The McDonagh Madness Continues

Courtesy of AP Photo

Last week I notified readers of reports that claimed New York Rangers prospect Ryan McDonagh has made the decision to play another season with the Wisconsin Badgers, his NCAA team which he will captain next year. This past Sunday, the infamous Larry Brooks of the New York Post was at it again, this time making a controversial statement about the whole McDonagh situation and about his future, or lack thereof, here in New York. Before I apply my analysis, read what John Tortorella's biggest enemy had to say, below.

Rangers, who conducted organizational meetings last week, are believed keenly interested in signing Ryan McDonagh, whose rights they acquired from Montreal in the Scott Gomez deal, but the Wisconsin defenseman has a fair amount of leverage as he awaits an offer.

McDonagh, who turns 21 next month, would play his senior year for the Badgers if he does not turn pro. If he remains unsigned through next year, McDonagh would become an unrestricted free agent as of Aug. 15, 2011.

Chances are, then, if the 6-foot-1, 215-pound McDonagh, who is regarded as a proficient, stay-at-home type physically ready for the NHL, does not sign this summer, he will not sign at all with the Blueshirts.

Okay, I first want to make it clear that I believe this is a bit of an overreaction by Brooks, but what he is saying could be true for all we know. The thing is, Brooks doesn't know what is going through McDonagh's mind and neither do I. So to make assumptions such as the one you see above is unfair to the parties being discussed. Remember the old saying, don't always believe what you read.

Anyway, basically what is going on here is that McDonagh realizes he has options and is not about to be forced into something he does not want to necessarily do. With knowing that he will captain Wisconsin next season, and knowing that he is guaranteed an expected amount of playing time as well as responsibility, he is leaning toward sticking with the Badgers. This is option number one.

Option number two would be to agree on terms with the Blueshirts, sign an entry level contract and jump straight to the pros instead of finishing his senior year in college. The difference between option one and option two, besides salary of course, is that he is guaranteed absolutely nothing once signing with the Rangers. He is not guaranteed that same playing  time he is with Wisconsin, and he certainly is not going to be given the same amount of responsibility.

Take Matt Gilroy, for example, who signed with the Rangers out of college last April. A former Hobey Baker Award winner, Gilroy entered the National Hockey League playing under a coach that apparently did not have much patients to allow him to develop. He was docked ice time, sent down to the minors, and then was sentenced to watch the final week of the regular season from the press box. Again, a Hobey Baker Award winner, coming out of college, was shown very little respect by head coach John Tortorella, and barely was given a chance.

After seeing that, can you blame McDonagh for wanting to stay in college for his final year where he is one of their "go to" players instead of being belittled by Tortorella and possibly not even dressing on occasion? I cannot, and it is a shame that out coach can possibly scare off future talent. Gilroy has potential, and could have developed nicely this past season, but Torts finds it necessary to play individuals such as Wade Redden over him. If I am McDonagh, I do not jump to the pros and lock into a contract with the risk of having to contend with that nonsense.

Now I am not saying this is why McDonagh is holding out, but without a doubt, it is a possible explanation. Once the upcoming NCAA season concludes, the 6-foot-1 blue-liner has no choice but to enter the National Hockey League, and there is plenty of time between the end of his season and early August for him to strike a deal with the Blueshirts before becoming an unrestricted free agent and New York losses his rights. Until then, he is Rangers property and has shown no indication whatsoever of not wanting to play on Broadway as Brooks claims in his article.

McDonagh has the upper hand in this situation, which is rare for a rookie entering the league, and most people that are fortunate enough to have that upper hand are going to fully take advantage of it. If he does not have to rush, why should he? With the risk of making the wrong decision, he should take all of the time given to him be sure he is making the right one. No, it may not be the ideal thing for the Rangers (or their fans), but I am presenting the situation to you from his point of view.

I feel like too many people have just believed what Brooks said, and are automatically assuming that no McDonagh next season means no McDonagh at all. No one is making that decision but Ryan himself, therefore making Brooks' statement false until proven to be true. And do not get me wrong, there is always the possibility it could be true and Ryan does not want to play with the Rangers, and rather test the waters as a free agent. But for now, I am not too worried about that.

Jess Rubenstein of the Prospect Park also shares his in-depth outlook on the situation, which I suggest taking a gander at as well.

Also be sure to check out my Sean Avery player review over on Blueshirt Banter.