The Dark Ranger

Rangers Re-Up Jessiman

2008-07-22T13:40:00.002-04:00

Jessiman, 24, skated in 71 games with the Hartford Wolf Pack of the American Hockey League (AHL) this past season, registering 18 goals and 24 assists for 42 points, along with 154 penalty minutes and a plus-10 rating. He established career-highs in goals, assists, points, penalty minutes, and plus/minus rating. The 6-6, 230-pounder has skated in 166 career AHL games in three seasons with Hartford, registering 32 goals and 42 assists for 74 points, along with 299 penalty minutes. In 2006-07, Jessiman notched his first career multiple-goal game on March 4 at Hershey (two goals), and recorded a three-game, goal-streak from February 24 to February 28 (three goals). On January 21, 2006, he tallied his first career AHL points with a two-point effort vs. Providence (one goal and one assist). The New York City native was originally selected as the Rangers’ first round draft choice, 12th overall, in the 2003 NHL Entry Draft.

Hugh Jessiman is a guy that will most likely not come close to cracking the lineup come October. He is one of those players who has the potential to be great, but is yet to take the necessary steps to further his professional hockey career. For Sather and the rest of the Rangers scouts to pick this guy in the first round, they must have seen greatness in him; which leads me to believe that Jessiman is not a lost cause just yet. If he does in fact have a greatly improved season and at least a decent training camp, he can and most likely will be called up for his size (6'6, 230lbs.) in case any injuries occur to Mara or Kalinin (which is a big possibility). If the guys in the front office saw something in that kid, than I will go along and say the potential for him to make the NHL is there. However the task is solely in his hands, and if he wants to pull that Rangers sweater over his head this season, than he better get his game in shape and work his ass off.

Rangers Get Some "Moore"

2008-07-21T16:04:00.002-04:00

Restricted free agent--Greg Moore--re-signed with the Rangers today. The right wing scored 26 goals and 40 assists for 66 points, along with 31 penalty minutes and a plus-27 rating. He finished second on the club in goals (26) and points (66), and third in assists (40) and plus/minus rating (plus-27). His 66 points also tied for 18th among all AHL skaters, and his plus-27 rating ranked sixth in the league.The PlanetUSA AHL All-Star posted 17 multiple-point games, including two four-point efforts, and recorded a season-high, seven-game scoring streak from March 19 to March 30 (five goals and seven assists). On December 8 at Worcester, Moore notched his first professional hat trick. In the 2008 Calder Cup Playoffs, Moore tied for the team lead in plus-minus rating (plus-three), tied for second in assists (two), and tied for fourth in goals (one) and points (three) while appearing in five games for Hartford. In addition, he appeared in six games with the Rangers this past season.

Moore is yet another candidate for the 4th line, as his skill has improved over the past few years and being selected as an AHL All Star this past season. We'll definitely see and hear more of this kid during the Rangers training camp.

~syr11~

Rangers in Division of Their Own

2008-07-21T12:40:00.009-04:00

As I was walking down 33rd and 7th yesterday, which is right next to the Garden, many thoughts ran through my mind on the upcoming NHL season. The Atlantic Division will be more competitive this year than ever, as each team (Rangers, Devils, Islanders, Philly, Pitt) is uniquely talented in their own way, with the Penguins most likely giving the Rangers the most trouble. When taking an extensive look at the rosters, coaches, stats, etc. of each team, I can confidently say that the Rangers are superior to every team in the Division; while being virtually equal to the Penguins. To most fans of hockey, when speaking about the Rangers, people might say, "Ohh the Rangers? they're not going anywhere next year, that dumb ass GM Sather just pulled another classic Ranger free agency period where he threw tons of money at aging players to try and win, what a joke." Now, to true Ranger fans, we know that the players that Sather pulled in are not lost, aging souls that came for the city and the money. Markus Naslund stated that he wanted to only play for New York even before the signing period began on July 1st, saying how he wanted to play for a true Cup contender. Naslund will come to NY next year and will play with one of the games most skilled center in Scott Gomez. Naslund will have a dynamic scoring forward in either Zherdev, Prucha, Callahan or Dawes..a line that is sure to explode. Naslund wants to start fresh by making a new name for himself in New York, he wants to win a Cup and he wants to revitalize his already stupendous NHL career. There is a great chance that Zherdev will meet his potential playing for the Blueshirts, as he will envision scoring that big goal and having that big celebration inside the packed Garden, quite different from his last arena in Columbus. Redden will play with one of the smartest new defenseman in the game in Marc Staal. Staal made huge leaps last year, impressing all throughout the hockey world. Staal should motivate Redden to play at his very best, and along with Roszival and my personal favorite Dan Girardi, with very sturdy defenseman Paul Mara and Dmitri Kalinin, the Rangers defense is second to none in the Eastern Conference. Oh, having Henrik Lundvqist behind all of them 'ain't too shabby either.

