Leetch Gets Into Hall of Fame

The NHL announced today that Brian Leetch will join another former Ranger Luc Robitaille as well as Steve Yzerman and Brett Hull in the NHL Hall of Fame.

The induction ceremony is scheduled for November 9th.

NHL.com has a great piece on Leetch's impact on American hockey.

Newyorkrangers.com has this quote from Leetch...

“I am humbled and excited by this honor, particularly for me it is difficult to think of myself as a member of the Hall of Fame,” stated Leetch.

...congrats Brian well deserved.

Leetch will also be joined by another former Ranger goaltender and broadcaster John Davidson, who will enter the Hall’s media wing as the 2009 Foster Hewitt Memorial Award winner for his career excellence in hockey broadcasting.

Rangers Making No Effort to Re-Sign Orr

In yesterday's Larry Brooks article in the New York Post he reports...

"The Rangers, by the way, have made no effort to re-sign Colton Orr, who will have no trouble at all scoring a multi-year deal within hours of the opening of the market. We’re told Florida is keenly interested in the heavyweight."

And Blueshirt Banter and Scotty Hockey react.

...for Orr's importance to the Rangers see Game 6 of the Rangers first round loss to the Capitals this year and two years ago against the Flyers (Shanahan concussion game) when the Rangers were pounded from one end the ice to the other. The similarity: No Orr in the line-up.

Q&A With Adam Graves

Mark Malinowski over at The Hockey News has a nice Q&A with former Ranger great Adam Graves. Here's an excerpt...

Toughest Competitors: "To play against...certainly to play with it would be Mark, easily. (Messier) is the toughest mentally and physically I've ever encountered in anything. I mean, he's just as mentally tough a guy as you're going find. To play against - Scott Stevens and Kenny Daneyko. Those would be guys who people certainly in the tri-state area would know very well. They were very, very tough and really hard to play against."

Graves also says his favorite movie is Braveheart, tv show is Friends and ice cream flavor is chocolate chip cookie dough.

Zipay Mock Draft

Steve Zipay at Blue Notes gives us his 2009 NHL Mock Draft and has the Rangers drafting RW Carter Ashton at #19. For more on Ashton go to NHL.com.

Here's an NHL.com video feature on him as well...

Antropov Looking for $4-5 Million Per

Andy Strickland over at HockeyBuzz says that Nik Antropov is seeking a 4-5 yr. deal worth somewhere in the neighborhood of $4-5 million per season...

"The Rangers and Nik Antropov are having some preliminary discussions as they would like to re-sign the 29 yr old sniper, but in reality there is very little the Rangers can do unless they move some bodies."

...not sure how Sather's going to open up cap space when his biggest salary problems are the biggest under-performers on the team (see Redden, Gomez, etc.).

Father's Day Headlines

Newsday - Rangers ready to move up in first round of draft

New York Post - BLUESHIRTS HAVE A SHOT AT SENATORS SNIPER

...happy father's day to all the fathers out there.

Free Agency & Draft Thoughts with Gordie Clark

Andrew Gross at Ranger Rants sat down with Rangers Director of Player Personnel Gordie Clark to discuss free agency and the up-coming draft.

On re-signing Antropov, Clark said Antropov had been if not the best Ranger forward, then one of their best forwards after he was acquired from the Maple Leafs. "The priority is we have that spot open," Clark said. "The priority is to fill it, to get the best player available to fill in."

...so does that mean the Rangers priority is signing Antropov? Very confusing. To me, that doesn't sound like a ringing endorsement for Antropov.

On the draft, Clark said it's not extremely deep and the talent is spread fairly equally among forwards and defensemen. It's a weak draft for goalies.

Clark notes that the Rangers main draft need is a finisher, most likely a wing, though a center would suffice and to develop another NHL-caliber goalie. However, with a weak goalie class, this may not be the year the Rangers make progress in that area.

Clark didn't rule out the Rangers drafting a blue-liner with their #19 pick.

Leetch Could Get Hall Call on Tuesday

Newyorkrangers.com reports Tuesday at 3:30 p.m. ET, the Hockey Hall of Fame selection committee will announce the members of the 2009 Hall of Fame induction class. This year's nominees include Brian Leetch, Steve Yzerman, Brett Hull and Luc Robitaille.

