Frolov Adds Firepower To The Rangers

You've all heard by now that Alexander Frolov, a free agent from the Los Angeles Kings, is now a New York Ranger --- something our fellow NYR bloggers have highly criticized as 'just another Slats acquisition (with the exception of Blueshirt Banter).

The Dark Ranger thinks the nay-sayers are all wrong -- because this was one hell of a signing, especially for one-year at $3 million!   If Staal is signed, along with the Frolov signing, this virtually guarantees Wade Redden will not make the roster.  (You asked for it, you got it).

Yes - Frolov's stats were declining last season, and because of it everyone jumps on the 'declining stars go to the Rangers' negative bandwagon, but I don't see this as the case at all when it comes to Alexander Frolov.  He has been a loyal and constant force as part of the Kings -- yes, there is attitude -- but how different is that from our own management and locker room?  He is a two-way player, who scores on the power-play, a dirty-goal guy who plants himself in front of the net (didn't Drury do that for Buffalo?), and throughout his career as a King he averages 20-25 goals a season -- and a plentitude of assists.  Furthermore, at half the cost of either Chris Drury, Wade Redden and Mickey Mouse Roszival, I find little to complain about.  If anyone questions his motivation as a player in the NHL, perhaps you ought to think about his turning down a multiple-year-20-million-dollar offer in the KHL for a 'one-year for $3mill to play on the New York City stage' as a damn obvious motivating factor --- this guy is hungry and wants to prove himself.  That works for me.

Go here for an interview with Frolov and why he chose The Rangers.

And stop it Rangers fans who think youth will not be served this season!  Frolov answers the age-old question "who is going to score goals on this squad?" and playing on the Gaborik line will only take pressure off Gabs and limit opposing teams triple-covering him every other game.  The goal scorer needed is 'check'.  
The young'ens in the system will prove themselves in camp and Torts will allow any Baby Ranger to step up to have their chance to play as long as they're NHL-ready and fit in the system.

With the exception of Staal not being signed and a continued much-needed D-man quarterback, most of the Rangers issues have been addressed this off-season and The Dark Ranger is especially looking forward to camp and the exhibition games to see who fills the missing pieces.

I post all this via Paris, one of the only countries without hockey (makes me so sad, except for a loyal devoted group of Canadian ex-pats), so I'll be off the grid the next couple of weeks as I am painstakingly posting this very post from a Parisian internet cafe'. Everyone around me is looking suspiciously French (and thank God not in a Montreal kind of way).

Hopefully our Dark Ranger brethren, Graying Mantis and J_Undisputed will come out of hockey hibernation and entertain the hockey masses in hockeyland when there is Rangers news to report.

So until camp, Happy Summer Rangers fans and see you soon.

p.s.  I am sure Alexander Frolov will be missing many things about being an LA King, or maybe it's just me that would miss certain things below...

tdr

Here's the official FROM TSN if you missed it:

The New York Rangers made it official on Tuesday, announcing they had agreed to terms with free agent forward Alexander Frolov on a one-year deal worth $3 million.

"Alex is a highly skilled player who we feel will play a key role in improving our offense and play in all situations," Rangers President and General Manager Glen Sather said in a statement.  "He is strong competitor and has the ability to play either wing position."

The 28-year old Russian sniper suffered through a down season in Los Angeles last year, scoring only 19 goals, his lowest total since his rookie season, and adding 32 assists.  He was also made a healthy scratch by Kings head coach Terry Murray, who openly criticized Frolov's desire.

In an interview with Russian newspaper SovSport on Monday, Frolov's agent Sergei Isakov blasted the Kings for the way they handled his client, stating that they deliberately spoiled his season.
Frolov reportedly turned down a four-year deal worth approximately $20 million to return to Russia and play in the KHL, as his agent stated that he wanted to play one more season in North America before deciding his long term future.

In 536 career games, all with the Kings, Frolov has 168 goals and 213 assists for 381 points, along with 210 penalty minutes. He also helped Russia capture a silver medal at the 2010 IIHF World Hockey Championship in Germany.

The Blueshirts Salary Cap Takes It's Toll

Personalize funny videos and birthday eCards at JibJab!

