McDonagh Close to Joining Rangers

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Larry Brooks of the New York Post is reporting that Wisconsin Badger defenseman Ryan McDonagh has finally made his decision of where he will be playing hockey next season. That will likely be with the New York Rangers as he has elected to engage in contract negotiations with the brass this coming week, giving him an opportunity to participate in training camp with Badger teammate Derek Stepan, who also agreed to terms with the Blueshirts last month.

McDonagh was acquired by New York in a deal last June with the Montreal Canadiens that sent forward Scott Gomez to the Habs. Since then, he has developed in the NCAA but was faced with a tough decision to have a shot at playing in the NHL or finishing out his senior year with Wisconsin. It seems that the environment at prospect development camp this past week drew him to the Rangers, where I think he has a great chance at making the squad. The 21-year-old's chances are even greater if veteran blue-liner Wade Redden is waived as rumors claim he will be.

Ryan will receive a three-year entry level deal worth $875,000 per.

Happy Fourth

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It has been very busy in the National Hockey League over the past two weeks between the draft, trades, and now free agency. I think I speak on behalf of all fans when I say that we all need a break to relax and forget about hockey for awhile. Well, today is that day and the Rangers Tribune would like to wish a everyone a very Happy Fourth of July and hope that you will enjoy your day with family and friends. Just sit back, chug a few, and dismiss that Derek Boogaard signing completely from your mind...........for now that is.

As for me, well I am actually doing some quite special this evening. I will be attending a very elegant house party. That, though, is not the best part. When attending these parties in the past, a certain person by the name of Glen Sather has been in attendance among the several hundreds of people that show up. Sometimes he is even accompanied by the coach. So, if he is in fact there, and I have the opportunity, I will try and move in for a quick interview. I cannot guarantee this though because a lot of variables have to work in my favor.

Anyway, something I can promise is that I will be posting pictures from the event on my Twitter account to give people an idea of how an owner really lives. You have probably read about it, but it is a entirely different experience to actually see it in person. So for a day you can consider me as "Rangers Tribune Cribs".

I highly doubt anything will be announced as far as the New York Rangers go on this day, being that it is a holiday and all, but if there is I will have it up on the site. Defensemen Marc Staal and Dan Girardi remained unsigned and I am thinking that will be resolved sometime in the next few weeks.

Enjoy your day, folks!

Rangers and Frolov; Rumors are Heating Up

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The major name still out on the market right now is free agent winger Ilya Kovalchuk, whose demands are reportedly sky high. A team like the New York Rangers will have a very tough time locking up the skilled Russian, but clubs like the Los Angeles Kings or New York Islanders would not being that they have an ample amount of cap room. Honestly, I would not want the Blueshirts acquiring Kovalchuk anyway because I do not feel like he would be a good fit here. They are more than just a Kovalchuk from becoming a contender.

I have stated many times, I personally would not like Glen Sather's itchy finger to pull the trigger again this summer, but you know if a prime opportunity presents itself, he will jump all over it. A player who may have Slats' interest is Alexander Frolov, an unrestricted free agent winger that has some value. The Rangers and Frolov have crossed rumor paths several times over the course of the past week. Supposedly the two parties have been in contact, but nothing worth reporting has happened just yet.

At age 28, the left winger will be looking for a decent paycheck, but something that may work in the Rangers' favor is the fact that Frolov is coming off of a somewhat disappointing season. He only had 19 goals in 81 games played last season in Los Angeles, which is a staggering decrease from the 32 he notched just a season before.

By adding Alex, the Blueshirts would acquire some solid secondary scoring to take pressure off of Marian Gaborik. Certainly, playing on Gabby's off wing would create some space for the Slovakian star with Frolov carrying the puck. Also, the former King is great on the powerplay and would become an instant threat for the opposition. That would not hurt since the Rangers are a joke with the man advantage at the moment.

What would hurt is Frolov's price. Considering he will be looking for around $5 million per year, Sather would run into some trouble fitting him in under the cap, but it is not an impossible task. Like I said, I do not want this signing or any others to go through, but it is a rumor that is picking up steam so I figured I am obligated to discuss it here on the site.

Blueshirts Re-Sign Brandon Prust

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The New York Rangers have re-signed restricted free agent forward Brandon Prust to a two-year deal worth $800,000 per year according to Larry Brooks on twitter. Prust, age 26, recorded four goals and five assists in 26 games played with the Rangers after he was acquired prior to the trade deadline in a swap with the Calgary Flames. He quickly became a spark plug in the lineup and played a part into transforming head coach John Tortorella into a four-line coach; something Torts has never been in his entire career.

