TSN reports that former Ranger Freddie Sjostrom has signed with the Calgary Flames for two years, $1.5 million....there goes one of our top two penalty killers. Next up, Blair Betts with one leg out the door and the other on a banana peel.
Wednesday, July 1, 2009
Sjostrom Signs with Flames
TSN reports that former Ranger Freddie Sjostrom has signed with the Calgary Flames for two years, $1.5 million.
Tough Night For Devils
Pierre LeBrun at ESPN.com reports that in less than an hour the Devils lost both Brian Gionta (Montreal, 5 years, $25 million) and John Madden (Chicago, 1 year, $2.75 million)....so far this off-season the Devils have lost their coach, their top scoring forward and their top defensive forward. Have fun next year Marty.
Rangers Sign Gaborik; Neil to Stay in Ottawa
Per TSN, Winger Marian Gaborik has agreed to a five-year contract worth $7.5 million per with the New York Rangers.
TSN also says Chris Neil has decided to re-sign with Ottawa turning down the Rangers four year deal.
...sure Gaborik can fill the net, but that's when he stays healthy. Gaborik is coming off a season where he was only able to play in 18 games and besides the 2007-2008 season hasn't sniffed the 80 games played mark since the 2002-2003 season.
...having said that, if he can stay in the line-up the Rangers have one of the premiere snipers in the league.
...as far as Neil goes, I'm very happy to see him go back to Ottawa.
TSN also says Chris Neil has decided to re-sign with Ottawa turning down the Rangers four year deal.
...sure Gaborik can fill the net, but that's when he stays healthy. Gaborik is coming off a season where he was only able to play in 18 games and besides the 2007-2008 season hasn't sniffed the 80 games played mark since the 2002-2003 season.
...having said that, if he can stay in the line-up the Rangers have one of the premiere snipers in the league.
...as far as Neil goes, I'm very happy to see him go back to Ottawa.
Free Agency Frenzy Tracker
Similar to how I posted during the Trade Deadline, I will have one long thread with the most recent signings or trades at the top. I'll also mix in as much Rangers news as I can. The fun starts at noon so check back all day long or follow me on Twitter...
- Ok boys and girls its time for me to take a break. Long day so far. I'll be back later on tonight, when hopefully I'll be blogging about a great move Sather made instead of moaning about losing Orr and only signing Brashear and maybe Neil. Ugh. In the meanwhile check out Steve Zipay's winners and losers of today's signings at Blue Notes.
- Leafs trade Pavel Kubina to Atlanta for Garnet Exelby. (TSN)
- Canadiens sign Mike Cammallari for five years, $30 million. (TSN)
- Flyers sign Ian Laperierre for three years, $3.5 million. (RDS)
- Rangers only team offering Neil four years, all other only offering three. (Ranger Rants)...Sather can't give Orr four years, but he can to Neil. For all the good he did yesterday, he doing just as much bad today.
- Rangers out of Heatley sweepstakes. (Ranger Report)
- Duck re-sign Niedermayer. (TSN)
- Canadiens sign Spacek and Gill. (TSN)
- Rangers in the mix for Ottawa right wing Chris Neil. (Ranger Rants)...why?
- Toronto Maple Leafs and Boston Bruins have not resumed earlier trade talks involving Phil Kessel and Tomas Kaberle. (TSN)
- Blue Jackets make contract offer to Rick Nash, numbers not mentioned. (Columbus Dispatch)
- Oilers sign Nikolai Khabibulin to a four-year, $15 million deal. (ESPN)
- Capitals sign Mike Knuble, 2 year, $2.8 million (TSN)...would have rather had Knuble then Brashear at the same value.
- Rangers sign Donald Brashear, 2 years, $2.8 million. (TSN)...the Betts incident in the playoffs really puts a bad taste in my mouth with this signing. If that incident doesn't happen I'm a lot happier with this move.
- Islanders sign G Dwayne Roloson, 2 years for $5 million. (TSN, Rangers Report)...this move shows that the Islanders have no faith in the health of DiPietro.
- Rumor that Rangers have signed tough guy Donald Brashear. (SNY Rangers Blog)...if this is true what a slap in the face to Blair Betts. Especially if the Rangers don't re-sign him.
