Lindros Doesn't Get Hall Call

TSN reports that Dino Ciccarelli along with female players Angela James and Cammi Granato were among those elected to the Hall of Fame on Tuesday.

Not selected were Eric Lindros and Joe Nieuwendyk. Both were in their first year of eligibility and seen as possible top candidates.

Also a lot of anger out there that Pat Burns was not selected.

...if Ciccarelli got in there is no reason Lindros should have been left out.

...by the way how busy of an NHL news day was today? Signings, trades, coaching changes, HOF picks, schedule release and draft previews. I can't wait for the draft party so I can just relax with a drink and enjoy.

Remember to follow me on Twitter & Facebook.

Plekanec Re-Signs with Montreal

Bob McKenzie tweets...

Tomas Plekanec has agreed to terms with MTL on a multi-year deal worth an estimated $5 million per year.less than a minute ago via UberTwitterBob McKenzie
TSNBobMcKenzie

...$5 million?!??!? Yikes that's expensive. Man, I'm glad the Rangers are in cap hell.

Remember to follow me on Twitter & Facebook.

Rangers Will Not Make Offer to Lisin

Larry Brooks at the New York Post reports the Rangers will not extend a qualifying offer to Enver Lisin, who would have been due a qualifying offer of $829,500.

Lisin, who recorded just 14 points last season, will hit the open market as an unrestricted free agent on July 1.

...this isn't a surprise as Lisin struggled, aided by a foot injury, all season during his first year and now only year with the Rangers.

Remember to follow me on Twitter & Facebook.

Horton Lands in Beantown

TSN reports that the Florda Panthers have sent forwards Nathan Horton and Gregory Campbell to the Boston Bruins for defenceman Dennis Wideman, the 15th overall pick in this year's NHL Entry Draft and a third round pick in 2011.

...i guess Brooks was right.

...with a couple of big names already on the move and the Rangers all quiet on the western front it looks like Sather is sticking to his word of not giving up the future. Which is great to see.

Remember to follow me on Twitter & Facebook.

Renney Named Head Coach in Edmonton

TSN reports that Pat Quinn has stepped down as head coach of the Edmonton Oilers to take an advisory role with the club and former Rangers head coach and current Oilers Assistant Tom Renney will take his place behind the bench.

...i hope Oilers fans don't like scoring. Kidding. Great guy who deserves this second chance.

Remember to follow me on Twitter & Facebook.

Clark, Scouts Get Ready for Big Weekend

Newyorkrangers.com has a piece on Gordie Clark and the rest of the Ranger scouts getting ready for the draft this weekend...

“We want great hockey players and great people,” explained Clark. “I think we have been able to change the culture of the type of person that we bring in. This is a special place to play, so they should be that special kind of person. I think we’ve kept that philosophy with our draft picks, character and leadership are things we look for, and maybe we’ll take a guy who’s stronger in that department than a guy who might have a bit more skill but far less character.”

...in Gordie we trust.

Remember to follow me on Twitter & Facebook.

NHL Releases Rangers Schedule

Update, 2:13 p.m.:
The Rangers have sent out a release on the schedule.

Original Post:
The NHL just released the 2010-2011 NHL schedule. To check it out click here.

...two away games in New York (Oct. 9th in Buffalo and Oct. 11th on Long Island) to start the season before home opener on Oct. 15th against Maple Leafs.

...Rangers fans will get to see Stanley Cup champs at MSG on November 1st.

...Rangers end the season with three straight home games with the finale against the Devils.

Remember to follow me on Twitter & Facebook.

Draft Party Meetup Meeting Spot

After checking out The Hill restaurant website, the location of Friday's Rangers Draft Party, the best place we can meet is next to the staircase in the back right part of the restaurant (see above pic). I will be wearing an away blue Graves jersey.

Like I had mentioned in my previous post, figure we can gather around that area at 6:45pm.

From that point we can all find a place to sit and watch the draft or if others want to just stop over and say hello whatever you guys want. Just figured it would be a fun way for me to say thank you to everyone for your support of the blog.

I'm also hoping it's a great way for any Ranger fan who can't find someone to go with them to the party to meet and hangout with other likeminded Ranger fans.

The Hill restaurant is located on Third Ave. between 29th and 30th Streets in Manhattan and the party begins at 6:30pm. 21 and over only. For more info click here.

If you have any questions leave them in the comments section below, e-mail me at nyrfan94@yahoo.com, @reply me on Twitter or leave message on my Facebook wall.

Valentenko Returns from KHL

Day 18 of the newyorkrangers.com's '20 Prospects in 20 Days' brings us Pavel Valentenko, who the Rangers acquired in the Scott Gomez trade and just returned to North America after playing last season in the KHL.

Gordie Clark, Rangers' Director, Player Personnel, says...