I am a big fan of Prust's and not only for the reasons listed above. In his first game as a Ranger, Prust dropped the gloves in defense of a teammate that was run along the boards by a player of the opposition. So Prust, extremely unfamiliar with his new teammates, was already defending them by putting his body at stake. That is heart and soul folks and those are the type of players that every successful team has on their roster. It is called a role player, and when it comes to roles, Pruster wears several hats.

The left winger, along with center Artem Anisimov, was an offensive force on that fourth forward unit towards the end of the 2009-10 season. I always looked at him as an improvement from just an enforcer, because if the coach so chooses, Prust most certainly can play on the third line. He can score goals around the net and is not a half bad passer.

I already can see the Blueshirts' fourth line next season being Prust on the left, Brian Boyle up the middle, and newly acquired scrapper Derek Boogaard on the right. Prust may not have size like his two linemates, but he has the will and the heart. I have a feeling I will be seeing a few Prust jerseys at Madison Square Garden next season. He is fan favorite material.

Rangers Are On the Right Track

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The New York Rangers made numerous moves Thursday on the first day of free agency in the National Hockey League - they re-signed two of their own and brought in two others. Dan Giradi, Marc Staal, and Brandon Prust remain to be re-signed, but they are all restricted free agents so GM Glen Sather can take all the time he needs with that. Despite the face changes, the Rangers seem to be right where they were just a couple of months ago as far as their roster goes. Yes, adjustments were made and some needs were fulfilled, but overall this team has not changed. That is not necessarily a bad thing either.

Assuming all of the players mentioned above are re-signed before October, the only swaps we have seen to this point are Jody Shelley with Derek Boogaard and Alex Auld with Martin Biron. Contract terms aside, these are not extraordinary additions that will improve the club. Because of this, you are basically staring at the same roster that was eliminated by the Philadelphia Flyers in early April during the final game of the regular season. We again will see that 7th-11th place team take the ice for another year unless something earth-shattering happens within the next two months (i.e. Ilya Kovalchuk).

Now here's the thing - and this goes back to what I have been saying for a while now - if none of Derek Stepan, Ryan McDonagh, or any of the other NHL-ready prospects are worked into the lineup for 2010-11, the Blueshirts have not made any progress whatsoever. Right now there main objective is to introduce a new young core that is going to start with guys like Derek Stepan, who have proven they are very skilled players with unlimited potential. In order to do that, head coach John Tortorella needs to find ways to incorporate some of these youngsters into the lineup beginning now, and continue to do so for years to come.

To me, it seems as if Torts is fully willing to do that. Sather has given him the 'okay' to go ahead and hold an open training camp where pretty much anyone who impresses has a shot at cracking the lineup. If that means waiving Wade Redden because a McDonagh or Valentenko beats him out, then so be it. The future is now and the Rangers cannot afford to waste precious time and rare opportunity.

The Blueshirts have one of the better systems in the NHL when it comes to their prospects. They have more depth than most organizations and the plan is to eventually bring that depth to the professional level where they will have the chance to develop into a solid contending squad. This is the process that the Chicago Blackhawks had to go through. This is the process the Pittsburgh Penguins had to go through. This is the process the Washington Capitals had to go through. Well, look how those teams turned out. Just look at them now and for once, imagine the Rangers finally being that good.


If things are handled properly, in two to three years, they will be that good. They will be making the Conference Finals and battling for a chance to win the Stanley Cup for the first time in over a decade. A winning culture can be brought back to the city of New York as long as these young players are brought up as soon as possible.

Chemistry is a big factor in championship teams, and the only way to develop chemistry is by playing together for a long period of time. At prospect development camp this past week, Derek Stepan, Ryan Bourque, Evgeny Grachev, Chris Kreider, and Ryan McDonagh have already begun talking about being friends and how much of a pleasure it would be to play together. Heck, Grachev was already referring to Stepan as his linemate. That is what you want to see, and you can only imagine the magic those two will make while skating beside each other.

As Herb Brooks once said "Great moments are born from great opportunity." That is what the Rangers have here. They have great opportunity to slowly but surely become a contending team again. One that will actually have fans at the edge of their seats instead of slouched down ashamed to show their faces. Whether management and staff realize that, I cannot confirm for you, but I will say that is the correct direction to move this team in. It is the right way of doing things and it will eventually lead to success on the ice of Madison Square Garden; something we are not used to at all.

This is where we have to have faith in our management. I know it is a hard thing to do, but one thing I have come to find out while becoming more and more popular as a blogger and meeting more and more fans; this fanbase is one of the smartest and more aware fanbases in all of sports. That gives me confidence that when I write stories like the one you just spent several minutes of your life reading, you take from it and understand my points whether you agree with me or not.

But you have to believe me here. This is the only way to ever bring a cup back to New York. Free agency will not do it, trades will not do it. It is all about bringing homegrown talent up to the NHL level and allowing them to develop. If the Rangers can do that, they have an unmeasurable advantage over a majority of the league. They can do this, it is very possible. Trust me.

