kotalik and Higgins.
Rangers 3, Avalanche 1 (Kotalik Trade Info Below)
The New York Rangers (25-24-7) defeated the Colorado Avalanche (30-18-6) by the score of 3-1, tonight. For a recap and box score go to Yahoo! Sports and newyorkrangers.com.
...by the way there was a game tonight. And a good one, as the Rangers were able to brake their five game losing streak.
...he's baaaaaack. If the Rangers have any chance of getting out of this tailspin Gaborik is going to have to do it on his own. Or maybe now with help of Jokinen.
...i guess Johnson is ready to be an NHL goaltender. Congrats on the first win kid.
...6 for 6 on the penalty kill. Can't ask for better than that.
...nice to see Voros using his face to block punches again.
...ridiculous game by Staal. Almost 30 minutes of ice time, 2 assists and a +2.
...Gilroy had just 10 minutes of ice time. Sather must have asked Torts to hold him back while his name was being discussed in the Jokinen trade.
...off tomorrow, then to LA to play another young, fast, tough Western Conference team.
Kotalik, Higgins Traded to Calgary for Jokinen, Prust
TSN is now reporting the Rangers and Calgary Flames are expected to announce a trade tonight that will send Calgary center Olli Jokinen and forward Brandon Prust to the Rangers in exchange for forwards Ales Kotalik and Christopher Higgins.
Jokinen, who is in the final year of his contract that pays him $5.25 million, has 11 goals, 24 assists and is a +3 on the season.
Prust, also in the final year of his contract that pasy him $500,000, has 1 goal, 4 assists and 98 minutes in penalties this season.
...Jokinen who was a big time goal scorer while playing in anonymity in Florida has for the most part disappointed in Calgary. Let's hope he can find something with Gaborik (hat trick tonight by the way).
...this move also helps the Rangers clear some cap space as Jokinen and Prust come off the books at the end of the season.
...Prust will fill the role Brashear was supposed to play this season and the one Voros is currently trying to fill.
...as far as Kotalik goes, not sure what happened to him. He looked like a steal at $3 million per at the beginning of the season then it just all fell apart. Higgins, I've never seen a player with worse luck than him.
Jokinen, who is in the final year of his contract that pays him $5.25 million, has 11 goals, 24 assists and is a +3 on the season.
Prust, also in the final year of his contract that pasy him $500,000, has 1 goal, 4 assists and 98 minutes in penalties this season.
...Jokinen who was a big time goal scorer while playing in anonymity in Florida has for the most part disappointed in Calgary. Let's hope he can find something with Gaborik (hat trick tonight by the way).
...this move also helps the Rangers clear some cap space as Jokinen and Prust come off the books at the end of the season.
...Prust will fill the role Brashear was supposed to play this season and the one Voros is currently trying to fill.
...as far as Kotalik goes, not sure what happened to him. He looked like a steal at $3 million per at the beginning of the season then it just all fell apart. Higgins, I've never seen a player with worse luck than him.
Kotalik Sent Back to New York (Updated)
Update, 10:28 p.m.:
TSN is now reporting the Rangers and Calgary Flames are expected to announce a trade tonight that will send Calgary centre Olli Jokinen and forward Brandon Prust to the Rangers in exchange for forwards Ales Kotalik and Christopher Higgins.
...happy to see Gilroy not involved.
Update, 10:21 p.m.:
Darren Dreger at TSN, via Twitter, is reporting the Rangers are expected to trade Kotalik and Higgins or Gilroy to Calgary for Oli Jokinen.
...wow if this is true, what a day of blockbuster trades. I'll have more later.
Update, 10:15 p.m.:
Larry Brooks at the New York Post reports that the Maple Leafs, barren up front after today's blockbuster trades with Calgary and Anaheim, could be interested in Kolatik, perhaps in exchange for defenseman Garnet Exelby. While the Oilers, for whom Kotalik played for last year, could also be a logical trading partner.
Original Post:
Steve Zipay at Blue Notes reports that the Rangers have sent Ales Kotalik home after trade negotiations with an unnamed team broke down last night.
During the telecast, Sam Rosen said Kotalik was sent home to get his personal affairs in order.