Now you've already heard my beliefs on how good the Rangers will be next season, with some of you saying that "I shouldn't be in love with my team", well I'm here to say I am in love with my team. I am proud to say that I'm a Rangers fan who is confident that the Rangers are far superior to the Devs, Isles and Flyers, as their defensive core is stronger than all three and the forwards in Rangers jerseys have the potential of becoming a seriously high scoring group of guys. With all the young guys on the roster, the will to win is huge. The young, ecstatic, energy packed guys like Callahan and Sjostrom will inspire the like of Gomez, Drury, Naslund to play up to their best potential as well. And vice versa, the poise and leadership that Redden and the rest of the "veterans" have will keep the young guys on their toes. The Rangers have a roster that is full of players that want to win, and want to win together and for each other and for their City. The players on the team came here to play for an organization that is known for its professionalism and its arena-packed with 18,000 screaming New Yorkers--can it get any prettier than that? Fuggetaboutit!! No other Atlantic Division offense has such a dynamic set of four lines of forwards, which has the potential to become one of the best New York Rangers squads in a long time. Except, of course for the Penguins. The Rangers first three centers (Gomez, Drury, Dubinsky) are all slight downgrades from the Penguins first three centers (Crosby, Malkin, Staal). The Penguins are undoubtedly more skilled at the center position, but that's all they have on our Rangers. Satan, Dupuis, Sykora, Fedetenko. Those are the main scoring threat wingers for the Penguins, who match up nicely to those of the Rangers. It is almost inevitable that the Rangers and Pens face off in the playoffs yet again next year, as they are both so similar in many ways, while differing greatly in style of play. In the end, the next time the Rangers face off against the Pens in the playoffs, Ranger fans can look forward to victory, as Lundvqist will lead us past Marc-Andre Fleury, the most overrated goalie in the league. Fleury did play well in the playoffs, but he did not lead the Pens to the finals as Henrik would do for the Rangers. "Sid the Kid" and the ever improving Evgeni Malkin were the catalyst players that played great offense and defense for the Pens, which hugely impacted their Cup Run.

The Rangers will prove to be superior to all their Atlantic rivals next season, just wait and see folks, and even though I am in agreement that it is a little early to make these predictions, I am bored as hell; I can't sit around and wait for the season to start without throwing my take on the Rangers out there for all to ponder, disagree and debate.s

later ~syr11~

2008-07-17T12:41:00.001-04:00

2008-2009 Schedule, Sjostrom Close to Signing

http://www.nhl.com/nhl/app?service=page&page=SubseasonSchedule

The above hyperlink will get you to NHL.com, where the full NHL 2008-2009 Schedule is accessible for all teams. The Rangers opening home game at the Garden will be against the Chicago Blackhawks on Friday, October 10^th. The Rangers, Tampa Bay Lightning, Ottawa Senators and Pittsburgh Penguins will compete in the NHL Premiere on Oct. 4-5 in Prague and Stockholm. The Rangers will also play Russian club Metallurg Magnitogorsk in the IIHF Victoria Cup on Oct. 1 in Bern, Switzerland. Rangers will play back-to-back nights in Prague against the revamped Lightning, who now boast No. 1 draft pick Steven Stamkos. These games are going to be remembered for a long time to come, and tickets are on sale now at:

www.newyorkrangers.com

In other news, Freddie Sjostrom is rumored to be aiding the Rangers financially by taking a pay cut from a reported $800,000, for a two year $650,000 deal. Nigel Dawes' deal, which I reported earlier at $600,000 was a bit high, as he took the deal he was offered at $587,500, signing on for one year with the Rangers. That leaves the Rangers with approximately $1.5 million in cap space. That almost ensures that neither Mats Sundin (or any other high profile player) nor Brendan Shanahan will be able to be signed, unless Shanahan takes a significant cut to remain a Blueshirt. Signing Shanahan would cause greater harm than good, as having him take up a wing spot on the 3^rd or 4^th line would just cut back the progress of our young prospects. Shanhan has done a lot for the Rangers and was a pleasure to have on the team, I just cannot see Tom Renney or Glen Sather giving up much needed cap space to sign a player who in the long run will deter the improvements of young players.