- Avalanche sign G Craig Anderson for two years. (FAN 590)
- Hossa to Chicago, 12 years, $5.2 million per. (ESPN)
- Rangers may be interested in enforcer Brian McGrattan of Coyotes; Kovalev re-signs with Canadiens. (Blue Notes)
- Nik Antropov's phone has been ringing early and often. (ESPN)
- Leafs sign Colton Orr to four-year contract worth $4 million. (TSN, Ranger Report)...that is a big blow to the Rangers. They just opened up all this cap space and they can't give Orr $1 per. Awful.
- Chicago close to signing Hossa. (Darren Dreger of TSN via Twitter)...is Hossa just going to keep signing one year deals so he can choose what team he thinks is going to win the Cup the next season and sign with them?
- Florida has re-signed Radek Dvorak. Two years for 3.4 million total. (TSN)
- Update on Rangers Prospect Camp. (Rangers Rants)
- Tampa signs D Mattias Ohland, seven-years for $24.5 million. (TSN)
- Rangers a top contender to land Penguins D Rob Scuderi. (Pittsburgh Tribune-Review)...his stock really rose due to his performance in the playoffs.
- Believed that Rangers will talk to Dallas about Brad Richards. (New York Post)
- Heatley never said no to waive his no trade clause, so deal to Edmonton may still be on. (ESPN)
- Rangers may be interested in ex-Ranger Mikael Samuelsson. Other possible targets Gaborik and Knuble. (Ranger Rants)
- Greg Wyshynski at Puck Daddy says the overall reaction to the Scott Gomez trade is that the Canadiens got fleeced. (Puck Daddy)
- Sedin Twins re-sign with Vancouver Canucks for five years, averaging $6.1 million a season. (TSN)
- Ok boys and girls its time for me to take a break. Long day so far. I'll be back later on tonight, when hopefully I'll be blogging about a great move Sather made instead of moaning about losing Orr and only signing Brashear and maybe Neil. Ugh. In the meanwhile check out Steve Zipay's winners and losers of today's signings at Blue Notes.
- Leafs trade Pavel Kubina to Atlanta for Garnet Exelby. (TSN)
- Canadiens sign Mike Cammallari for five years, $30 million. (TSN)
- Flyers sign Ian Laperierre for three years, $3.5 million. (RDS)
- Rangers only team offering Neil four years, all other only offering three. (Ranger Rants)...Sather can't give Orr four years, but he can to Neil. For all the good he did yesterday, he doing just as much bad today.
- Rangers out of Heatley sweepstakes. (Ranger Report)
- Duck re-sign Niedermayer. (TSN)
- Canadiens sign Spacek and Gill. (TSN)
- Rangers in the mix for Ottawa right wing Chris Neil. (Ranger Rants)...why?
- Toronto Maple Leafs and Boston Bruins have not resumed earlier trade talks involving Phil Kessel and Tomas Kaberle. (TSN)
- Blue Jackets make contract offer to Rick Nash, numbers not mentioned. (Columbus Dispatch)
- Oilers sign Nikolai Khabibulin to a four-year, $15 million deal. (ESPN)
- Capitals sign Mike Knuble, 2 year, $2.8 million (TSN)...would have rather had Knuble then Brashear at the same value.
- Rangers sign Donald Brashear, 2 years, $2.8 million. (TSN)...the Betts incident in the playoffs really puts a bad taste in my mouth with this signing. If that incident doesn't happen I'm a lot happier with this move.
- Islanders sign G Dwayne Roloson, 2 years for $5 million. (TSN, Rangers Report)...this move shows that the Islanders have no faith in the health of DiPietro.
- Rumor that Rangers have signed tough guy Donald Brashear. (SNY Rangers Blog)...if this is true what a slap in the face to Blair Betts. Especially if the Rangers don't re-sign him.
- Avalanche sign G Craig Anderson for two years. (FAN 590)
- Hossa to Chicago, 12 years, $5.2 million per. (ESPN)
- Rangers may be interested in enforcer Brian McGrattan of Coyotes; Kovalev re-signs with Canadiens. (Blue Notes)
- Nik Antropov's phone has been ringing early and often. (ESPN)
- Leafs sign Colton Orr to four-year contract worth $4 million. (TSN, Ranger Report)...that is a big blow to the Rangers. They just opened up all this cap space and they can't give Orr $1 per. Awful.
- Chicago close to signing Hossa. (Darren Dreger of TSN via Twitter)...is Hossa just going to keep signing one year deals so he can choose what team he thinks is going to win the Cup the next season and sign with them?
