Hello folks!
Seeing as though the vast majority of my posts are now related only to the New York Rangers, this blog will now pertain to the Rangers only.
You can still be prepared for epic tirades after bad losses, and celebratory posts after great victories!
LGR!!!
Tuesday, July 23, 2013
Tuesday, July 2, 2013
Who should the Rangers target in Free Agency?
Free agency begins on Friday, July 5th.
The Rangers appear to have their coaching staff set, and more or less stood pat in terms of trades during Sunday's draft.
They have very little cap space to maneuver, especially after the curious decision to not buy out Brad Richards and his $6.7 million annual cap hit.
Perhaps Mr. Sather and co. believe new head coach Alain Vigneault can rejuvenate him. If not, then not only will the blue seaters not let him hear the end of it, but the cap hit will be a major albatross for next season.
The retention of Richards also necessitates another move: allowing Ryane Clowe to leave via free agency. Clowe carries a $3 million cap hit, so letting him walk will free up much needed space.
Of course, the Rangers' most important moves of the offseason are giving impending restricted free agents Derek Stepan, Ryan McDonagh, Mats Zuccarello, and Carl Hagelin new deals.
Other than that, the Rangers need more defensive depth, which they obtained by trading for Minnesota's Justin Falk on draft day.
And of course, more scoring.
This year's free agent class contained one true power play quarterback, Mark Streit. However, the Flyers traded for his rights and grossly overpaid him.
This leaves veteran stay-at-home types such as Rob Scuderi available. I think he would be a good fit for the Rangers, given his big game experience. He is 34 years of age and may only command a 2 or 3 year deal.
Other defensive options include Ian White, Jordan Leopold, and Scott Hannan.
Now, of course, the issue of scoring. Winger depth should be a priority, along with possibly looking at a scoring center.
Options are thin for centers, however. The FA pool's biggest prize, Vincent Lecavalier, will sign with the Flyers for another ludicrous cap hit.
Several options are been there, done thats (Matt Cullen, Nik Antropov), too old (Saku Koivu, Danny Briere), or too expensive (Stephen Weiss, Tyler Bozak). Weiss may be the best possible fit for the Rangers, but his cap hit may be too high.
As for wingers, several options may be interesting here. A personal favorite of this blogger is Jarome Iginla. The future hall of famer may only be seeking a one or two year deal. However, unless a trade is made, his cap hit may be too high. Other options bring the same problem as well. David Clarkson, Nathan Horton, Pascal Dupuis, Mason Raymond, and Dustin Penner, for example, will carry longer contract terms, coupled with a large cap hit.
Again, thanks a lot Brad Richards!
The bottom line is, the Rangers need to get creative. Rumors have swirled about a possible trade for Winnipeg's Evander Kane for Michael Del Zotto and J.T. Miller. Scoring problem solved there if that is the case. If that happens, the Rangers should sign a Scuderi or White to take MDZ's spot on the blue line. If any cap space remains, a one or two year deal for Jarome Iginla, simply for the veteran leadership for a team trying to win now, would make sense.
Simply put, with limited cap space, the Rangers can only make a big splash by making a trade. The best free agent options are simply too expensive right now.
Enjoy Free Agency Friday everyone!
The Rangers appear to have their coaching staff set, and more or less stood pat in terms of trades during Sunday's draft.
They have very little cap space to maneuver, especially after the curious decision to not buy out Brad Richards and his $6.7 million annual cap hit.
Perhaps Mr. Sather and co. believe new head coach Alain Vigneault can rejuvenate him. If not, then not only will the blue seaters not let him hear the end of it, but the cap hit will be a major albatross for next season.
The retention of Richards also necessitates another move: allowing Ryane Clowe to leave via free agency. Clowe carries a $3 million cap hit, so letting him walk will free up much needed space.
Of course, the Rangers' most important moves of the offseason are giving impending restricted free agents Derek Stepan, Ryan McDonagh, Mats Zuccarello, and Carl Hagelin new deals.
Other than that, the Rangers need more defensive depth, which they obtained by trading for Minnesota's Justin Falk on draft day.
And of course, more scoring.
This year's free agent class contained one true power play quarterback, Mark Streit. However, the Flyers traded for his rights and grossly overpaid him.
This leaves veteran stay-at-home types such as Rob Scuderi available. I think he would be a good fit for the Rangers, given his big game experience. He is 34 years of age and may only command a 2 or 3 year deal.
Other defensive options include Ian White, Jordan Leopold, and Scott Hannan.
Now, of course, the issue of scoring. Winger depth should be a priority, along with possibly looking at a scoring center.
Options are thin for centers, however. The FA pool's biggest prize, Vincent Lecavalier, will sign with the Flyers for another ludicrous cap hit.
Several options are been there, done thats (Matt Cullen, Nik Antropov), too old (Saku Koivu, Danny Briere), or too expensive (Stephen Weiss, Tyler Bozak). Weiss may be the best possible fit for the Rangers, but his cap hit may be too high.
As for wingers, several options may be interesting here. A personal favorite of this blogger is Jarome Iginla. The future hall of famer may only be seeking a one or two year deal. However, unless a trade is made, his cap hit may be too high. Other options bring the same problem as well. David Clarkson, Nathan Horton, Pascal Dupuis, Mason Raymond, and Dustin Penner, for example, will carry longer contract terms, coupled with a large cap hit.
Again, thanks a lot Brad Richards!
The bottom line is, the Rangers need to get creative. Rumors have swirled about a possible trade for Winnipeg's Evander Kane for Michael Del Zotto and J.T. Miller. Scoring problem solved there if that is the case. If that happens, the Rangers should sign a Scuderi or White to take MDZ's spot on the blue line. If any cap space remains, a one or two year deal for Jarome Iginla, simply for the veteran leadership for a team trying to win now, would make sense.
Simply put, with limited cap space, the Rangers can only make a big splash by making a trade. The best free agent options are simply too expensive right now.
Enjoy Free Agency Friday everyone!
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