I couldn't help it.

tdr

Girardi Elects Salary Arbitration

Dan Girardi, "our deer in the headlights defenseman" certain that he could make-good on last season's unforgivable non-enforcing performance while Flyer's Daniel Carcillo beat the pulp out of Ranger's star Marian Gaborik,  has elected for salary arbitration over the weekend.

Obviously, Sather didn't quite feel he was worth what he was asking for.  Girardi is a restricted agent, so once again the Evil General Manager Glen Sather, who feels he has the leverage, will make public why he think Girardi is not worth the money, why he should be making four times less money than Wade Redden (I'd love to be a fly on the wall when that comes up).  There aint nothing like airing someone's dirty laundry.   And so it goes...

Another restricted agent, Marc Staal remains unsigned too.  (ggggrrrr)

I find it strange that anyone would elect to salary arbitration -- such was the case of Sean Avery two seasons ago, Nick Zherdev last season and now for Dan Girardi this season, where the management and team you are negotiating to be part of takes a very loud and visible position as to why you are NOT worth the money; how you are NOT part of the core, why you are NOT being awarded a reasonable contract like those (less-talented) around you on the same team....  The list goes on.  But eventually, after public feuds and agents and press people looking in -- you hopefully end with a contract, mutually agreed upon - everyone walks away a little unhappy which makes for a good deal in the end.  But here's the rub for the player and management...

You now hate each other.

So may the 'Dan Girardi arbitration' of 2010 be short & sweet.  Not sure if this was even necessary, as Slats probably has you mixed up in some random trade with Dallas or Calgary and before you know it, you get that Redden-ish contract and years from now you end of playing for the Bismarck Bobcats, dreaming of the days of playing in the big city in front of the savage fans and big lights.

Girardi may be looking at his options, but I suspect the Jedi has other plans for you, kid!

tdr

Marc Staal Sheds Tears of Blood

When I opened the NY Post this morning and read about NYR GM Glen Sather not signing 'getting to know you' fan favorite Jody Shelley, I got a little perturbed, frankly.  When Brandon Prust, another free agent, will hit the free market this coming July 1 (Thursday) and command just about anywhere else more money than what Slats is willing to pay, we will see another potential asset flushed down the toilet.  UPDATE: as of 6:17pm, Steve Zipay is tweeting that the NYR Rangers are offering Prust a qualifying offer, and not to Christensen.

And now Sather is going to battle with Bobby Orr -- the now manager of many hockey players including our very home-grown Marc Staal.  Brooks did a piece on this last week.  As a restricted agent, other teams have the option to submit an offer to Staal, giving the home team the first right to match.  But it seems to me that as our most valuable asset on the blueline should absolutely deserve half of what you believed in contracts awarded to Chris Drury or Wade Redden.

The future of Staal on the Rangers' blueline is unquestionable from a performance aspect and he wants to be suiting up in Blue every game --- unless he's not making enough.  Gone are the days of Slats and the 'buddy system' between General Managers when they historically let their restricted players deal with the home team first, and come in to make an alternate deals when things become hopeless -- Brian Burke has made this abundantly clear in his days at Anaheim. this 'business is business' trend in general managers continues to this day.   But it seems to me a Marc Staal request for a 3-year contract for 3.5 - 4 million a year is reasonable; it is essentially a non-cap-issue now that the maximum cap has been raised significantly, and instead of Slats using disparaging phrases like 'there is a chasm between where both parties are at' doesn't help the situation, you might reassure them that you'd like to get this done, speak to the press favorably on how important Marc Staal is to the Rangers organization and negotiate like humans beings that talk to each other (and not through the press you dingbat).  Try it.  It might be the better way to go?

Slats is living in a dream world.  One where he answers to no one.  One where no one is looking in.  We may not have a consistent roster, but one thing is for certain.  Glen Sather is constant.  

It is one thing for the fans to be told to wait for the new season to open and let the experts do their negotiating and picking.  It is another thing as a fan to sit here paying for your hedge bet and watching you create mediocrity year after fucking year.  There is less than half the roster signed for this upcoming season and with free agency approaching this Thursday (noon EST), it will be surprising if there are any significant trades.  The NY Rangers are better to not make rash decisions (i.e. Gomez, Drury, Redden) and awarding bad contracts to mediocre or over-valued players, but Marc Staal is part of our Blueshirt future and once you start fucking with the psychology of a player's head -- they don't want to play for you anymore, even if you actually do come to terms with them (i.e  Brandon Dubinsky).