- Florida has re-signed Radek Dvorak. Two years for 3.4 million total. (TSN)
- Update on Rangers Prospect Camp. (Rangers Rants)
- Tampa signs D Mattias Ohland, seven-years for $24.5 million. (TSN)
- Rangers a top contender to land Penguins D Rob Scuderi. (Pittsburgh Tribune-Review)...his stock really rose due to his performance in the playoffs.
- Believed that Rangers will talk to Dallas about Brad Richards. (New York Post)
- Heatley never said no to waive his no trade clause, so deal to Edmonton may still be on. (ESPN)
- Rangers may be interested in ex-Ranger Mikael Samuelsson. Other possible targets Gaborik and Knuble. (Ranger Rants)
- Greg Wyshynski at Puck Daddy says the overall reaction to the Scott Gomez trade is that the Canadiens got fleeced. (Puck Daddy)
- Sedin Twins re-sign with Vancouver Canucks for five years, averaging $6.1 million a season. (TSN)
Top UFAs Available
Here are the top five unrestricted free agents at each position via the New York Times...
CENTER
Saku Koivu, 34, Montreal, $4.7 million
Mike Comrie, 28, Ottawa, $4 million
Mike Cammalleri, 27, Calgary, $3.6 million
Henrik Sedin, 28, Vancouver, $3.575 million
Brendan Morrison, 33, Dallas, $2.75 million
RIGHT WING
Marian Gaborik, 27, Minnesota, $7.5 million
Marian Hossa, 30, Detroit, $7.45 million
Martin Havlat, 28, Chicago, $6 million
Brian Gionta, 30, New Jersey, $4 million
Mike Knuble, 36, Philadelphia, $2.8 million
LEFT WING
Alex Tanguay, 29, Montreal, $5.375 million
Jere Lehtinen, 36, Dallas, $4.1 million
Erik Cole, 30, Carolina, $4 million
Daniel Sedin, 28, Vancouver, $3.575 million
Ruslan Fedotenko, 30, Pittsburgh, $2.25 million
DEFENSEMEN
Jay Bouwmeester, 25, Florida - Signed by Calgary
Adrian Aucoin, 35, Calgary, $4 million
Derek Morris, 30, Rangers, $3.95 million
Paul Mara, 29, Rangers, $1.95 million
Rob Scuderi, 30, Pittsburgh, $725,000
GOALIE
Nikolai Khabibulin, 36, Chicago, $6.75 million
Manny Fernandez, 34, Boston, $4.75 million
Ty Conklin, 33, Detroit, $750,000
Yann Danis, 28, Islanders, $550,000
Scott Clemmensen, 31, New Jersey, $500,000
....Yann Danis????
CENTER
Saku Koivu, 34, Montreal, $4.7 million
Mike Comrie, 28, Ottawa, $4 million
Mike Cammalleri, 27, Calgary, $3.6 million
Henrik Sedin, 28, Vancouver, $3.575 million
Brendan Morrison, 33, Dallas, $2.75 million
RIGHT WING
Marian Gaborik, 27, Minnesota, $7.5 million
Marian Hossa, 30, Detroit, $7.45 million
Martin Havlat, 28, Chicago, $6 million
Brian Gionta, 30, New Jersey, $4 million
Mike Knuble, 36, Philadelphia, $2.8 million
LEFT WING
Alex Tanguay, 29, Montreal, $5.375 million
Jere Lehtinen, 36, Dallas, $4.1 million
Erik Cole, 30, Carolina, $4 million
Daniel Sedin, 28, Vancouver, $3.575 million
Ruslan Fedotenko, 30, Pittsburgh, $2.25 million
DEFENSEMEN
Jay Bouwmeester, 25, Florida - Signed by Calgary
Adrian Aucoin, 35, Calgary, $4 million
Derek Morris, 30, Rangers, $3.95 million
Paul Mara, 29, Rangers, $1.95 million
Rob Scuderi, 30, Pittsburgh, $725,000
GOALIE
Nikolai Khabibulin, 36, Chicago, $6.75 million
Manny Fernandez, 34, Boston, $4.75 million
Ty Conklin, 33, Detroit, $750,000
Yann Danis, 28, Islanders, $550,000
Scott Clemmensen, 31, New Jersey, $500,000
....Yann Danis????