...this is just speculation on my part, but you have to think Kotalik was not happy with the team the Rangers were going to send him to and said he wouldn't report.
...when Rosen says he was sent home to get his personal affairs in order I'm assuming that means talking to his family about moving to another city.
...i'll try to get you guys all the info as soon as it comes in.
TSN is now reporting the Rangers and Calgary Flames are expected to announce a trade tonight that will send Calgary centre Olli Jokinen and forward Brandon Prust to the Rangers in exchange for forwards Ales Kotalik and Christopher Higgins.
...happy to see Gilroy not involved.
Update, 10:21 p.m.:
Darren Dreger at TSN, via Twitter, is reporting the Rangers are expected to trade Kotalik and Higgins or Gilroy to Calgary for Oli Jokinen.
...wow if this is true, what a day of blockbuster trades. I'll have more later.
Update, 10:15 p.m.:
Larry Brooks at the New York Post reports that the Maple Leafs, barren up front after today's blockbuster trades with Calgary and Anaheim, could be interested in Kolatik, perhaps in exchange for defenseman Garnet Exelby. While the Oilers, for whom Kotalik played for last year, could also be a logical trading partner.
Original Post:
Steve Zipay at Blue Notes reports that the Rangers have sent Ales Kotalik home after trade negotiations with an unnamed team broke down last night.
During the telecast, Sam Rosen said Kotalik was sent home to get his personal affairs in order.
...this is just speculation on my part, but you have to think Kotalik was not happy with the team the Rangers were going to send him to and said he wouldn't report.
...when Rosen says he was sent home to get his personal affairs in order I'm assuming that means talking to his family about moving to another city.
...i'll try to get you guys all the info as soon as it comes in.
Rangers @ Avalanche (Game 56)
The New York Rangers (24-24-7) will visit the Colorado Avalanche (30-17-6)tonight at the Pepsi Center starting at 8:00 p.m. For a preview go to Yahoo! Sports.
Ranger Pregame Notes
TV: MSG, Radio: WNYM (970AM)
Sorry don't have time for full pre-game notes, but Steve Zipay and Andrew Gross, via Twitter, both report that John Tortorella was 35 minutes late for his usually pregame presser. Some trade speculation.
They also report Henrik Lundqvist is again out with the flu. Apparently it's so bad that he's not even available to play if Johnson gets lit up. Torts says Johnson will have to "grind it out." Why was Zaba not summoned from Hartford? Let's just hope Johnson doesn't get hurt or Torts might have to put Avery between the pipes.
Brashear & Kotalik are scratches.
Ranger Pregame Notes
TV: MSG, Radio: WNYM (970AM)
Sorry don't have time for full pre-game notes, but Steve Zipay and Andrew Gross, via Twitter, both report that John Tortorella was 35 minutes late for his usually pregame presser. Some trade speculation.
They also report Henrik Lundqvist is again out with the flu. Apparently it's so bad that he's not even available to play if Johnson gets lit up. Torts says Johnson will have to "grind it out." Why was Zaba not summoned from Hartford? Let's just hope Johnson doesn't get hurt or Torts might have to put Avery between the pipes.
Brashear & Kotalik are scratches.
Another Defenseman Off the Market
TSN reports that the Calgary Flames have traded defenseman Dion Phaneuf to the Toronto Maple Leafs.
...with the Flames scouting the Rangers recently I thought the Blueshirts may be in the mix for Phaneuf, but Calgary officials must have come to their senses and said why would we want anyone from this terrible team.
...with Souray going down with a broken hand there are going to be slim pickings if the Rangers are interested in upgrading their defense at the trade deadline.
ESPN reports that the Maple Leafs have also acquired goaltender Jean-Sebastien Giguere from the Ducks.
...with the Flames scouting the Rangers recently I thought the Blueshirts may be in the mix for Phaneuf, but Calgary officials must have come to their senses and said why would we want anyone from this terrible team.
...with Souray going down with a broken hand there are going to be slim pickings if the Rangers are interested in upgrading their defense at the trade deadline.
ESPN reports that the Maple Leafs have also acquired goaltender Jean-Sebastien Giguere from the Ducks.