~syr11~

Dawes Remains a Blueshirt

2008-07-16T15:37:00.003-04:00

The infamous NY Rangers GM, Glen Sather, announced today that the Rangers have agreed to terms with restricted free agent forward Nigel Dawes. Nigel skated in 61 games with the Rangers this past season, registering 14 goals and 15 assists for 29 points, along with 10 penalty minutes and a plus-11 rating. He led the club in plus/minus rating (plus-11), ranked second in shootout game-deciding goals (two) and tied for third in game-winning goals (four). His four game-winning goals also tied for second in the NHL among all rookie skaters.

Dawes had a productive rookie season with the Rangers, having scored 14 goals playing limited ice time. Dawes should net in at least 20 next season playing regularly with Drury or Dubinsky or whichever center's line he ends up playing on. Dawes signed an alleged one year deal worth somewhere in the $600,000 range.

I will follow up later with more info on the Dawes deal and what is going on with Freddie Sjostrom, who is in the midst of getting a two year deal to remain a Blueshirt.

~syr11~

2008-07-15T20:53:00.001-04:00

Damn it Feels Good To Be a Ranga'

What's up all you Ranger fans out there, I am a band-spankin' new blogger for all us devoted, die hard Blueshirt wearing fans of New York City's finest, NYR(PD). Next season, the Rangers can look forward to success, that's right, you heard it here on The Dark Ranger first, I am gonna go out on a very, very far limb and say that our beloved New York Rangers will win the Atlantic Division title next season. I know it's a bit early to say this, but with the players they have, it is simply inevitable to have this group succeed and reign over the teams they will face. Gomez, Drury, Naslund, Zherdev, Prucha, Dubinsky. Those are the main scoring threats on the Rangers, and any of the other 29 NHL teams would be more than happy to have them on their first or second lines. It is imperative that these talented forwards lead the entire team with their goal scoring abilities, as the rest of the bench will simply ride their wave of success. With all the amassed 3^rd and 4^th liners on the Rangers roster, it is essential that the main group of guys hustle night in and night out, never leave anything on the ice and always play with heart and desire. With that being said, the Ranger's will have one of the strongest depth charts in the NHL (especially with all of the prospects in Hartford: Sanguinetti, Grachev, Anisimov, Cherepanov).

Redden, Roszival, Stall, Kalinin, Mara, Girardi. This is a tough, mobile group that is standing in front of one of the NHL's elite goaltenders in Henrik Lundqvist, who is just beginning his already celebrated NHL career (3 time Vezina finalist in his first 3 seasons!). Not only do we have the KING, but we have the JOKER as well, as funny-man Stephan Valliquette is more than able to cover for Henrik when he's needed, giving the Rangers yet another piece to an already tastyyyy pie. With a team that packs such a swell 1-2 punch in both offensive scoring threats and defensive coverage, including goaltending, the Rangers should be a shoe-in for the playoffs, TO SAY THE LEAST!! Of course, there have been Ranger teams in the past who have had such expectations as these and who have crumbled (2000-2004), but with many players on the roster under 25, the will to win is greater than ever. If all goes to plan and the likes of Dawes, Callahan, Prucha, Zherdev (especially Zherdev) and Naslund find their scoring touch, there's no doubt that the Rangers would be a serious Cup Contender. That being said, if those players don't in fact mature and score a minimum 20-25+ goals, than New York will be up shit's creek without a paddle. If Lundqvist plays the way he has been, the defense is just as good if not better than last year's squad, and the players that need to lead (Gomez and Drury) come to play every single night, than the sky is truly the limit for the Rangers.

I am no hockey expert, let me say that. I am not Larry Brooks or Steve Zipay or Sam Weinman (Even though I am 30 years younger than all of them, at least!) But I have played competitive ice hockey my whole life, I have coached teams to winning seasons, refereed and even water boyed a few times. I watch every game, follow every player and know these coaches and GM's better than they know themselves. I am connected throughout the world of hockey and I know how the system works. The Rangers WILL be a team to beat next year, you can count on that, and if the magic does in fact exist and the Rangers harness the talent that has been brought together by GM Glen Sather (whom, by the way, I happen to think did a terrific job restructuring this organization) then New Yorkers should look forward to a parade down Broadway soon, and I mean soon. The time has come for Lundqvist to win his first Stanley Cup, to bring hockey back to the city that bleeds Blue, to believe in our Blueshirt Boys and throw them our full support and to foresee the future: the future that will have the names of players such as Ryan Callahan, Marc Staal, Dan Girardi, Petr Prucha, Brandon Dubinsky and of course Henrik Lundqvist to have their names etched onto Lord Stanley's Cup. I believe that time is coming, and it's coming soon.