Free Agent Frenzy Headlines
The Journal News - Rangers trade Gomez to CanadiensNewsday - Rangers get Higgins and some wiggle room
New York Times - By Trading Gomez, Rangers Can Shop
New York Post - GOMEZ GONE; NOW RANGERS CAN $HOP
New York Post - SCOTT HAD TO GO'
Daily News - Blueshirts ship Gomez to Montreal
The Bergen Record - Rangers trade Scott Gomez
Tuesday, June 30, 2009
Ranger Blogs React to Gomez Trade
Scotty Hockey is stupified that Sather was actually able to get a return for Gomez and his contract.
Mike over at Rangerland.net says Sather is a Jedi for being able to make this move.
The Hockey Rodent says "Good Riddance" to Gomez.
Steve Gelbs at NYRangerscast is scratching his head over Bob Gainey including top prospect Ryan McDonagh, who Gelbs says is now probably the top prospect in the Rangers’ system, in the deal.
Ryan McFadden at The Manic Ranger writes that Ranger fans should be very nervous that Sather has so much freed up salary to play with.
Over at The Rangers Tribune, NYR Blogger says that Gomez must be crushed because he signed with the Rangers to become a New York Legend.
Mike over at Rangerland.net says Sather is a Jedi for being able to make this move.
The Hockey Rodent says "Good Riddance" to Gomez.
Steve Gelbs at NYRangerscast is scratching his head over Bob Gainey including top prospect Ryan McDonagh, who Gelbs says is now probably the top prospect in the Rangers’ system, in the deal.
Ryan McFadden at The Manic Ranger writes that Ranger fans should be very nervous that Sather has so much freed up salary to play with.
Over at The Rangers Tribune, NYR Blogger says that Gomez must be crushed because he signed with the Rangers to become a New York Legend.
Qualifying Offers & Antropov
Steve Zipay at Blue Notes reports that Brandon Dubinsky, Ryan Callahan and Lauri Korpikoski all received qualifying offers from the Rangers today, meaning the Rangers retain negotiating rights to those players.
If a player rejects an offer, he becomes a free agent. If another team makes an offer, the Rangers have a right to match.
While over at ESPN.com Pierre LeBrun reports...
The New York Rangers have been unable to re-sign forward Nik Antropov, and it appears he's going to market. "He's definitely going to hit the market because the Rangers have no space to sign him," Antropov's agent, Mark Gandler, told ESPN.com on Tuesday.
Two sources told ESPN.com that Gandler asked the Rangers for five years at $5.25 million a year, which seems a little rich.
...five years at $5.25!?!?!? Is this guy crazy? Although Sather probably thinks this is a bargain.
If a player rejects an offer, he becomes a free agent. If another team makes an offer, the Rangers have a right to match.
While over at ESPN.com Pierre LeBrun reports...
The New York Rangers have been unable to re-sign forward Nik Antropov, and it appears he's going to market. "He's definitely going to hit the market because the Rangers have no space to sign him," Antropov's agent, Mark Gandler, told ESPN.com on Tuesday.
Two sources told ESPN.com that Gandler asked the Rangers for five years at $5.25 million a year, which seems a little rich.
...five years at $5.25!?!?!? Is this guy crazy? Although Sather probably thinks this is a bargain.
Tortorella: We're Soft
Andrew Gross at Ranger Rants has this quote from John Tortorella who was named assistant coach to Team USA..."I just think we’re soft. I’m not trying to insult anyone physically but I think we’re soft thinkers. I think we need to grow in what we need to do in preparation and practice habits."
...god its nice to hear a Ranger coach tell the truth about this team. Heck the soft label could be applied to the entire organization for the past 10+ years. Great job Torts!!!
Speaking of Team USA both Chris Drury and Ryan Callahan were invited to the U.S. Olympic Men's Ice Hockey Orientation Camp from Aug. 17-19 see here.
Heatley to Be Traded Tonight?
Rick Carpiniello at the Rangers Report thinks that the Ottawa Senators will trade Dany Heatley tonight to avoid having to pay him a $4 million bonus. However, he does not think the Rangers, despite opening up cap space with the Scott Gomez trade, will make a play for him...
"Maybe it’s possible the Rangers will reimburse the Senators for the $4 million if they can get a deal done another time. But I think Ottawa will trade Heatley tonight, and now I think he won’t be coming to New York."