If selected, Leetch stands to become the first U.S.-born defenseman to reach the Hall in more than 60 years worth of induction ceremonies.

...i think we can all pretty much guarentee Leetch is getting in.

...while it was great to see Messier get into the Hall. For me, seeing Leetch get in is much more special because he was a Ranger draft pick who we were able to see transform into one of the best defensemen of all time.

Mike Richter Goes Green

Former Ranger goaltender Mike Richter recently sat down with the Climate Crossroads Blog to discuss global warming and had this classic answer to the question...

Imagine that you’re Frosty the Snowman. How would you explain global warming to a child in order to alert them of your imminent danger?

Richter: "I am going to sweat my snowballs off if we don't address global warming immediately!"

...Richter's interest in politics is no secret. If he runs for elected office, I'm sure he won't have any problems finding campaign volunteers in the tri-state area.

Rangers Draft Preview

Leslie Treff at Hockey's Future has a nice draft preview for the Rangers stating...

"The biggest team need is for scoring forwards, including a first-line center. Although the team had hoped that their 2007 free-agent signings of Chris Drury or Scott Gomez would have filled the need for a top line center, over the past two seasons, neither has done so."

Treff also notes that the Rangers need scoring on the wing and project F Kyle Palmieri as the team's first round pick.

...nothing really ground breaking here. If you didn't know that the Rangers needed scoring forwards you're not allowed to visit this blog again.

Rangers Offer Package for Heatley?

NHL Snipers reports that the Rangers have offered a package of players for Dany Heatley including...

"SCOTT GOMEZ, RYAN CALLAHAN, DAN GIRARDI, 19TH OVERALL PICK, 80TH OVERALL PICK"

...i know nothing about this site, but this rumor sounds very Eklundesque.

Speaking of possible off-season transactions The Manic Ranger would like to see the Rangers land Ian Laperrier, while Scotty Hockey has his eye on a Petr Sykora/Rangers reunion.

Defense & Goalies to Watch

Newyorkrangers.com continues their draft preview by looking at the top defensemen and goalies in the 2009 NHL Entry Draft.

...the Rangers have lots of defensive depth and with Lundqvist in goal aren't in need of a goaltender so don't look for the Rangers to make much of a splash at these two positions.

This One Will Last a Life Time...Sort of

15 years ago today the Rangers won their first Stanley Cup in 50 years. Enjoy it Ranger fans because the way things are going it might take another 50.

Here's a look back from Steve Zipay in today's Newsday.

Callahan Has Zero Conversations With Rangers

Steve Zipay at Blue Notes says that several agents to whom he's spoken in the last few days are agreeing that it's fairly quiet on the RFA front, including Ryan Callahan's rep. Steve Bartlett, who said...

"It's the nature of the beast right now, league-wide" Bartlett said. "I've had zero conversations with the Rangers. Most of the clubs are waiting to see what the cap number will be post-playoffs. I'm sure I'll have a conversation with them (the Rangers) at the draft."

...the Rangers have a reputation of low balling their free agents, so it should be interesting to see what the offer will be and what the Rangers will do if he gets an offer sheet from another team.

Rangers vs. Canucks #1 Stanley Cup Game 7

John Grigg at The Hockey News says the Rangers/Canucks epic seven game series in 1994 was the best Stanley Cup Game 7 in NHL history...

1. 1994 – New York Rangers over Vancouver, 3-2After guaranteeing a win in the conference final to get his team to the Stanley Cup showdown, Mark Messier scores the game-winner for the Blueshirts, ending a 54-year Cup drought on Broadway.

...i think we all knew this already. Right Ranger fans.

The Avery Self Promotion Tour

Steve Zipay at Blue Notes reports that Sean Avery will be in full self promotion mode this summer including a possible appearance on Late Night with Jimmy Fallon.

...this guy is a walking PR machine.

Top Wingers in the Draft

Newyorkrangers.com takes a look at the top wingers available during the June 26th NHL Entry Draft. For right wingers click here, for left wings here.

...wing is the definitely the position the Rangers need to focus on in the draft.

MSG Vault Looks at 'Raucous Rangers' Moments Tonight @ 10pm

Tonight MSG Network's "The Vault" will look at the top Ranger enforcers at 10pm. To get ready newyorkrangers.com asks fans to choose their favorite 'Raucous Rangers' moment from these five choices...