My take on what Tom Renney's lines should look like opening night:

O: Zherdev-Gomez-Naslund

Dawes-Drury-Callahan

Prucha-Dubinsky-Sjostrom

Voros/Rissmiller-Betts-Fritsche/Betts (Dan Fritsche can play either wing or center)

D: Redden-Staal

Roszival-Girardi

Mara-Kalinin

G: Lundqvist

Valliquette

Happy trails..

~syr11~

I Am A (Dark) Ranger! Revealed.

2008-07-10T23:01:00.021-04:00

I am Cindy Schmidt and I am eleven years old. I am a Dark Ranger.

Thanks for visiting my site for up-to-date Rangers news over the last couple of years. It is that time for my loyal devoted readers of Rangers' Darkness to now know my true identity. With over two hundred hits a day, almost 400 posts later - it's time for a break until True Blue hockey season re-emerges come September. I have to go to hockey camp in August and my Dad won't let me take the laptop to Camp Jersey Pucks-n-Stuff, so I'll be without my friends in Blue for a while, surrounded by awful, idiot Jersey Devils fans. God I hate that f*cker Lou!

I know, I know, OMG....all of these signings? And what happened to my team? I miss Sean Avery already- he was the bomb, so..... While I'm determined to be the first professional woman player in the NHL (with the exception of Marty Brodeur or Darcy Tucker), you can get plenty of Blueshirt action from my recommended fellow bloggers - the only true sources of up-to-date Rangerplay:

The Ranger Pundit - give my regards to Mike and gang....realists in the world of Tom Renney and his gang of clueless. Make this a daily...send him cupcakes.

Scotty Hockey - this guy posts more 'Ranger blogs per day' than the cumulative conversations Slats and Jagr had over three seasons! Known to often bitch about the ticket prices, this Scotty is one hell-of-a Rangers fan and some of the most up-to-date info about our Blueshirts. I wonder if he's cute?

Pucks On Broadway - one of my comrades (I think he's eleven years old too!!?), now a big-shot with The Hockey News -- so only believe half of what he writes. Good stuff though.

Slapshot - can you believe the New York Times has one of the best hockey blogs on the planet. Eat your heart out TSN, and by far blogger extraordinaire Lynn Zinser is now my Hillary of the Hockey World -- go woman power!

Newcomers to The Dark Ranger and special mention go to 5-hole, The Manic Ranger Fan, and the Syracuse boys over at the NYRangerscast podcast (now celebrating the exodus of Jason Strudwick!!!!). Everyone should visit these blogs on my vacation.

So there it is in it's full teenage glory. See you in September ready to jump onboard, so until then...and as MSG would tell us over and over with their new soundbites....

I am a (Dark) Ranger.

So Long Jags! Where Did My Team Go?

2008-07-03T21:57:00.015-04:00

I like what I see.

He may not be the presence and comedian of Jaromir Jagr and he may not have the points, goals and assists as our three-year Captain, but one thing is for certain.....our newest New York Ranger, former Vancouver Canuck Captain Marcus Naslund plays his best hockey game EVERY game! This is already an improvement.

Yes....Jags was brilliant in the playoffs and that was reason enough to re-sign the Captain. In both rounds he played hard and it reminded us of what he can/could still be when he wants to.....but do NOT forget that we complained about his will and desire all the way to the playoffs. Not only did Mr. Perimeter (thanks Pundit) hold us in his clutches of lazy, he held back the team with his 'perfect-shot' perimeter play. Enough is enough. Slats gave some of us our wish. Thank you for bringing the Blueshirts back to 'legit' on Broadway, Jags -- but it is time for that Russian contract where you can play half-a-game most of the season and still make the big bucks tax-free. Run with it. Skate with it. Play with it. Gamble it. We love you, Jaromir - but not for another two-years. Love hurts.

Marcus Naslund is our new guy -- Battle of the Potential Captains with Chris Drury (my vote), Scott Gomez and now former Canuck-Captain Naslund, plus a couple of new kids on the block and an actual blue line to support our Hank. Our Staal, Girardi, Callahan and Dubinsky kids aren't babies anymore either.