Video: Torts Talks Loss to Phoenix
...did that game look different from the bench than it did on TV? Torts thought they played well in the first period?!?!?!?
Johnson May Get the Call Again Tonight
Andrew Gross at Ranger Rants reports that last night Henrik Lundqvist said he wasn't sure if he'd be ready to go tonight in Colorado due to a nasty stomach flu that kept him out of game against Phoenix.This would mean Chad Johnson getting his second consecutive start on this road trip.
...i had that same stomach flu a few weeks back and I'd give him a lot of props if he was able to go tonight.
...hopefully Johnson and the Rangers can have a better start tonight against another good hockey team.
Forget Souray
Jim Matheson at the Edmonton Journal reports that Oilers defenseman Sheldon Souray broke his hand the other night in a fight with the Flames Jerome Iginla.
The Rangers were rumored to have interest in trading for Souray.
...while I would have loved him on the power play, this is probably the best thing for the Rangers. He was guaranteed to come here, clog up more cap room and stink.
The Rangers were rumored to have interest in trading for Souray.
...while I would have loved him on the power play, this is probably the best thing for the Rangers. He was guaranteed to come here, clog up more cap room and stink.
Redden, Rozsival May Lead to Loss of Heikkinen
Larry Brooks at the New York Post says the Rangers' decision to keep Wade Redden and Michal Rozsival on the roster and in the lineup every day may drive Hartford defenseman Ilkka Heikkinen back overseas when his contract expires at the end of the season..."Rest assured the physical defenseman with offensive instincts who received praise from coach John Tortorella during a seven-game trial run in December, will receive offers of substantially more guaranteed money from the KHL, which, of course, he would be foolish not to accept."
...the 'Albatross Twins' strike again.
...it is amazing how hard headed Sather is to sacrifice the future of the franchise just so he can somehow save face. Which he isn't.
Brooks also says that if the Hurricanes make defensemen Joni Pitkanen or Tim Gleason available the Rangers would be very interested.
Sunday Headlines
Bergen Record - Rangers look sick without Henrik Lundqvist
Bergen Record - Rangers notes: Ales Kotalik, Donald Brashear out again
New York Post - Escaping Garden little help for Rangers
New York Post - Johnson settles down in place of flu-ridden King
Daily News - Rangers take fifth straight loss
Newsday - Rangers drop fifth straight, 3-2, against Coyotes
Bergen Record - Rangers notes: Ales Kotalik, Donald Brashear out again
New York Post - Escaping Garden little help for Rangers
New York Post - Johnson settles down in place of flu-ridden King
Daily News - Rangers take fifth straight loss
Newsday - Rangers drop fifth straight, 3-2, against Coyotes
Saturday, January 30, 2010
Coyotes 3, Rangers 2
The New York Rangers (24-24-7) lost to the Phoenix Coyotes (32-18-5) by the score of 3-2 tonight. For a recap and box score go to Yahoo! Sports.
...you think I'd be encouraged by the comeback attempt, but it actually disgusted me. Because it shows that the Rangers have the talent, just not the commitment. Which is inexcusable.
...goal of the year for so many reasons if Gaborik was able to get that one to go.
...got to give Johnson credit for showing some moxie after a rough start, but he is just not ready to be an NHL goaltender. Which makes what the Rangers are doing to him not fair and they need to make a trade for a veteran goaltender tonight.
...unfortunately, the Rangers back-up goaltending situation is the least of their problems as they again do nothing on offense until it's too late and the power play sputters when it counted the most.
...the Rangers offense to so bad teams are now playing their back-ups against them.
...Rozsival just took another penalty.
...how hard is Prucha laughing right now?
...Dubinsky-Christensen-Gaborik please!!!!
...right back at it tomorrow in Colorado.
Rangers @ Coyotes (Game 55) - Updated
Update, 7:35 p.m.:
Steve Zipay at Blue Notes reports that Henrik Lundqvist is out with the flu. While Andrew Gross at Ranger Rants has some quotes from Petr Prucha on facing his former team.