The leverage of playing for New York City is huge, unless you are a Hermit introvert that sits with the fat-cats and never listens to the people and you happen to run a hockey organization at MSG.  Plus your management upstairs is putting all their eggs in the LeBron James basket on the same day (NBA free agency - noon).  It pissed me off to see Mark Messier inviting LeBron to come to New York and joining in on that mess.  Speaking of Mess, why isn't he recruiting Kovalchuk to cross the river?  Why isn't he calling me the season-ticket holder with four-God-damn-seats thanking me for losing money every year?

You're all pissing me off, MSG.   Sign Marc Staal.  Sign Jody Shelley.  Sign Prust.  Get this shit over with, sign what is important to the team and hope for a fruitful free agency day.

..and talk to the press once in a while Fatty Slats.  I demand more for my money.

tdr

'Hockey Terrorist' Glen Sather Finally Agrees With Fans

Since the NY Post's Larry Brooks interviewed Glen Sather last week, many are now speculating that GM Glen Sather is finally on thin-ice this season, talking points including 'keeping the squad young" and "moving forward in building the organziation", and more poignant "not over-paying for free agents" (A.K.A. "We don't have any money left because of the over-inflated contract deals I've made over the last three years...")  These talking points are that of the fans --- building an organization one piece at a time.

NYRBlogger from Blueshirt Banter did a great job summarizing this topic.  (The full article is here) or here is an excerpt:

An entire decade and all Sather can brag about as far as his career in New York goes is two measly playoff series wins. There is not much else to his name in the Big Apple. He traded away a legend in Brian Leetch, he tried going in multiple directions with this team and just repeatedly failed, and now he has run out of options and is taking whatever leftover scraps from other teams that he can find. And not only has he done that, but he has handed those players all-star salaries to do, well, close to nothing.

Just take players like Wade Redden, Chris Drury, Scott Gomez, Donald Brashear and Ales Kotalik. Granted he got himself out of two of those contracts, but two of them still remain and are coming back to bite him down the road. Don't forget Michal Rozsival, who was re-signed at $5 million when he was probably worth around three million, if that. At least in the "Dark Years" as they are termed by the Ranger faithful, Glen was reeling in marquee names such as Eric Lindros and Pavel Bure. Although they were washed up by then, there was still some sense of direction as far as what he was trying to do. Following that, it was the European era with Jaromir Jagr, Martin Straka and Michael Nylander leading the offense. Now, what is his aim? What direction is he moving in? We have seen so many attempted rebuilds fail so what should make us believe that the one they are currently in the middle of is going to be any better?

It will be interesting to see what tricks the part-time Jedi-master has up his sleeves this off-season.

Moreso this season than in years past, the Rangers organization is no longer affiliated and relying upon CABLEVISION to subsidize their acquiring of big-names and big-contracts, as Cablevision is no longer attached to Madison Square Garden.  Currently, the Garden, Radio City Music Hall and The Beacon theaters, plus the two sports franchises (Rangers & Knicks - both didn't make the playoffs this year) are the sole sources of income for this new spin-off organization.  It may not be public knowledge that the MSG's touring shows (RADIO CITY MUSIC HALL, BANANA-SCHPEEL and WINTUK) have not been as profitable lately in a bad economy around North America and in NYC, plus unknowing season-ticket renewal returns this coming season are still a big-question-mark!!!

So with all this change, MSG has to corporately put the heat on Glen Sather for delivering a first-rate product. With the NY Rangers still maintaining the "2nd most profitable hockey team in the NHL" (Toronto being the first), accountability and good management is thrown out the door when folks don't have the money for bad product.   The Rangers will lose paying customers (all of us in the 200's, 300's, & 400's) if we get the "Rags" over the "Rangers" this coming season.  Our pockets are getting empty, the economy is tanking, there will soon be no edible seafood on the planet in a couple of years --- this shit is stinking and we want 'good' hockey to pick up our spirits --- THAT's why we keep coming.  When all else is failing around him, there is no one else to blame but the guy who is ultimately responsible for it.