...not sure where the Rangers go now, but there are definitely some snipers out there for the taking including Sedin twins, Havlet, Gionta and Afinogenov.
"Maybe it’s possible the Rangers will reimburse the Senators for the $4 million if they can get a deal done another time. But I think Ottawa will trade Heatley tonight, and now I think he won’t be coming to New York."
...not sure where the Rangers go now, but there are definitely some snipers out there for the taking including Sedin twins, Havlet, Gionta and Afinogenov.
Rangers Trade Gomez to Canadiens
Newyorkrangers.com reports that the Rangers have traded Scott Gomez, Tom Pyatt, and defenseman Mike Busto to the Montreal Canadiens for forward Chris Higgins (Smithtown native) and defensemen Ryan McDonagh and Pavel Valentenko.
From TSN...
Higgins, a 26-year-old restricted free agent winger, also struggled in 2008-2009, scoring a career-low 23 points in 57 games as he missed a combined 25 games with hand and groin injuries.
Prior to last season, however, Higgins recorded three straight seasons of at least 20 goals and he'll be a more economical option for the Rangers as he earned $1.7-million last season.
McDonagh, 20, was Montreal's first-round pick in 2007 and recorded 16 points in 36 games as a 6-foot-1, 212-pound sophomore at the University of Wisconsin in 2008-2009.
Valentenko, 22, has good size at 6-foot-2, 202 pounds, but left the Canadiens' farm team in Hamilton early last season to play for Moscow Dynamo in the KHL, where he finished with one assist in eight games.
On how the trade helps the Rangers Glen Sather told Rick Carpiniello at the Rangers Report...
“We’ve got lots of cap room now, and it opens lots of options.”
“Torts has talked about the young guys all year and we wanted to make some room for them, and we did.”
“Since this deal happened I’ve had three calls (from other teams), and it doesn’t take long for people to realize you’re going to make some changes.”
On being traded Higgins said...
“When I heard it happened, I was thrilled. If there was one place I was going to play other than Montreal, it would be in front of my friends and family.”
On palying for John Tortorella...
“I’ve always liked the way (Tortorella’s) teams have played. They don’t seem they take their foot off the gas pedal very often. Playing against the Rangers, they were one of the hardest teams to play against.”
...big fan of Higgins, especially being a LI guy. Injuries really slowed him down last season and expect a bounce back this year.
...i'll reserve judgement on Sather being able to open up cap room until I see what he does with it.
...sorry to see you go Scotty. In typical Ranger fashion the team brought you in to be a player you weren't and never surrounded you with a speedster winger who could light it up.
From TSN...
Higgins, a 26-year-old restricted free agent winger, also struggled in 2008-2009, scoring a career-low 23 points in 57 games as he missed a combined 25 games with hand and groin injuries.
Prior to last season, however, Higgins recorded three straight seasons of at least 20 goals and he'll be a more economical option for the Rangers as he earned $1.7-million last season.
McDonagh, 20, was Montreal's first-round pick in 2007 and recorded 16 points in 36 games as a 6-foot-1, 212-pound sophomore at the University of Wisconsin in 2008-2009.
Valentenko, 22, has good size at 6-foot-2, 202 pounds, but left the Canadiens' farm team in Hamilton early last season to play for Moscow Dynamo in the KHL, where he finished with one assist in eight games.
On how the trade helps the Rangers Glen Sather told Rick Carpiniello at the Rangers Report...
“We’ve got lots of cap room now, and it opens lots of options.”
“Torts has talked about the young guys all year and we wanted to make some room for them, and we did.”
“Since this deal happened I’ve had three calls (from other teams), and it doesn’t take long for people to realize you’re going to make some changes.”
On being traded Higgins said...
“When I heard it happened, I was thrilled. If there was one place I was going to play other than Montreal, it would be in front of my friends and family.”
On palying for John Tortorella...
“I’ve always liked the way (Tortorella’s) teams have played. They don’t seem they take their foot off the gas pedal very often. Playing against the Rangers, they were one of the hardest teams to play against.”
...big fan of Higgins, especially being a LI guy. Injuries really slowed him down last season and expect a bounce back this year.
...i'll reserve judgement on Sather being able to open up cap room until I see what he does with it.
...sorry to see you go Scotty. In typical Ranger fashion the team brought you in to be a player you weren't and never surrounded you with a speedster winger who could light it up.