Rangers Tribune Off-season Weekly Chat #2

In tonight's live chat, the Rangers Tribune will discuss everything that went on during day one of free agency in the NHL. Thoughts on the Rangers' signings and signings from around the league will be shared and everyone is invited to join in.

Rangers Re-Sign Vinny Prospal

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In what is probably the last signing of the day for the New York Rangers, forward Vinny Prospal has received a contract extension for one year worth $1 million, but the veteran will earn $1.1 million in achievable bonuses as well. Prospal, age 35, finished second in scoring behind Marian Gaborik on the Blueshirts last season with 20 goals and 38 assists for a total of 58 points in 75 games played. The re-signing of Vinny was a move I felt the Rangers would be very wise to make.

Prospal was one of the very few players who clicked with Marian Gaborik and he did so while playing on both the wing and at center. That most likely was a key factor in the decision by Ranger brass to re-up the Czech Republic native. The only thing you have to worry about is injuries since he did have knee surgery last winter. It did not seem to affect him for the remainder of the season, though.

Also, don't forget about our live chat at 8 pm! (See below post)

Live Chat Tonight at 8!

As you know, we will be capping off our coverage of today's free agent frenzy with a live chat tonight at 8 pm eastern time here on the Rangers Tribune. It will be the second of our off-season weekly chats as we held our first last Thursday and got fantastic results. In tonight's session we will discuss today's events including the signings of Martin Biron and Derek Boogaard as well as the re-signing of Erik Christensen. There has also been a lot of action and many big names locked up around the league so we look forward to covering all that in addition to what the Blueshirts did/didn't do.

If you did not participate in last week's chat, check out this post explaining in detail how they work. You can also remind yourself about the chat by plugging your e-mail into the box below.

See you at 8!

Jody Shelley Out, Derek Boogaard In; Flames Rumor Likely False

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After a bit of a contract dispute with the Rangers, enforcer Jody Shelley has decided to sign with rival Philadelphia Flyers according to Bob McKenzie of TSN. The deal is for three years at $1.1 million per, which is basically matching Colton Orr's deal with the Toronto Maple Leafs last summer. In my opinion, it is a big mistake letting Shelley go and I feel that Sather should have dealt out the money to Shelley, and you will understand why after I tell you the following signing the Blueshirts have made.

In order to replace Shelley, and Brashear I guess, GM Glen Sather has signed 6-foot-8, 257 pound bruiser Derek Boogaard for 4 years at $1.65 million per. This is Donald Brashear all over again but even worse. Boogaard has recorded just 14 total points over the course of five seasons in the National Hockey League and has not scored a goal in the last four years. So now Sather has made one of the best signings of the day (Biron) as well as the worst (Boogaard) in the matter of three hours.

The only thing "Boogy" brings to the table is size, strength, and fists (105 PIMs last season with Minnesota). He has absolutely no offense, he cannot skate, and not much hockey sense whatsoever. Do not get me wrong, Boogard is one of the top enforcers out there, but for $1.65 million he will just be wasting cap room.

More importantly, I would now like to see Slats re-sign Prust, Staal, Girardi, and Prospal after coughing up close to $2 million to a fighter. Once again, the Blueshirts become the joke of July 1st in the NHL because of that signing.

Anyway, the rumor that had the Rangers and Flames making a deal has been swirling around, but when I asked NYR beat writer Andrew Gross about it, he said there is "nothing worth reporting". So I think we have put that rumor to rest.

Erik Christensen Re-signs with Blueshirts

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Larry Brooks of the New York Post is reporting on Twitter that the New York Rangers have re-signed forward Erik Christensen for 2 years at $925,000 per year. This is surprising since Christensen originally turned down a 2-year offer for $750,000 per yesterday, so that means GM Glen Sather increased his offer to meet Christensen's asking price, but hey, Erik was very good with the Rangers last season and is well worth the extension.

Christensen, age 26, recorded eight goals and and 18 assists for a total of 26 points in 49 games played with New York in 2009-10. After being acquired via waivers, he quickly became a fit to play with star winger Marian Gaborik. The Edmonton native has quick hands, knows how to move the puck, and can finish when he has the opportunity. Christensen mentioned that last season was his last chance to prove he belonged in the National Hockey League; he did that and more during his time with the Rangers.

Make it Official: Rangers Sign Martin Biron for 2 years

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The first signing of the day will be by our New York Rangers as goaltender Martin Biron has been locked up for 2 years at approximately $900,000 $875,000 per. For the Rangers, that is a spectacular signing just because they acquired a capable goaltender for under one million per year. General manager Glen Sather got things started right from a Blueshirts perspective and I must admit that I am impressed by what Slats was able to pull off here.