Maybe there should be a rally?  Oh shit....right!

tdr

Kaberle Trade Worth a First-round Pick?

Hello dear readers of DARK --- on the verge of The Hawks sweeping the Philadephia Flyers (crossing fingers here), let us not forget we are only weeks away from the NHL draft and trade-day July 1 (aka as Hockey New Years Day) when GM's across the land revamp rosters and create new promises for the fans --- 'this is the year we take the Cup' and reinvigorate the off-season with promises of 'remember when (cue Messier holding up the Cup) and how much The Hobbit will bring to the table this season (cue him not making it through Camp).

Something of NY Ranger interest that grabbed my attention is Maple Leafs GM-du jour Brian Burke looking to regain a first-round pick (having traded their coveted 1st-round pick in the draft to Boston -- which turned out to be the 2nd pick -- for an over-valued Phil Kessel last season) by shopping Tomas Kaberle this early in the game --- and being public about it. Perhaps the 'NY Rangers sometimes-Jedi Master Sather' can pull off another' Gomez-like trade' by using our first-rounder, plus dumping a Rozzy or Redden and a couple of 'over-hyped Wolfpack members' to take on a solid D-man (Kaberle) without severely altering the salary cap. It's possible and given the relationship between Slats and Burkie, it's entirely probable.  The elephant-in-the-room would be "who the f*ck wants Redden or Rozzy?

The official Kaberle window-shopping announcement below:

TORONTO STAR/TSN.CA: reported Toronto Maple Leafs general manager Brian Burke admitted two NHL teams have made inquiries into the trade status of veteran defenseman Tomas Kaberle although he said so far those inquiries were "more than nibbles". Kaberle has a two-month window in his contract from now until August 1st where the Leafs could trade him to any team without his permission. Burke said he's "not committed" to trading Kaberle but said it was his job to consider offers pitched to him. 

Once we are through the hateful thought that the Flyers could win the Cup, and as the Hawks hopefully celebrate their first cup since the 60's (I think 1961?) --- it's fun time in hockey, folks. The Dark Ranger will be there in Toronto over the July 1 hockey orgy reporting as usual and crossing fingers, rubbing elbows and cross-checking Leaf fans the entire time.

Maybe this coming season is The Year!!! (he he he heee.....I sadly dribbled spit saying those words)

Happy summer and what's to come, dear patrons of DARK.

tdr

Portraits in Heroism

As we're back in action, folks, and picking up tonight against the 'were-red-hot-before-the-Olympic-break' Ottawa Senators and as the trade deadline of 3pm tomorrow will further define how Sather & Co. thinks he will get the New York Rangers into the playoffs -- I share with you a celebration of our Commissioner, Gary Bettman.

He is a rock star.

Though strangely unwilling to make an immediate deal for the Olympics four-years from now, please celebrate his heroism as a leader of our dear NHL.

If you've seen the following gallery, then go again..   If not, well.....just enjoy.  Thank Greg Wyshynski of PuckDaddy for posting the gallery -- a display of great work from one of the best hockey bloggers on the planet.

Go here for the Gary Bettman gallery and a good laugh before the Rangers hit the ice tonight.   Here we go...

tdr

Across The Blueshirt-osphere

When John Tortorella addressed the team after their loss to the Canes, he and Slats reassured the Rangers that "the best thing for us now is to get out of town."  'Out of town' meaning away from the home crowd, where they generally lose games.  So off to Phoenix.

When I heard this, another little piece of me went out the door.  What coach was really trying to say was "Because we cannot stand the pressure of losing on home ice in front of the trusted, loyal and paying fans -- including a media that criticizes the team when we're down -- thank goodness we can try and turn this around elsewhere where there is less accountability and less people looking in."

Tough to grasp.

Other newsworthy links re: the Blueshirts:

Larry Brooks of The Post did an excellent piece on Slats and his bionic tenure as GM of the Rangers.  He simply states that he should not sacrifice our future for the 8th playoff slot. I couldn't agree more.  Go here for a good read.