"He's a guy you're not going to want to play against. He's aggressive and finishes his checks all the time. He is a physical, in-your-face defenseman. We knew him from his draft year and knew he played like a North American."

...that Gomez trade just gets better and better.

Remember to follow me on Twitter & Facebook.

Rangers Looking at Mitchell

At the very end of Steve Zipay's Blue Notes blog post today he says that a name he's heard the Rangers kicking around is UFA D Willie Mitchell.

Mitchell known as a shutdown defenseman missed the second half of the season last year in Vancouver after suffering a concussion.

Mitchell made $3.5 million last season.

...not sure what the market would be for Mitchell but $3.5 million is a bit expensive for a concussed defenseman who hasn't scored more than four goals in a season.

...plus there's really no room for a defenseman on the team right now. Having said that the Rangers could use a shutdown defenseman.

Remember to follow me on Twitter & Facebook.

Does Lindros Belong in the Hall of Fame?

With the 2010 Hall of Fame Class due to be announced later this afternoon, whether former Ranger Eric Lindros should get the call or not has been a hot topic.

Lindros recorded 865 career points and won the Hart Trophy as the NHL's most valuable player in the lockout-shortened 1994-95 season. He also helped Canada to Olympic gold in 2002.

His career was cut short due to numerous concussions.

During his time with the Rangers, Lindros had 66 goals, 92 assists in three seasons.

...what I remember from Lindros' time with the Rangers was his first year in 2001 when they got off to a hot start then headed out west where in the same game against San Jose Lindros was injured and Fleury lost his mind. After that the season went down the drain.

...having said that based on his play in Philadelphia where he was a dominant player I feel he deserves to get in.

...what do you guys think?

Remember to follow me on Twitter & Facebook.

Rangers Not In On Horton Trade Talks

Larry Brooks tweets...

Unless there has been a dramatic change within last hour, Rangers are NOT in on Nathan Horton talks....less than a minute ago via webLarry Brooks
NYP_Brooksie

Horton has three years left on a six-year, $24 million contract extension. His no-trade clause kicks July 1.

Horton finished second on Florida with 57 points (20 goals) this past season despite missing 17 games with a broken leg. His goal totals have declined each season since a career-high 31 in 2006-07.

...can't imagine Sather didn't put a call in. But you have assume the asking price was probably more than Sather wanted to give up. Especially when the Predators were asking for prized prospect McDonough in exchange for the much older Arnott.

...plus unless the Rangers were shipping Drury, Redden or Rozsival back to Florida they couldn't exactly afford Horton anyway.

Remember to follow me on Twitter & Facebook.

Rangers Home Opener Oct. 15th vs. Maple Leafs

Newyorkrangers.com reports that Rangers home opener for the 2010-11 season will take place on Friday, October 15th, against the Toronto Maple Leafs.

I've also seen in a number places that the Rangers will open the season on the road in Buffalo on October 9th. Not sure if there is another game on the road before the home opener.

The full Rangers schedule will be released tomorrow.

Remember to follow me on Twitter & Facebook.

Voros Sighting on Rangers Cruise

Since Aaron Voros decided to delete his Twitter account he has pretty much fallen off the face of the earth. That is until he apparently showed up on a Blueshirts United Legends Club cruise on the Hudson River last week.

Voros was also spotted by Brendan Shanahan a few weeks ago.

To check out a slide show of the cruise click here.

...i love how Voros is wearing a t-shirt and a backward baseball cap while every other Rangers representative is either wearing a sports jacket or golf shirt. Classic.

...man Voros really has to re-open his account. His Twitter followers miss him.

Final TSN Draft Ranking (Updated)

Update, 1:53 p.m.:
NHL Fanhouse has an anonymous NHL chief amateur scout's draft board.

...more great stuff on Niederreiter.

Original Post:
Get your draft knowledge on for TheNYRBlog draft party meetup, by checking out TSN's final draft rankings.

I would keep an eye on Ryan Johansen, Nino Niederreiter, Jeffrey Skinner and Vladimir Tarasenko as the Ranger's potential first round pick.

...after checking these rankings out and doing other draft research I'm officially on the El Nino bandwagon. Not sure if he'll be there at #10, but if he is I'd be real disappointed if they passed.

...h/t to LI Joe for the link.

Rangers Draft Leetch 24 Years Ago

Hopefully this is a foreshadow for Friday night...

This date in #NYR history, June 21, 1986 - Brian Leetch is drafted with no. 9 overall pick. #2, Forever A Ranger. http://twitpic.com/1yr2hkless than a minute ago via TwitpicOfficial NY Rangers
thenyrangers

Rangers Could Look to Move Rozsival

Andrew Gross at the Ranger Rants says that based on his improved play at the end of last season it wouldn't shock him if the Rangers moved Michal Rozsival this summer.