Biron was paid $1.4 million last year by the Islanders, where he played in the shadow of Dwayne Roloson. Biron went 9-14-4 with a 3.27 GAA and .896 save percentage with the Isles but his time with the Philadelphia Flyers was when he shined in a starting role. As we know, he won't be starting in New York, but will be a solid backup to Henrik Lundqvist.

Ranger Rumor Update: Martin Biron, Derek Boogaard

Just minutes until the opening of free agency here and we have two rumors involving the Rangers to bring to you. The first is regarding UFA backup goaltender Martin Biron, who both Darren Dreger and Larry Brooks are reporting will likely sign with the Blueshirts this afternoon. As mentioned in my earlier post, Biron went 9-14-4 with a 3.27 GAA and .896 save percentage with the Islanders last year.

Also, Michael Russo, beat writer for the Minnesota Wild, hints that the Rangers will be in on free agent Derek Boogaard if Jody Shelly decides not to re-sign. Boogaard, age 28, is a bruiser who put up 105 penalty minutes with the Wild last season.

Check back for updates on these rumors and more.

Possible Pick-ups for the Rangers

Just about ninety minutes until the opening of the 2010 free agent frenzy. I have stated several times that I would prefer the Rangers to stay fairly quiet, but Glen Sather has not been known to do that on July 1st in the past. Below are some players the Blueshirts will be able to sign at a bargain if they so choose. All would be able to fulfill a need in someway.

Johan Hedberg, G- Johan Hedberg may be age 37, but he would be a nice fit on the Rangers as a back-up to Henrik Lundqvist. He went 21-16-6 with the Thrashers last season and recorded a .915 save percentage along with a 2.62 goals against average. Hedberg was paid $1.17 million last year.

Martin Biron, G- Marty Biron did not have the year he wanted with the Islanders in 2009-10, going 9-14-4 with a 3.27 goals against average and .896 save percentage. However, he has proven he is a capable goaltender with the Flyers prior to joining the Isles. He is also a viable option as a back-up to Hank. Biron, age 32, was paid $1.4 million last season.

Matthew Lombardi, C- Lombardi scored 19 goals and 34 assists for 53 points with the Phoenix Coyotes in 2009-10. The Rangers currently have a gap at the center position, and while Lombardi may not be fit to play with Marian Gaborik, he is a quick skater that can move the puck. Paid $2.35 million last season.

Saku Koivu, C- In 71 games last season, Koivu notched 19 goals and 33 assists for 52 points, but proved to be a powerplay specialist, another area where the Blueshirts are weak. Don't be surprised to see New York lure the veteran center to Broadway, but he will be a bit pricey.

Back in a bit....

Happy July 1st

The beginning of free agency, which lands on July 1st each year, always marks the busiest day in the National Hockey League as far as transactions and signings go. Fans get excited as rumors are leaked while player agents work their tails off from morning until night trying to find several of their clients a new home. In the past, Blueshirts' general manager Glen Sather's phone has been very busy on this day and he always seems to make a splash in the free agent pool. Those signings, more often than not, are unsuccessful down the road so you wonder if Glen will go by his usual approach this time around.

I shared my opinion on how I believe things should be done in my article yesterday. The Rangers' best option is to be completely silent during free agency this year, and to stay the course with the prospects coming up within the system. This club has one of the better farm systems in the league and they need to use that to their advantage.

Even if the Rangers are relatively quiet today, they still have a lot on their plate. Larry Brooks of the New York Post has reported the following:

• The Rangers have offered unrestricted free agent Jody Shelley a 2-year, $825,000 contract on Wednesday, which he eventually rejected after claiming his agent would come up with a counter offer. The rugged winger will become a free agent today at noon.

• Forward Erik Christensen was also offered a two-year deal worth $750,000 that he, like Shelley, rejected. This one has me scratching my head since the waiver wire acquisition repeatedly stated last season that he was looking for a job and that New York would be the last place to give him that opportunity. Now he has suddenly become greedy and asking for more money? It just doesn't make much sense to me.

• P.A. Parenteau, who was stellar when called upon this season, will also head to free agency with the Blueshirts not locking him up. As I have stated many times, Parenteau is a player that I could have seen becoming a part of the team's future. He quickly made himself into a shootout specialist and finds ways to score big goals. It would be a big mistake to let him go. 

If the Rangers pursue any sort of free agent heavily today, I would expect it to be a back-up goaltender for Henrik Lundqvist. At the top of that list would be former Atlanta Thrasher Johan Hedberg.  Hedberg, age 37, is a very capable netminder and would only serve until Chad Johnson is ready to make the jump to the NHL.

As always, full coverage of today's events can be found right here on the Rangers Tribune. In addition to that, make sure to follow our updates on Twitter and join us in our live chat tonight at 8 pm eastern time on the site.

Stay tuned......