Puck Daddy chats with the organizer of the FIRE SATHER RALLY.  The Dark Ranger will be there.  Go here for an interesting event.

The great folks over at Blueshirt Banter did a nice piece on Looking forward to the 2010 NHL draft and an overview of what needs to be done as we approach the trade deadline.  Go here.

See you in Phoenix tomorrow night!  May we turn around this rag-tag team and win some games!

tdr

Had Enough, Yet?!?!?

Any of the Garden Faithful should find the image above familiar. Countless times we've seen it used to rally fans at The Garden. The problem was it never caused anyone to march to the GM office and hold him accountable. We'll never say never...

I received this invite via Facebook. There are already about 127 confirmed attendees. If you're on Facebook, I invite you to look up the event. If you're not, well... I've found this bump worthy and included the details below.

FIRE SATHER RALLY!

Description: Tired of Mismanagement, Bad Contracts, being mired in Mediocrity and a lack of results? Come down to Madison Square Garden before the Rangers– Sabres game, join the rally, and let Mr. Jim Dolan know that you want Glen Sather FIRED immediately!!!!!!

Type: Sports - Pep Rally
Network: Global
Date: Sunday, March 7, 2010
Time: 5:00pm - 6:00pm
Location: The Steps Outside Madison Square Garden
Street: 1 Penn Plaza
City/Town: New York, NY

Miracle on 34th Street?

Now before anyone starts licking their chops, let's reiterate that these could just be rumors. However, the word seems to be in circulation that Sathers job could be in jeopardy and the deciding factor could be a loss to the fishsticks tonight. After being ripped to shreds by The Hockey News last week, it appears things may be actually sinking in. As has been uncovered before on this site by the Dark Ranger himself....Despite the cover, it seems falling ticket sales have MSG sales reps begging season subscribers to take more tickets and scratching at the door of everyone whos ever been on the list. Perhaps as a fan base we are wising up and with a little help of a tight economy, are demanding more bang for our buck. After years of wishing, pleading, writing letters, it appears the old saying still holds true.. MONEY TALKS and BULL$HIT WALKS. Is this too good to be true though.

Only time and perhaps a loss will tell. Aside from the numerous fan sites and Ranger community boards, the rumor has also been on the lips of MSG employees like Boomer Esiason. It's still a rumor at this point, so....Take it with a grain of salt, if he's still here after tonight, add the lime and Tequila.

Now Santa, can we talk about the other things on my list?

Another Losing Success

Well, Dark here.

With the pre-season almost behind us, another loss to Tampa last night (now 1-4 in the pre-season) and one more big one to go here in the states (Devils, Sat. 1pm at MSG) you can be sure that we will finally see what will be closer to our starting roster and get a better sense of what this team will look like.

Long gone are the declarations of the "Gomez-Zherdev" chemistry and "this is the year of Prucha", and aside from the Kalinen (Malik) disaster ahead, one thing or another is for sure having watched all of these Renny-pre-season-experiments:

1. We will struggle with the power play again -- maybe cuts need to be made with our special team coaches.

2. We will outshoot every team we play and have difficulty finishing.

3. We will be relying on Henrik Lundqvist to create the wall necessary to solidify our defense.

4. On the positive side -- we are a fast team and with good coaching and hard work, this mix of veterans and youth could chemically become (there I go again with chemistry!!?) a team that can compete on a Cup level. With the perimeter play of Jagr, Straka, and dare I say, Shanny gone -- whatever the squad looks like, Slats and Renney have answered one of the missing links to the Rangers of the least three seasons -- a 'going to the net' offensive mantra. Thank God. With our 'ho-hum' defensive system in place for another season, it appears as though this system will be counter-balanced with potentially explosive front lines. I have to admit this is exciting stuff.

5. Not one Rangers blog has mentioned "Mats Sundin" in the last couple of weeks. I am happy with that.

Some terrific links regarding the roster and last nights game I would recommend, here (Blueshirt Bulletin), or here (Ranger Pundit), or here (Rangers Report).

The Dark Ranger is back with 'loving and hating' the team I always admire -- look out for a swarm of followers and flash-mobs wearing the latest TDR t-shirts at the Garden this season. The spirit of The Dark Ranger will be in Prague looking to diffuse any stormy weather and Lightning ahead. Keep checking in and thanks for the summer time off.