Original Post:
The New York Rangers (24-23-7) visit the Phoenix Coyotes (31-18-5) tonight at Jobing.com Arena starting at 8:00 p.m. For a preview go to Yahoo! Sports.
Rangers Game Notes
TV: MSG+; Radio: WNYM (970AM)
Probable Lines:
Gaborik-Prospal-Callahan
Dubinsky-Drury-Christensen
Higgins-Anisimov-Lisin
Avery-Boyle-Voros
Staal-Rozsival
Del Zotto-Girardi
Redden-Gilroy
Goaltenders:
Chad Johnson - 0-1-1, 2.58 gaa, .908 sv%, 0 so.
Ilya Bryzgalov - 28-14-4, 2.35 gaa, .918 sv%, 5 so.
Opponent Notes:
- Phoenix has won two straight.
- The Coyotes are 20-8-2 at home this season.
- The Coyotes have scored the first goal of the game 28 times this season and have gone on to win 24 times..
- Shane Doan has 11 points (four goals, seven assists) in the last six games.
- Coyotes leading goal scorer Scottie Upshall (18 goals) is day-to-day with a right knee injury sustained last game vs. Calgary.
- Petr Prucha has 11g & 7a on the season while another former Ranger Lauri Korpikoski has 4g & 3a.
Opponent Blog:
Five For Howling
Steve Zipay at Blue Notes reports that Henrik Lundqvist is out with the flu. While Andrew Gross at Ranger Rants has some quotes from Petr Prucha on facing his former team.
Original Post:
The New York Rangers (24-23-7) visit the Phoenix Coyotes (31-18-5) tonight at Jobing.com Arena starting at 8:00 p.m. For a preview go to Yahoo! Sports.
Rangers Game Notes
TV: MSG+; Radio: WNYM (970AM)
Probable Lines:
Gaborik-Prospal-Callahan
Dubinsky-Drury-Christensen
Higgins-Anisimov-Lisin
Avery-Boyle-Voros
Staal-Rozsival
Del Zotto-Girardi
Redden-Gilroy
Goaltenders:
Chad Johnson - 0-1-1, 2.58 gaa, .908 sv%, 0 so.
Ilya Bryzgalov - 28-14-4, 2.35 gaa, .918 sv%, 5 so.
Opponent Notes:
- Phoenix has won two straight.
- The Coyotes are 20-8-2 at home this season.
- The Coyotes have scored the first goal of the game 28 times this season and have gone on to win 24 times..
- Shane Doan has 11 points (four goals, seven assists) in the last six games.
- Coyotes leading goal scorer Scottie Upshall (18 goals) is day-to-day with a right knee injury sustained last game vs. Calgary.
- Petr Prucha has 11g & 7a on the season while another former Ranger Lauri Korpikoski has 4g & 3a.
Opponent Blog:
Five For Howling
Prucha a Reason for Coyotes Success
Adam Gretz at AOL Fanhouse says the line of Radim Vrbata, Martin Hanzal and Petr Prucha has turned Phoenix into a playoff contender...Prucha burst onto the NHL scene coming out of the lockout and tallied 30 goals in just 68 games with the Rangers during his rookie campaign. After that fast start, however, his production, and ice-time, started to decrease in New York to the point where he scored just 13 goals the past two seasons ... combined. He already has 11 this season.
"Petr, he just has so much energy on the forecheck," said Vrbata. "He's also a finisher. He gets open and he gets a lot of chances. As for me? I'm just trying to make plays, trying to get open, and trying score some goals. So far it's working for us."
...just in case you guys weren't depressed enough by the Malhotra piece yesterday, I thought I'd pass this along. Seriously, it is great to see Prucha doing so well as he was always a fan favorite and I'm looking forward to watching him tonight.
...man did the Rangers mess up with Pruuuuucha.