I think I like this team.

Here's the official Canadian press on Naslund -- and it's worth hitting the Vancouver blogs -- who are very upset over his leaving.
tdr

THE CANADIAN PRESS Thu Jul 3, 6:51 PM ET NEW YORK - Markus Naslund is heading to the Big Apple.The former Vancouver Canucks captain has agreed to an US$8-million, two-year deal with the New York Rangers. "It's not an easy thing," Naslund said on a conference call. "I've been in Vancouver a long time. I've been a captain there for the last eight years. I have very fond memories of playing in that city and all that comes with that. "The fan base that's there, the organization has treated me first-class all the way. It's definitely a big step but it's a step that I'm excited to take." The Canucks released a statement thanking him for his years of service. "As an organization we would like to thank Markus Naslund for his 12 exemplary seasons in a Canucks sweater," said Canucks GM Mike Gillis. "Markus is one of the greatest athletes to ever represent the Canucks both on and off of the ice. His on-ice success sees him leave the organization among the club leaders in almost every offensive category. "We are very grateful for Markus' commitment to our community, our fans and our team over the years. Markus and his wife Lotta have given generously of their time over the years to many worthy causes ..." Naslund's new contract, which includes a $1-million signing bonus, will pay him $4 million next season and $3 million in 2009-10. "I think for anyone who dreams of playing in the NHL, playing for one of the Original Six teams with the history and tradition, it's special," Naslund said. "It was very appealing to me and my family to live in New York and be part of what's going on there. ... The overall picture was very appealing to me." The 34-year-old unrestricted free agent forward had 55 points (25-30) in 82 games with the Canucks last season. Naslund was drafted by Pittsburgh with the 16th overall pick in 1991. He has recorded 823 points (371-452) in 1,035 career games with the Canucks and Penguins.

Trade Confirmed

2008-07-02T18:18:00.004-04:00

More updates:
Columbus Blue Jackets Nikolai Zherdev and Dan Fritsche have been traded to the New York Rangers for Fedor Tyutin and Christian Backman.

Searching For A Captain To Right The Ship

2008-07-02T16:19:00.017-04:00

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

What Will Our Team Look Like?

2008-06-30T17:42:00.002-04:00

Straka-Less

2008-06-26T11:01:00.012-04:00

Martin Straka is no longer a New York Ranger.

Claiming he has not accepted his new deal (TSN) and will make the decision July 1, last night he apparently signed a deal with his former Czech Republic club, HC Lasselsberger Plzen to leave the NHL entirely - as the free agency deadline approached this coming Tuesday without any offers or consideration from Blueshirt management. Slats and gang were not interested in re-signing the three-year New York Ranger.

How might this effect the re-signing of Jaromir Jagr?

The answer to that will reveal itself no earlier than next Tuesday (July 1), but it sure doesn't bode well for maintaining Jagr's player 'support system.' As Glen Sather and Co. are looking to strengthen and rebuild the NY Rangers this off-season, they have made it clear to Captain Jagr their desire to bring him in under their terms, financially and expectation of play, for one more year. As it stands, Jagr is looking for two years extension.

Marty Straka leaving the Rangers may be revealing a little of how this team is looking to open the season this fall. How do you think Marty will feel watching his former Rangers from the stands opening in his home town of Prague this October?

The heat has been turned on slightly higher....

tdr

First Over A Rangers Website, Now This...

2008-06-24T10:46:00.014-04:00

As "Schmuck-Egg-In-The-Face Bettman" addressed the league’s board of governors in New York last week, Gary Bettman admitted he had no clue that two of his closest NHL confidants – L.A.’s Philip Anschutz (responsible for last year's England opener debacle) and Minnesota’s Craig Leipold – had lent San Jose banker Boots Del Biaggio (alleged deadbeat and bankrupt NHL owner) a combined $17 million (U.S.) to help him pay for a $25 million stake in the Nashville Predators.

NHL owners were speechless, according to a source who attended the meeting, as Bettman grumbled he had been in the dark. Neither Anschutz nor Leipold had made him aware of the cozy back-door deal. In corporate North America, Bettman would be forced to find his 'exit strategy' with such blunders - honorable discharge - and he was obviously absent from his weekly NHL hourly broadcast as he had to attempt to keep his position as Mr. Know-It-All-of-the-NHL.