1979 -- Bruins Go Into the Stands
1987 -- McPhee vs. Markwart
1992 -- Domi vs. Probert
1993 -- Kocur vs. Probert
1998 -- Cloutier Pounds Salo

...got to go with Cloutier. Solely on him going to the Isles bench after pounding Salo to ask who was next.

Fotiu Does Q&A With Fans

Didn't get a chance to post this yesterday, but earlier today former Ranger Nick Fotiu held a Q&A with Rangers fans over at newyorkrangers.com. For the full transcript click here.

Here's an excerpt...

Question from GardenGirl: You were always the player of the people, and your showing up here to answer questions shows your continued dedication to Rangers fans. Thank you for all your years on the ice, and especially for showing up early all those times to throw pucks into the crowd. Do you feel that today's players have as much dedication and team spirit as you did? What keeps you so dedicated to the NYR after all these years? And what would you tell our current Rangers to inspire them about what a great privilege it is to skate on MSG ice and continue the NYR legacy?

Nick Fotiu: Growing up in New York, I was the first New Yorker to play for the Rangers. Nobody can break that record. A lot of players from New York like myself and the Mullen brothers never really leave New York. You have to grow up here to know what it means to be a New York Ranger. It's about tradition, loyalty and respect. Not just playing on the ice. The fans never forgot me and I never forgot them. You have to go out on the ice and not only play for the team. You have to play for the fans in the building. In New York, the fans made me feel like I was Mike Bossy or Bobby Orr every time I went on the ice.

Could Rangers Get Heatley?

Steve Zipay at Blue Notes reports on Dany Heatley notifying the Ottawa Senators that he would like a change of scenery and wonders if the Senators would take a package anchored by Scott Gomez for him.

Here is the ESPN report on Heatley.

Heatley is currently making $7.5 million for the next five years. Gomez will make $7.3 million during the same period.

...if Ottawa would ever agree to a deal with Gomez it really won't help us cap wise. I would need Sather to move either Redden or Rozsival as well to make me happy.

...plus I'd hate to see Gomez go with Heatley coming in. Gomez would finally have someone to distribute the puck to.

Sutter to Step Down

TSN is reporting that Devils coach Brent Sutter will announce that he is stepping down as the head coach of the New Jersey Devils today.

Sutter, who was brought to New Jersey on July 13, 2007, spent two seasons behind the Devils' bench compiling a record of 97-56-11. He led the team to the post-season both years, but failed to move on past the first round, most recently falling to the Carolina Hurricanes in seven games.

...no tears being shed at this blog.

Live Chat with Zipay @ 1pm

Steve Zipay at Blue Notes will be hosting a live web chat today at 1pm. To participate click here.

Centers of Attention

Newyorkrangers.com looks at the centers that are available in the June 26th NHL draft. Including John Tavares, Matt Duchene and Evander Kane.

For where the Rangers stand on their needs at center visit The Prospect Park.

...with Drury, Gomez and Anisimov under contract and Dubinsky and Betts all but assured of being re-signed, not to mention prospects such as Moore, Pyatt and Stepan, I'd say center is not a pressing need for the Blueshirts right now.

Rangers Make Gomez Available

Pierre LeBrun at ESPN reports that the Rangers have made Scott Gomez available around the league.

LeBrun adds that the LA Kings are looking for a star but isn't sure how interested they are in Gomez due to his contract.

...if this report is true I'm very encouraged that Sather is looking to dump salary. A must this off-season.

Rangers to Waiver Redden?

Bruce Garrioch at the Ottawa Sun reports...

"There is talk the Rangers might waive D Wade Redden at the start of next season and send him to the AHL's Hartford Wolf Pack to get his $6.5-million salary off the books. New York has tried to deal Redden, but nobody is willing to bite. He still has $32.5 million and five years left on his contract."

...don't tease me Bruce.

...the Redden signing, due to the contract length and amount, could be the worst in New York sports history.

Rangers Should Go Forward in Draft

Steve Zipay at Blue Notes says that with the Rangers "taking D-men (Staal, Sanguinetti, Del Zotto) and a goalie (Al Montoya) in four of the last five first rounds, the Rangers should grab whoever they deem the top forward available at 19 (Kassian, Ashton, Kreider, Holland) or higher, even though that player would be two or three years away from the Garden."