Sunday, June 28, 2009
Sunday Headlines
New York Post - Offer for Zherdev; Antropv likely out
New York Post - LARRY BROOKS: Partying players risk losing $hirts
Daily News - Eyeing talent and progress, GM Glen Sather points Rangers toward youth
Daily News - Rangers select Ryan Bourque, son of NHL great Ray Bourque, in NHL Draft
Newsday - Rangers select Ray Bourque's son in third round
Newsday - Rangers' Sather goes back to drawing board
Newsday - ARTHUR STAPLE: Sather knows it's time to get younger
The Bergen Record - Rangers get all they want in draft
New York Post - LARRY BROOKS: Partying players risk losing $hirts
Daily News - Eyeing talent and progress, GM Glen Sather points Rangers toward youth
Daily News - Rangers select Ryan Bourque, son of NHL great Ray Bourque, in NHL Draft
Newsday - Rangers select Ray Bourque's son in third round
Newsday - Rangers' Sather goes back to drawing board
Newsday - ARTHUR STAPLE: Sather knows it's time to get younger
The Bergen Record - Rangers get all they want in draft
Saturday, June 27, 2009
Kreider Not What this Team Needed
Both Scotty Hockey and Jess Rubenstein at The Prospect Park express their disappointment with the Rangers choosing Chris Kreider with their first round pick...
Scotty Hockey says...
"The kid the Rangers picked should make the team right around the time that Wade Redden's contract comes up. Chris Kreider may be the top skater in the draft but it has to be mentioned that he has looked so good skating for Andover - a U.S. high school - against kids two, three years younger and while playing just 26 games. Bring up Brian Leetch all you like, Leetchie dominated averaging three, four points a game and played in three World Juniors. He then played a year in college and a year against top competition with Team USA before getting an Olympics under his belt. This Kreider kid will not see anything remotely close to professional-quality play for a long time."
...and that was the nicest thing Scotty had to say about the pick.
While Rubenstein added...
"This is not about disliking Kreider but more about wondering what the Rangers are thinking with this pick. For a team that swears it is committed to building a core from the draft you seriously have to question a pick like this one."
...i've got to admit I didn't do much homework on the draft, so to hear Scotty and Rubenstein, whose opinions I fully respect, diss this pick has me thinking the Rangers didn't get the scoring forward this organization desperately needed.
Scotty Hockey says...
"The kid the Rangers picked should make the team right around the time that Wade Redden's contract comes up. Chris Kreider may be the top skater in the draft but it has to be mentioned that he has looked so good skating for Andover - a U.S. high school - against kids two, three years younger and while playing just 26 games. Bring up Brian Leetch all you like, Leetchie dominated averaging three, four points a game and played in three World Juniors. He then played a year in college and a year against top competition with Team USA before getting an Olympics under his belt. This Kreider kid will not see anything remotely close to professional-quality play for a long time."
...and that was the nicest thing Scotty had to say about the pick.
While Rubenstein added...
"This is not about disliking Kreider but more about wondering what the Rangers are thinking with this pick. For a team that swears it is committed to building a core from the draft you seriously have to question a pick like this one."
...i've got to admit I didn't do much homework on the draft, so to hear Scotty and Rubenstein, whose opinions I fully respect, diss this pick has me thinking the Rangers didn't get the scoring forward this organization desperately needed.
Second Day of Draft Produces Ray Bourque's Son
Rangers Obtain Boyle (No Not That One)
Newyorkrangers.com reports that the Rangers acquired forward Brian Boyle from the Los Angeles Kings in exchange for a third-round pick in the 2010 NHL Entry Draft.Boyle, 24, was originally Los Angeles’ first round choice, 26th overall, in the 2003 NHL Entry Draft. He appeared in 28 games with the Kings last season, registering four goals and one assist for five points, along with 42 penalty minutes. He established career-highs in games played (28) and penalty minutes (42).
...sweet!!! Another forward who can't score.
Rangers Give Zherdev Qualifying Offer; May Lose Betts
Steve Zipy at Blue Notes reports...
"Rangers president and general manager said a few minutes ago that the Rangers have given qualifying offers to some of their restricted free agents, including Nik Zherdev, but not Fredrik Sjostrom."
Sather adds that the agent for Nik Antropov was overpricing his client.
Zipay also notes...
...the GM said he believed that penalty-killing UFA center Blair Betts could be wooed by Edmonton. He is from Western Canada..."and Tom (Renney) always liked him."