Jagr is gone. A dark tear is running down my cheek.

tdr

Searching For A Captain To Right The Ship

4:44pm, 2nd day of free agency
Not to get DEFENSIVE or anything, but.....who is our CAPTAIN and who is taking care of our team at the moment? Disappointed Rangers fans across the globe unite!

Never to question the brilliance and arrogance of Blueshirt GM Glen Sather, we have signed Wade Redden from the Ottawa Senators and re-signed Michal Rozsival to reinforce our blue line. Despite Redden's play last season, I do believe this to be a solid addition to our lineup --- the Senators suffered in spotty goaltending and at a certain point in the season, everyone gives up -- Wade's track record is one of a solid top five defenseman to play quarterback to Staal, Girardi, Tyutin and Rozzy. Maybe Bobby Sanguinetti may be ready for the big leagues. Fine.

Where is the goal scoring?

Either we re-sign Jaromir Jagr now or we wait for Mats Sundin to decide what is happening with his career. Here is the problem in waiting for Sundin.....HE IS THE ONLY GUY LEFT. Everyone else in our''wish list' are signed with other teams at this point. Let's take a snapshot, simplified look at what's happened in the last 17 hours:

No Sean Avery (accepted the 16 million - 4yr offer from the Dallas Stars. we are idiots)

No Martin Straka (back to Czech-land)

No Brian Campbell (now a Chicago Blackhawk)

No Marian Hossa (one year in Detroit -- wants to win a Stanley Cup)

No Brian Rolston (now a NJ Devil)

No Mark Streit (now a NY Islander)

No Brooks Orpik (still a friggin Penguin)

Though, we did sign Aaron Voros (a Sean Avery wannabe) & Patrick Rissmiller. Who? This is the operative question as we are more-or-less a skeleton of the 2/3 full team we were last season. Rangers fans are screaming and we can only hope that Sather and the DOLAN Empire has made a secret deal with both Sundin and Jagr (brillliance if so) -- and are playing hard to get with the media to draw attention to it.

If all of this is an act and Sather & Co. have secret deals in place, then good press never hurt anyone. But if this is all we have.....

...does someone want 2 season tickets in the 117 section?

tdr

An Open Letter to Glen Sather

Dear Slats,

Bet you never thought some kid from High River, Alberta would become the general manager of the most prestigious hockey organization in North America?........You did.

As a lifelong and loyal New York Rangers fan, I want to congratulate you on everything you've done through now. I am most impressed in how you've morphed our beloved team into a 'once again' true contender in the NHL post-lockout. You've surprised your critics with your ability to adapt to the new-NHL and ridding us with the moniker of "veterans come to the New York Rangers organization to die." The veterans you have added of recent have contributed and added much-needed depth to the team over the last couple of years.

Though, your biggest challenge is now.

Knowing who the free agents are this summer and as you sit in your little bungalow with NYR brass this week, you must find yourself in a bit of a pickle? Turns out the entire roster of Blueshirt free agents are declaring their love of New York, MSG, the fans and leaving it to you to decide their fate. You 'aint called the Big Cheese for nothing, because my future Stanley Cup team rests in your chubby and overfed hands, Herr Sather! Scotty Hockey has some great ideas to start.

Maybe we should start with the most obvious?

As a former hockey player with the Memphis Wings, the Oklahoma City Blazers (giggle) and soon after the Boston Bruins, you gained your own young reputation with a gritty style of play- others referring to you as 'Slats.' Even as a successful coach in Edmonton, you followed through with your antics and no one got in your way. Maybe this is the time for a change? For once in your career, 'we the people' are beginning to see that you are threatened by a similar thug -- one who has become the 'Bigger Man' than you dear Glen "Slats" Sather.