Saturday Headlines
Bergen Record - Enver Lisin happy to be a Ranger
Bergen Record - Andrew Gross: Rangers may go shopping
New York Post - Redden still 'D' problem for Blueshirts
Newsday - Lisin returns to where NHL career began
Bergen Record - Andrew Gross: Rangers may go shopping
New York Post - Redden still 'D' problem for Blueshirts
Newsday - Lisin returns to where NHL career began
Friday, January 29, 2010
Sather: Rangers Still In It
Steve Zipay at Blue Notes was able to speak with Glen Sather, who's with the Rangers on their road trop, about whether the he thinks his team is still in the playoff hunt..."Why wouldn't I? Just about the only team that's out of it is Edmonton," Sather said. "The East is so tight. The Isles lost last night, Philly lost. Everybody thinks they are in it...It's good for the league and the fans, not always for some teams. It's tougher than it's been."
...of course the Rangers are still in the playoff hunt. With three point games, every team is in the playoff hunt until the beginning of March.
...unfortunately, this sometimes gives a team a false sense of how good they are (see the Rangers this year) and instead of making the smart move of selling their dead weight to desperate teams at the deadline they become one of those desperate teams.
Zipay adds that Sather and a contingent of Ranger officials scouted last night's Flames-Coyotes game.
...last week the Flames were scouting the Rangers, now the Blueshirts are returning the favor. Hmmmm. Phaneuf anyone?
Zipay also spoke with Enver Lisin on his return to Phoenix.
Christensen Back; Redden Safe
Andrew Gross at Ranger Rants reports that Erik Christensen will most likely be back in the line-up tomorrow night in Phoenix on the second line with Chris Drury and Brandon Dubinsky....seriously did Tortorella somehow forget about all the offense the Dubsinky-Christensen-Gaborik line produced? Unreal.
Gross says the healthy scratches will likely come from today’s fourth line group of Sean Avery, Donald Brashear, Brian Boyle, Ales Kotalik and Aaron Voros.
...with the Phoenix being a young, fast team, I'd go with Brashear and Voros being the scratches.
Finally, Gross reports that only six defensemen made the trip meaning Wade Redden, who had a lengthy chat with Tortorella after practice to clear the air, looks like a go for tomorrow night.
Would You Rather Have Manny Than...
Rick Carpiniello at the Rangers Report takes a look at how former first round Rangers bust Manny Malhotra is fairing with the first place San Jose Sharks (pretty good actually - 9g, 13a & +14) and asks this question " Would you rather have Manny than …"Would you rather have Manny than … Marian Gaborik? No.
Would you rather have Manny than … Brandon Dubinsky, Ryan Callahan or Artem Anisimov? At this point, probably not. They have better upside and are younger. But Manny’s as good as any of them right now.
Would you rather have Manny than … Chris Drury? I won’t even bother with that one, but you could have 10 Malhotras for Drury’s salary.
Would you rather have Manny than … Ales Kotalik, Sean Avery, Vinny Prospal, Christopher Higgins, Brian Boyle, Erik Christensen, Aaron Voros, Enver Lisin, Donald Brashear? NO DOUBT!
...like I don't hate this team already. And now I have to see this.
...when a former first round bust is better than 90% of your team you know you're f'ed.
To cheer you up check out David S.'s list of Avery-isms over at Stalking Steve Phillips.
Rangers NCAA Prospect Update
Leslie Treff at Hockey's Future looks at the Rangers eight prospects currently playing college hockey including Ryan McDonagh (obtained in Gomez trade), Derek Stepan and Chris Kreider among others...
Ryan McDonagh, Age 20
Acquired: 6/30/09 Trade with Montreal (1st Round, 12th overall 2007)
On the top pairing for the University of Wisconsin with an Anaheim Ducks top prospect Jake Gardiner, junior blueliner McDonagh is a two-way defenseman who is not afraid to take the body and protect teammates. Named a tri-captain for the season, McDonagh has an excellent competitive fire and knows how to lead. In what is widely thought to be his final season as a Badger, McDonagh is second among defensemen in total points on the team with 12 (3 goals, 9 assists).
McDonagh is expected to compete for a Rangers roster spot out of camp next season, however, is more likely to spend the campaign in Hartford.
...taking the body! Protecting teammates! Competitive fire! Can the Rangers somehow find a loophole to bring this kid up to the big club right now?