He also says Chicago could be looking to move Dustin Byfuglien (One year left at $3 million) due to cap issues and wonders how much he would add to the Rangers roster.

Byfuglien had 17g, 17a last season including 11g, 5a in the playoffs leading Chicago to the Stanely Cup.

...while Chicago would never take Rozsival for Byfuglien (they're trying to open up cap room), if Sather can somehow find a way to turn Rozsival into Byfuglien (three team trade?), I'd be excited.

...having said that I'm actually interested in what Rozsival will bring this year coming off a solid second half and a great World Championship.

Ok Rangers Fans Who Do You Want?

Greg Wyshynski at Puck Daddy gives a run down of the best UFA centers available this offseason.

The list includes Patrick Marleau (SJ), Tomas Plekanec (MTL), Matthew Lombardi (PHX), Saku Koivu (ANA), Vinnie Prospal (NYR), Olli Jokinen (NYR), Eric Belanger (WASH), Matt Cullen (OTT), Manny Malhotra (SJ) and Kyle Wellwood (VAN).

...from what I've read it looks like the Rangers are interested in bringing Prospal back, which I have mixed feelings about (age, injury, taking away spot from youngster).

...Lombardi (19g, 34a) is an interesting candidate who, by playing out west, could be an under the radar guy the Rangers might pick-up cheap.

...anyone interested in a return to New York for Manny?

The NYR Blog Meetup @ Rangers Draft Party

Ok boys and girls, I'm in for the Rangers draft party Friday night.

I received a lot of positive feedback from you guys on doing a meetup so let's do it. I think it would be a great way for us to get together, talk Rangers and cry on each other's shoulders when Sather finds a way to screw this up. All while throwing back a couple of cold ones.

It will be very informal, so if we want to hang as a group that's fine or if people just want to say hello that's cool as well.

I'd really just like to thank as many readers as possible personally for visiting the blog and adding to it's success.

Not sure if anyone has ever been to The Hill restaurant before and knows a good spot to meetup inside. If not, I'll get a call over there to see if there's a good landmark and let you know. Figure the doors open at 6:30 p.m., so we'll meetup at around 6:45 p.m.

For details on the draft party click here.

Sorry to my under 21 readers the draft party is 21 and over. Maybe we'll have the next meetup at Chuck-E-Cheese for you guys. Sorry I had to.

If you have any questions leave them in the comments section below, e-mail me at nyrfan94@yahoo.com, @reply me on Twitter or leave message on my Facebook wall.

Rangers In Talks with Shelley

Larry Brooks sent this tweet this morning on the Rangers negotiations with Jody Shelley...

Rangers trying to keep impending UFA Jody Shelley off market. "Still talking," agent Pat Morris text this morning....less than a minute ago via webLarry Brooks
NYP_Brooksie

...great news as he is someone the Rangers need to re-sign. And he should come relatively cheap.

...i should send this to Jim Matheson at the Edmonton Journal.

Knicks May Hold Back Big Move By Rangers

Rick Carpiniello at the Rangers Report wonders if the Rangers are going to be an after thought with all the focus of the Dolans being focused on the Knicks acquiring LeBron James...

"Problem is, this July 1 reminds me a bit of July 1, 1997, because of LeBron James. In 1997, all of MSG’s efforts were aimed at Patrick Ewing, who would be a free agent. This year they’re aimed at King James, only about 1,000,000,000 times more so. And I wonder if that will at all affect what the Rangers try to do that day. I wonder, if the opportunity to do something big arose, if the Rangers would have trouble getting the go-ahead from upper management/ownership, because they’ll all be in Akron or involved with James and his agents."

...wow I never even thought of this scenario. But as Carp goes on to say, the cap will probably be the reason for the Rangers lack of movement this summer not LeBron.

Small School Talbot Plays Big

Day 17 of newyorkrangers.com's '20 Prospects in 20 Days' brings us goaltender Cam Talbot...

Gordie Clark, Rangers' Director, Player Personnel...

"He has the size and athleticism we like, and he was able to keep a very weak team competitive. I talked to the Hartford staff, who saw him in their practices in April, and Benoit really likes him."

...you can never have enough good goaltending in your organization.

...even with three goaltenders featured in this series some so-called experts actually think the Rangers are going goaltender with their first pick on Friday.

Messier Talks LeBron

Mark Messier went on the 1050 ESPN Radio's Ian O'Connor Show today to discuss what he experienced coming to a championship starved team in New York and what LeBron James will encounter if he decides to sign with the Knicks.

...man Messier is really stepping up to the plate for the Knicks as this is the second time he's been in the media discussing James. This guy really wants New York to be a winner. How can you not love this guy?