There are times in a career that you need to hire the guy that is more talented or visible than you - THAT is good management; hiring the people that make you look good. You may not like Sean Avery. He probably doesn't like you either. Despite how well you've done thus far, his record when playing for the Rangers speaks louder than yours playing "THE MAN" upstairs; with the big free-agent changes ahead, we need to at least hold onto our team attitude & troublemaker. Until you have found a 'real goon' on the squad that respects you, he's the best and most affordable even at $3.5-4 million per year, and no one can argue that with Sean Avery on the ice, we win games. Plain & simple. I know, I know, Glen - "it's the placebo effect when he plays and if you don't listen to him he has no effect"....yada, yada, yada. Stop your head from spinning, Glen, and do the right thing for the team. For the team. The team is first.

If you were to listen to some of your critics (here, here, here, here, here, here, here, here, here) you'd just sign the f**king guy! Sorry to get harsh, but you are beginning to annoy all of us and becoming a detriment to OUR TEAM. Soon we will be calling you 'The Malik of GM's.'

Back to good news, Brandon Dubinsky with a hat-trick in the worlds competition? Slatty baby, gotta hand it to you in the prospects department as we have more than a handful of young'ens that stepped up to the ice this season and provided much-needed support in some of our lazy veterans. We are all thrilled to watch the improvements of Dubie, Callahan, Girardi, Dawes, Staal and the risings of Bobby Sanguinetti and Cherapanov (we'll wait another year for the Russian).

Take care of our superstars Jaromir Jagr and Brendan Shanahan this summer. Respectfully decline their invitations and find some Gomez-supporting forward, another front-line mega-star and add two defensemen (one goon and one offensive-minded). Rozzy should walk, Malik is sawdust, and Valiquette deserves a potential starting position if needed on another team (otherwise, we should keep him).

I will not and cannot tell you who is appropriate for the team -- that is your job. Just be respectful in handling our franchise and, especially, the franchise players. They keep you in the holy-high office, so look no further than your own hockey family as a starting place in re-building the New York Rangers this off-season.

I feel privileged to be a Rangers fan and blogger. Others agree with me. We know you will make the 'right' decisions this week and pursue the 'right' path for our Blueshirts.

Good luck and "don't eat that third cheese danish"...

Warmest regards,

The Dark Ranger (a.k.a. 'tdr')

Welcome Back, Brian!

The fans finally demanded his return. Slats pretended to be happy. And best of all, the New York Rangers management buys every single ticket on Stubhub and Ticketmaster Auction available before announcing the date. Schucks!

Brian Leetch's jersey No.2 will be retired on January 24, 2008, now to be forever hanging below the historical rafters of Madison Square Garden prior to the Rangers/Atlanta game. He will join Rod Gilbert (7), Eddie Giacomin (1), Mike Richter (35) and Mark Messier (11) as the only Rangers players to have their jersey numbers retired in the history of the franchise.

Brian Leetch holds the franchise record with 741 career assists and ranks second in career points (981) and games played (1,129). Leetch also holds the Rangers record for goals by a defenseman, with 240.

"I appreciate that the New York Rangers have extended the honor of raising my jersey to the Madison Square Garden rafters alongside team icons Rod, Eddie, Mike, and Mark," Leetch said. "New York City, the Garden and Rangers fans hold a special place in my heart and have supplied me with a lifetime of extraordinary memories. This night will be a very special one for me and my family and I look forward to returning to Madison Square Garden and being able to call it home."

And of course, look for that eight hundred dollar ticket in the 300 level! We're happy for you Leetchie. We still don't understand why you were shipped away in the first place. Welcome back. We, the fans, love and honor you.

tdr

Show Me The Money

Don Meehan, agent for Mike Peca, has put an expiration date on the New York Rangers signing him by the end of business today.

Given Peca's been in negotiations with the New York Rangers for at least a couple of weeks now, and has practically been taken off the market by them if you believe most reports on how close Peca and the Rangers are to finishing up a deal. But the truth is, it's been dragging on for quite a while, and Peca is still a UFA, whether or not they are 'close' to a deal.

What this really means is that Mike Peca is taking back the power. There aren't many free agents left on the market with his experience and well-balanced center line, and he's not going to let a tiny little team like the New York Rangers boss him around. ;)

So this could all come down to a matter of Peca's personal preferences, or if he is willing to go to a team with a more chaotic year in store than a team pretty much favored to compete for the Lord Stanley Cup this season.