Speaking of defensive draft picks Blueshirt Banter has a great Q&A with Bobby Sanguinetti.

Newyorkrangers.com looks at the success teams have had with the #19 pick.

...with the draft right around the corner I'm hoping to have a lot more updates.

Rangers Need Star Power

Larry Brooks at the New York Post says without legitimate offensive talent it is impossible to thrive in the NHL...

"The Penguins have Evgeni Malkin and Sidney Crosby, the Caps have Alex Ovechkin, Alexander Semin, Nicklas Backstrom and Mike Green, the Hurricanes have Eric Staal, and the Rangers . . . well, and the Rangers have no one remotely comparable. Fact is, the Blueshirts don't have a forward who would be selected in the top, what, 100 in a league-wide dispersal draft."

Brooks says the oft-injuried Marian Gaborik could be that player for the Rangers.

He also mentions the Rangers trading Marc Staal for top tier talent...

"There is no player on the roster other than lone untouchable Henrik Lundqvist for whom the Rangers could acquire an elite offensive force by trade, though if we were in GM Glen Sather's golf shoes, we'd be calling Ottawa and offering Marc Staal for Heatley, we'd be calling Tampa and offering Staal for Vincent Lecavalier or Steven Stamkos, we'd be calling Colorado and offering Staal for the third-overall selection in the Entry Draft, and you get our drift."

...if there was ever going to be a typical Ranger free agent signing Gaborik would be it. I couldn't be more against the Rangers signing a player that can barely stay in the line-up.

...on the other hand if there was ever going to be a thinking outside the box move it would be trading players like Staal and Anisimov for top offensive talent. I'm not condoning this approach by Sather, but I'd understand. Plus the GM needs to unload two of the four biggest contracts (Drury, Gomez, Roszival and Redden).

Steve Zipay at Blue Notes suggests the Rangers look at Milan Hejduk and Jonathan Cheechoo.

Sather Tries to Justify Ticket Price Increases

Eric at 5-Hole reports that the Rangers, despite a recession and coming off an underwhelming season, have decided to raise ticket prices and includes a letter (along with translation) from Glen Sather who tries his best to fool season ticket owners into thinking the increase is justified...

Here's a snippet...

Rangers Subscribers,

Hey Suckers!

Five years ago, we made it our priority to build the New York Rangers team for long-term success by developing a core foundation of young players and adding key veterans as our youngsters matured. Our philosophy remains steadfast, and this past season, six young players whose NHL careers began here in New York played major roles in taking us to the playoffs for the fourth consecutive year.

A few years ago, I brought up a few players from the farm system (in this case, six), surrounded them with overpriced, underachieving veterans, and prayed for Henrik Lundqvist to play well. Except for Jagr. That guy was awesome. Especially that one year when he scored 54 goals. Too bad he destroyed his shoulder punching Scott Gomez in the playoffs. Speaking of which, he’s a Ranger! And I signed Chris Drury too! That was awesome.

...its amazing how blinded GMs and owners are by greed. Have the Dolans and Sather seen all the empty seats at the new Yankee Stadium and Citi Field? What a joke.

MSG Renovations A Year Behind Schedule

Tom Topousis at the New York Post reports that renovations to Madison Square Garden are about a year behind a schedule set up last year with the lower half of the arena bowl being rebuilt in time for the 2011-12 seasons and the upper half to be done the following year, 2012-13..

Hank Ratner, vice chairman of Madison Square Garden, insists that the delay is the result of taking extra time in the planning phase...

"One thing we don't want to do is have to go back and change it midway through," he said.

Ratner adds that Garden officials had looked at the problems the Yankees faced in selling expensive luxury suites during the recession.

Renderings of the new Garden are also provided.

...didn't I post about this back in December? (See here).

TSN's Off-Season Game Plan for Rangers

Scott Cullen at TSN looks at what the Rangers will be facing this off-season...

"While the Rangers' cap situation isn't quite as dire as their actual salary commitments (thanks to front-loaded contracts for Scott Gomez, Chris Drury, Michal Rozsival and Wade Redden) would make it seem, but it's not easy to build a contending team under the cap when the top-priced players aren't performing."

...lots of holes to fill and not much cap room to do it. Sather is really going to have to dig into his bag of tricks.