Ryan McDonagh, Age 20
Acquired: 6/30/09 Trade with Montreal (1st Round, 12th overall 2007)
On the top pairing for the University of Wisconsin with an Anaheim Ducks top prospect Jake Gardiner, junior blueliner McDonagh is a two-way defenseman who is not afraid to take the body and protect teammates. Named a tri-captain for the season, McDonagh has an excellent competitive fire and knows how to lead. In what is widely thought to be his final season as a Badger, McDonagh is second among defensemen in total points on the team with 12 (3 goals, 9 assists).
McDonagh is expected to compete for a Rangers roster spot out of camp next season, however, is more likely to spend the campaign in Hartford.
...taking the body! Protecting teammates! Competitive fire! Can the Rangers somehow find a loophole to bring this kid up to the big club right now?
Don't Sacrifice Future
Larry Brooks at the New York Post asks Glen Sather not to mortgage the Rangers future for a first round exit...
"The Rangers aren't one or two players away, unless they are Jean Beliveau and Bobby Orr in their prime. The Rangers aren't one brilliant trade away from inserting themselves into the Stanley Cup conversation.
Instead, the Rangers are simply one of those many teams camped out with the huddled masses on the treadmill of NHL mediocrity. Sorry to say, but Lundqvist and Gaborik are lipstick on the pig."
...to tell you the truth, I've thought Sather's trade deadline moves the last few years have been pretty reserved. Avery, Morris, Antropov, Mara, Sjostrom & Backman. No big splash while only losing Prucha and Dawes. Both of whom are currently playing well, but you and I both know they'd either be healthy scratches or struggling with the Blueshirts.
...i'd be shocked to see Kovalchuk or Lecavalier wearing a Rangers sweater this season.
...would much rather see Sather work to get some salaries off the books by trading (Prospal, Kotalik, Rozsival) to a desperate team.
"The Rangers aren't one or two players away, unless they are Jean Beliveau and Bobby Orr in their prime. The Rangers aren't one brilliant trade away from inserting themselves into the Stanley Cup conversation.
Instead, the Rangers are simply one of those many teams camped out with the huddled masses on the treadmill of NHL mediocrity. Sorry to say, but Lundqvist and Gaborik are lipstick on the pig."
...to tell you the truth, I've thought Sather's trade deadline moves the last few years have been pretty reserved. Avery, Morris, Antropov, Mara, Sjostrom & Backman. No big splash while only losing Prucha and Dawes. Both of whom are currently playing well, but you and I both know they'd either be healthy scratches or struggling with the Blueshirts.
...i'd be shocked to see Kovalchuk or Lecavalier wearing a Rangers sweater this season.
...would much rather see Sather work to get some salaries off the books by trading (Prospal, Kotalik, Rozsival) to a desperate team.
Thursday, January 28, 2010
Fire Sather Rally March 7th
Greg Wyshynski at Puck Daddy reports on a Fire Sather Rally which is scheduled for March 7th before the Rangers-Sabres game, from 5-6pm, on the 33rd Street side of Seventh Ave., in front of a Borders book store.The rally has be coordinated by Mike Zippo, who has even created a Facebook page to promote the cause.
Wyshynski was able to sit down with Zippo to discuss the rally. Here is an exerpt...
How is the "Fire Sather" rally progressing?
It's grown a little bit in the last couple of days. When I started the event on Facebook, I sent out 100 invitations. The first night we had it, we got mentioned on [the Blueshirt Banter] Internet radio show right away. Last night, it was mentioned on [ESPN] 1050 AM at about 11:45 p.m., which is actually the radio home for the Rangers.
It's grown a little bit in the last couple of days. When I started the event on Facebook, I sent out 100 invitations. The first night we had it, we got mentioned on [the Blueshirt Banter] Internet radio show right away. Last night, it was mentioned on [ESPN] 1050 AM at about 11:45 p.m., which is actually the radio home for the Rangers.
I think it's just going to keep growing.
...while I love the spirit by Zippo, this rally isn't going to mean a hill of beans to the Dolans. The only real way to send a message would be to stage a "Fire Sather" sitout where you pick an upcoming game and try to convince every ticket holder for that game to stay home. Then you'll hit the Dolan's where it hurts. In the wallet.
...having said that, I'm encouraging all my readers to attend the rally and show your support of firing Sather.
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