Unrelated to Mike Peca, the Rangers signed goaltender Matt Zaba to a contract on Monday. The 24-year-old appeared in 33 games with Colorado College last season, posting a 15-13-4 record, 2.39 goals-against average and .917 save percentage. Zaba spent four years at the school and appeared in 110 games. He finished with a record of 55-42-10. The native of Yorkton, Sask., was originally drafted in the eighth round of the 2003 NHL draft by Los Angeles.

tdr

Now THAT Will Help Your Ailing Career!

COLUMBUS DISPATCH: Aaron Portzline reports UFA centre Mike Peca said he'd be willing to sign with the Blue Jackets despite multiple reports having him close to signing with the New York Rangers. Peca cited head coach Ken Hitchcock and GM Scott Howson as reasons why he'd consider it.

Now I do think Ken Hitchcock is one of the most underrated coaches in the NHL and he led Philadelphia to many playoff runs, after a scapegoat-ed firing from the Philly Flyers and now the coach of the under-developed Columbus Blue Jackets (I am being nice) - Mike Peca is now considering taking on a position with Columbus. This is probably due to Glen Sather not making a decision until next week.

I am not familiar with Columbus and their cap position today, but assuming they can pay him the $2 million he was originally seeking, it is likely they will sign him for only one-year. If offered, you can guess he will receive the same length of contract with the NY Rangers, though rumors suggest that he would take a salary of closer to $1 million plus performance bonuses, financial incentives based on the number of games he plays, etc. to play for New York.

Here is the operative question at hand. As an aging defensive forward and having missed half of last season with the Toronto Leafs, is a player in his position better taking a position with a highly visible All-Star Original Six team, one favored to be a Stanley Cup contender? Or will he stand out as the veteran forward on a team that is underdeveloped and never made it close to playoff consideration last season?

Maybe his agent is applying pressure by using the press as a weapon (the Sean Avery negotiation technique) or perhaps there is real truth to this rumor. Not that it would severely hurt the NY Rangers, but it would leave the Rangers in a position of having to further seek that defensive powerhouse they've needed from the beginning. Currently available, there are no defensive powerhouses that the Rangers can afford at this point -- so it leaves Blueshirt management having to seek changes in trading.

My belief is Mike Peca would be best off as a NY Ranger -- it would better his player-career situation and provide us with the much needed veteran, hard-hitting presence the third-line needs. It would round out that last puzzle piece we've been expecting. At this point in his career where scouts and owners are unsure of his quality and level of play, taking a position with Columbus at this point would damage his chances of ever making an impression again to other franchises. This type of negotiating behavior, this far into talks just pisses off managers like Glen Sather; his no nonsense, 'take your time' tactic is obvious and a move such as this very well may make Mike Peca the newest member of the Blue Jackets.

More this week.

tdr

Hossa Stays a Ranger!

Of the two remaining Ranger free agents to make a deal with the NY Rangers -- 'one down, one left to apologize to Slats'.

New York Rangers President and General Manager Glen Sather announced today that the club has agreed to terms with restricted free agent forward Marcel Hossa, avoiding any bloody, classless, Avery-like arbitration hearing. The terms appear to be one year at $780,000.

The Dark Ranger thinks this is unexpected great news for the team and not good news for Mr. Sean Avery.

Hell hath no fury like a Glenny scorned!

tdr

Sean Avery Temporarily The Gimp!

Turns out our Sean Avery boy has been knocked down a couple of vanity notches by Glen Sather, GM of the New York Rangers, on the alleged terms in his arbitration hearings. The inner-dealings of arbitration have been leaked by someone (hhmmm....let me guess?) and such speaking to the press will persuade a third party in reaching a fair deal for the Rangers. The good news is that he will remain a New York Ranger for at least one more year.

My collegial bloggers have said it best, especially Dear Lord Stanley - whose sarcasm is priceless and the picture is unmatchable. Press here.

Other articles of note are here, here, here, and here

One thing is for sure post-arbitration hearings, he will come out fighting this season and we will see a Ranger machine determined to prove to the 'Avery Haters' that other teams will want to compete for this loud-mouthed, hopeful $2 mill +, instigator during free-agency season next summer.

I love the guy! I get him. He understands The Dark Ranger's needs!

tdr