...sorry so lax on the updates today, but the sun is out for the first time in a month on Long Island and I'm not sitting inside blogging all day. I'll have more later on the second day of the draft including the Rangers trading for Kings prospect Brian Boyle.
"Rangers president and general manager said a few minutes ago that the Rangers have given qualifying offers to some of their restricted free agents, including Nik Zherdev, but not Fredrik Sjostrom."
Sather adds that the agent for Nik Antropov was overpricing his client.
Zipay also notes...
...the GM said he believed that penalty-killing UFA center Blair Betts could be wooed by Edmonton. He is from Western Canada..."and Tom (Renney) always liked him."
...sorry so lax on the updates today, but the sun is out for the first time in a month on Long Island and I'm not sitting inside blogging all day. I'll have more later on the second day of the draft including the Rangers trading for Kings prospect Brian Boyle.
Friday, June 26, 2009
Senators Ask Too Much for Heatley
Andrew Gross at Ranger Rants reports...
"Rangers general manager Glen Sather held a lengthy conversation with Ottawa GM Bryan Murray regarding the Senators’ disgruntled left wing Dany Heatley. However, the reports were that the Rangers believed the Senators were still asking for too much."
A source has also told this information to Pierre LeBrun at ESPN.
...i know Ranger fans are reluctant to trade away players like Staal and Callahan, but this team needs a finisher and it needs one now. And with the Rangers cap situation the only way to get one is to trade a good young player.
"Rangers general manager Glen Sather held a lengthy conversation with Ottawa GM Bryan Murray regarding the Senators’ disgruntled left wing Dany Heatley. However, the reports were that the Rangers believed the Senators were still asking for too much."
A source has also told this information to Pierre LeBrun at ESPN.
...i know Ranger fans are reluctant to trade away players like Staal and Callahan, but this team needs a finisher and it needs one now. And with the Rangers cap situation the only way to get one is to trade a good young player.
Rangers Pick Kreider at #19
The Rangers chose Chris Kreider of Andover Academy with the 19th pick in tonight's first round of the 2009 NHL Entry Draft. Kreider is headed to Boston College next year.
For information on Kreider go to NHL.com.
On Kreider, Rangers director of player personnel Gordie Clark told Steve Zipay at Blue Notes...
"He's an elite, elite athlete physically, mentally. He's ripped. He blew through the combine in Toronto and he still has room to grow. He'll get thicker."
On being drafted by the Rangers, Kreider, a Red Sox fan, said...
"I spoke a lot with them during the season, but really not much since to be honest with you.We talked at the combine and I thought I could've been a little better, but I guess it was enough for them."
...during the telecast they stated that Kreider was the fastest prospect in the draft, which is something to look forward to. Probably will be a couple of years before we see this kid. Hopefully, he can fine tune his game at Boston College and be ready for the Wolf Pack in two years.
For information on Kreider go to NHL.com.
On Kreider, Rangers director of player personnel Gordie Clark told Steve Zipay at Blue Notes...
"He's an elite, elite athlete physically, mentally. He's ripped. He blew through the combine in Toronto and he still has room to grow. He'll get thicker."
On being drafted by the Rangers, Kreider, a Red Sox fan, said...
"I spoke a lot with them during the season, but really not much since to be honest with you.We talked at the combine and I thought I could've been a little better, but I guess it was enough for them."
...during the telecast they stated that Kreider was the fastest prospect in the draft, which is something to look forward to. Probably will be a couple of years before we see this kid. Hopefully, he can fine tune his game at Boston College and be ready for the Wolf Pack in two years.
2009 NHL Draft on Versus Starting @ 7pm
In case anyone is unaware the first round of the 2009 NHL Entry Draft will be televised tonight on Versus starting at 7:00 p.m.
Zipay to Host Live Web Chat Today @ 2pm
Steve Zipay at Blue Notes will be hosting a live web today at 2 p.m. from the draft in Montreal. To participate click here.
Sens Want Dubinsky, Callahan and/or Staal for Heatley
Arthur Staple at Newsday is reporting that Ottawa Senators GM Bryan Murray is believed to be asking for one or two or three of the Rangers' young untouchables (Marc Staal, Brandon Dubinsky and Ryan Callahan) in any trade involving Dany Heatley.
...if I was Sather I'd be willing to part with one or two of those players as long Ottawa was willing to also take one of our big salary problems (ie Drury, Gomez, Redden or Rozsival).