Laraque to Rangers?

Jim Matheson at the Edmonton Journal says the Rangers could be a likely destination for the recently bought out Georges Laraque...

"Best bet for Laraque? The New York Rangers, who let Donald Brashear go. New York GM Glen Sather drafted Laraque."

...ummm Jim, you obviously didn't watch a single Ranger game after the trade deadline because you would have know that they sort of acquired this guy named Jody Shelley, who kind of played on the Rangers best line down the stretch and was credited for turning the Rangers locker room around.

...not sure why the Rangers would go after a player who played so poorly last season he was bought out when they can look to re-sign someone who made a real difference for the team at a relatively cheap price.

Happy Father's Day

Happy Father's Day to all the dads out there. Sit back, relax and have a couple of cold ones today. You earned it.

Rangers Were in on Arnott Trade Talks

Larry Brooks at the New York Post reports that the Rangers had interest in acquiring Jason Arnott, who was traded from Nashville to the Devils yesterday...

"The Rangers were in trade talks with the Predators regarding Jason Arnott before the center was dealt to New Jersey, Slap Shots has learned.

An impeccable source reports that Nashville turned to Lou Lamoriello once Sather refused to yield the rights to Wisconsin senior defenseman Ryan McDonagh, whom the Blueshirts are attempting to sign for the coming season."

Last night I criticized Sather for not going after Arnott.

...when we're wrong here at The New York Rangers Blog we admit it. Great job by Sather not giving up a young, talented blueliner for an expensive, aging player. Wonder if Sather dangled Sanguinetti instead of McDonough.

...i'm happy to hear that Sather was in talks with Nashville as it shows me he is serious about filling the Rangers needs by whatever means necessary.

How to Dump Brashear

Larry Brooks at the New York Post gives Rangers fans a scenario that Glen Sather could use to rid the Rangers of Donald Brashear's $1.4 million cap hit this season...

"...the only conceivable way Sather will be able to move Brashear is by taking back a bad contract of greater value from a low-revenue team hovering around the cap floor. The Rangers could then bury that contract in the AHL, if necessary, while gaining $1.4M in critical cap space.

The acquiring team, which would suffer no harm from carrying that cap charge through the season, could then buy out the final year of Brashear's contract for $866,667, and thus save a fair amount of cash."

Brooks cites the Islanders (Brendan Witt) and Avalanche (Tom Preissing) as potential trade partners.

Brashear's contract will count against the Rangers cap because of his over-35 contract. For more on his contract click here.

...if Sather is able to pull this off, it will be another one of his many magic acts to make up for yet another free agent blunder.

Brooks also reports Ilkka Heikkinen will be headed to Europe (thanks Larry we knew this a month ago) and John Tortorella, meanwhile, is doing well on his rehab from hip replacement surgery.

Atlantic Division Gets Better While Sather Sits on Hands

Today the Rangers chances of getting back in the playoffs next season took a hit as the Devils reacquired Jason Arnott from the Nashville Predators and the Flyers acquired the rights to negotiate with Predators defenseman Dan Hamhuis, while Glen Sather could do nothing but watch as his ineptness has left the Rangers with very little cap space.

The 35-year-old Arnott, who has one year left on his contract that will pay him $4.5 million next season, had 19 goals and 27 assists in 63 games last season.

...a big, physical center. Nah, the Rangers couldn't have used him. Sure he's getting up there in age and $4.5 million is a bit much but he would have filled a need and the Rangers would have only had to commit one year.

...and not only is he someone the Rangers could have used, now when the Rangers face the Devils next season they are going to have a match-up problem with Arnott.

Hamhuis, who will probably be looking for $3 million per, had 5 goals, 19 assists in 78 games last season.

...Rangers had been linked to Hamhuis in a few rumors, but no room for him unless Sather plans on sending Redden to Hartford. The Eastern Conference Champs, if they can sign him, just got a little bit better. Again, not a good thing for the Rangers.

Top Defensemen & Goalies in the Draft

Newyorkrangers.com continues it's look at the top players in next week's draft by reviewing the top defensemen and goaltenders.

...got to tell you, I'll be pretty pissed if the Rangers take a defenseman or goalie with their first pick. The Rangers have no choice but to go after a forward.

Kasper Hangs Them Up

Beyond the Blueshirts tweets...

According to Sportsdaily.ru, former #NYR Darius Kasparaitis has called it a career & will become an assistant coach with SKA St. Petersburg.less than a minute ago via webLaurie Carr
byndblueshirts

...Rangers could really use a Kasparaitis-type player on defense right now. Dirty, hard hitting and in-your-face. The exact opposite of Redden.

...unfortunately, not much success for the Rangers during Kasper's time with the team and his NHL career sadly ended for him in Hartford.