Knock, Knock. Who's There? Anisimov. Anisimov Who?

The New York Rangers of old is slowly becoming something of the past. A slew of new & young talent is emerging for current and future seasons, most recently the emergence of both Girardi and Callahan as young starters on the roster this fall. Perhaps we might see our 'in the system' brother-behaved Marc Staal (D) hitting training camp fighting for a starting position as well. A mix of young talent from all over the world -- no language barriers in the sport and business of professional hockey for this 'seeing the future' hockey franchise.

This week the Rangers signed 19-year-old centre Artem Anisimov to a professional contract on Thursday. He played in 39 games with Yaroslavl Lokomotiv of the Russian Super League last season and had 10 points (2-8). Anisimov also played on the Russian team that won silver at the world junior championship earlier this year and will be part of Russia's team for the under-20 Canada-Russia Super Series later this summer. A native of Yaroslavl, Russia, Anisimov was the Rangers’ second round choice, 54th overall, in the 2006 NHL Entry Draft.Once the Rangers are able to work through a Russian trade agreement of their own (good luck Slats) it will be exciting to see Alexei Cherepanov finally wear the coveted jersey and hit MSG. We may have another Ovechkin on our hands.

No more Avery controversy? No more Salary Cap discussion? Henrik is signed? The Dark Ranger is pleased.....and bored. Bring on the season....please!

tdr

Marc Staal Knows When To Prevent An Offense!

From Reuters & Blueshirt Bulletin:

Marc Staal was not among the fourteen family members and friends who were arrested for harrassing motorists at the side of the highway at 4:00 AM Saturday morning -- the Cook County sherriff's office just read the names of five Staal family members from the list of those detained, and Marc was not one of them (nor was Jarred). See news reports in the Raleigh News-Observer and Pittsburgh Post-Gazette.

According the a press release from the Cook County Sherriff's office, the party at the Lusten Resort was warned prior to 1:00 AM about loud screaming and loud music after numerous complaints were lodged. At 3:00 AM, after repeated warnings, representatives of three law enforcement agencies helped resort staff shut down the Staal party and remove all participants from the property. At 4:00 AM, the group was arrested at the side of the road for disorderly conduct and obstructing the legal process. Some members of the group fled into the woods and were therefore not detained with the others -- we have no way of knowing at this time whether Marc was among this group, or if he was even at the party at all. Jordan was among four detainees released after booking -- the other ten, including Eric, were held overnight."

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THE DARK RANGER thinks: First there was Jordan "Paris" Staal, then there was, Eric "Britney" Staal, and then there was Marc "Lohan" Staal. Setting a better example over his siblings was Marc "Ranger" Staal, who stayed at home like a good boy and went to training camp to become a Ranger. In truth, he will make the cuts during training camp and be one of the surprises on the "D" Blueshirt lines this season. I have seen clips of the kid play and he is a 'conservative but smart' player who isn't afraid to throw himself into a winger.

Mr. & Mrs. Staal should consider having some more kids to feed us bloggers!

tdr

UPDATE: Latest picture of the Staal Brothers (thanks Waiting For Stanley)