...if I was Sather I'd be willing to part with one or two of those players as long Ottawa was willing to also take one of our big salary problems (ie Drury, Gomez, Redden or Rozsival).
Toronto Not Interested in Redden
Andrew Gross at Ranger Rants reports that Maple Leafs GM Brian Burke shot down rumors that the Toronto Maple Leafs were interested in Wade Redden..."I don't know where that got started," Burke told reporters in Montreal. "We're not in discussions on that player."
...i knew no one was that stupid. Oh wait someone is.
Draft Day Headlines
New York Post - LOOKING TO SCORE DANY ON THE CHEAP
Daily News - Isles at center ice, Rangers eye trades
Newsday - Rangers weigh options as draft day arrives
The Journal News - Rangers taking wait-and-see approach with 19th pick
The New York Times - Islanders Have Their Pick of Blue Chippers in Draft
The Bergen Record - Rangers have options at 19
Daily News - Isles at center ice, Rangers eye trades
Newsday - Rangers weigh options as draft day arrives
The Journal News - Rangers taking wait-and-see approach with 19th pick
The New York Times - Islanders Have Their Pick of Blue Chippers in Draft
The Bergen Record - Rangers have options at 19
Thursday, June 25, 2009
The New York Rangers Blog Goes Twitter
I told myself I wasn't going to do this but I setup a Twitter account for the blog. Check me out at https://twitter.com/thenyrblog.
Messier On WFAN
Mark Messier was on WFAN's Steve Somers show tonight to discuss his career and Brian Leetch being inducted into the NHL Hall-of-Fame. To listen click here.
Cap to Rise By 5% for 2009-10 Season
Larry Brooks at the New York Post reports..."The NHL players union has voted to trigger the 5-percent escalator on the 2009-10 salary cap, The Post has learned.
This means that the 2009-10 cap will remain within a couple of hundred thousand dollars of last season's figure of $56.7 million."
...was hoping the cap would be increased by $10 million to allow the Rangers to get out of their cap woes. Guess not. Good luck Glen.
Possible #1 Pick Duchene Talks Grachev
Steve Zipay at Blue Notes has this quote from possible #1 pick in tomorrow's draft Matt Duchene on former Brampton Battalion linemate and Rangers prospect Evgeny Grachev..."I lined up against him in Russia it seemed like every shift (in the 2008 IIHF World Under-18 Championship in Kazan)," said Duchene, who has since befriended the big forward, and "helped him acclimate to North America and the Canadian lifestyle. I've helped him learn more English. We're friends. My mother had a photo of him and I on the screen of her computer when he was picked by us (Battalion). After the 8-0 game, (when Canada won the gold medal for the Under-18s), I went over to him and said, 'Don't worry about it, you're gonna be a great player,' and he will be. He's caught on real fast. He started playing the Russian style, trying to bull everybody over, but he's learned to use his size and speed and reach and is becoming a star."
...i've said it before, if the Rangers can't move salary to bring in a sniper this off-season and Grachev has a big camp, he could find himself with the big club next season.
Rangers Must Shed Salary to Bring In Heatley
Allen Panzeri at the Ottawa Citizen says the Rangers remain on Dany Healtey's list of potential teams he'd be willing to be traded to, however, the Rangers would need to move salary..."The New York Rangers are said to be one of the teams on Heatley's list and one of the teams that's actually interested in him. But the Rangers would first have to shed at least one of Scott Gomez ($7.357 million), Chris Drury ($7.050 million), Wade Redden ($6.5 million) and Michal Rozsival ($5.0 million)."
...shipping Redden off to Toronto then bringing in Heatley, where do I sign?
Wednesday, June 24, 2009
Leafs Interested in Redden!!!!!
Tim Wharnsby at the Globe & Mail reports that it is believed that the Maple Leafs have been zeroing in on Wade Redden. Wharnsby adds that the Leafs have plenty of cap space to accomodate the acquisition of Redden.
...i'm starting to shake I'm so excited. If Sather can pull this off he'll be just as big of a genius as he was an idiot for signing Redden in the first place. Maybe more.
...obviously Leafs GM Brian Burke didn't watch much Ranger hockey last year. Not sure who the Rangers would have to take back (Wharnsby says the Leafs could be interested in moving Tomas Kaberle or Pavel Kubina), but I don't really care.
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