In other news, the NHL trade happened over the weekend. We acquired yet another no-name to send to Hartford -- funny that many of the current bloggers posted with "Who Cares?"(see jibblescribbits) or "It goes to show you it doesn't mean anything".....I just find the entire event premature and a little boring.

Mats Sundin a Ranger? Larry Brooks of the Post suggests that after Montreal has exclusive rights to discuss a potential free agent acquiring of the Maple Leafs beloved Captain, the New York Rangers are of interest to Mr. Sundin and discussions are already taking place. How ironic. The Dark Ranger was tipped last fall that there was interest from the NY Rangers camp on acquiring Sundin come last February during the trade deadline:

(The Dark Ranger sent the following email to Fabio, a Leafs enthusiast, the day after the Rangers slaughtered the Leafs, October 2007) The Dark Ranger sent:

"A heads up. Sundin's has always wanted to play for the NY Rangers, and is talking to NY Ranger management today (who wouldn't after last night!) -- discussions of trading Straka and Callahan and a first and second round pick - for a potential answer to our offensive challenges. Don Meehan, agent for Sundin approached the Rangers. He has told Sather he wants to play next to Jagr and Drury. Hate to ruin your day, but these talks are happening..... I am putting it on the blog later this afternoon when my source gets me confirmation of talks, launching The Dark Ranger site before Spector or HockeyBuzz knows anything about it."

I won't even post his offensive and "hockey-racist" response. As any Toronto Maple Leaf fan would do, it was filled with stereotypical cliche's about how great their losing team is --- and plenty of swearing. Regardless, it is fun to look back and verify that the people, we, hockey bloggers know within the depths of hockey organizations sometimes actually know 'inside' dirt. You will hear it here if there is anything to discuss that the mainstream columnists and bloggers aren't already talking about.

Next Tuesday is free agency day -- and perhaps we will see some important re-signings (Avery, "some would say Jagr") and some new acquisitions on the team; the likes of Brian Campbell, Mats Sundin, Brian Gionta, Ryan Malone and other potential dreamy free agents becoming Blueshirts would be a pleasant and unexpected surprise. As we saw the Rangers acquiring two of the three most-sought-after free agents last summer (Drury & Gomez) it is entirely possible that Slats and the Blueshirt management are smarter than we think they are.

One can only hope.

tdr

The Dark Ranger Is Not Alone!

2008-06-20T12:52:00.005-04:00

from www.hockeyanalysis.com this morning:

The Bettman Cartel
June 19th, 2008 by David Johnson

Sometimes (ok, more than sometimes) I wonder if the NHL has a clue what it is doing. The latest breaking story is that the NHL is threatening the New York Rangers owners (Madison Square Garden, MSG) with possible expulsion from the league for accusing the league of violating antitrust laws. The background is that the Rangers sued the NHL claiming that the NHL had no right to take control of the Rangers website and other marketing and promotion programs. Last year a judge agreed with the NHL and said the NHL was well within its rights to take control of the rangers website.

But instead of accepting victory in a dignified way, as any reasonable organization would, it decided to fight back and “asked a judge to agree MSG has breached its contract by challenging league rules and that it can force out MSG.”

Two thinks come to mind when I read this story:

1. MSG is one of the best owners the NHL could possibly have and in a time when good law abiding owners are seemingly very hard to find (see NY Islanders, Buffalo Sabres, and recently Nashville Predators), it seems very counter productive to be booting out one of the best and most stable owners around. Not only is MSG stable, but they are one of the biggest media outlets in New York and even across the United States. For a league that is starving for hockey coverage in the United States, booting out one of your better owners and media partners seems counter productive too.

2. It seems like this is just further evidence of a Bettman cartel in the NHL where Bettman will do everything he can to get pro-Bettman owners in the league (see Williams ”Boots” Del Baggio) and do everything possible to keep independent minded owners out of the league (see Jim Balsillie). With this action the NHL is trying to send a statement to all other owners in the NHL: “Do what we want or you’ll be gone”. I am no lawyer but it seems to me that this must break some sort of anti-trust laws.

So far Bettman has been successful in keeping tight control over the NHL and silencing those who might want to challenge him and his rule. One has to wonder if and when this might come back to bite him in the foot. Challenging a media giant like MSG with expulsion is a bigger battle than he has undertaken in the past and one wonders when he will have bitten off more than he can chew. Now that the players get a fixed share of revenue I expect the NHLPA is going to want to have a say in matters like this since such moves will potentially affect league revenues. If MSG, Balsillie, NHLPA and possibly other big market owners choose to fight back it could be wildly lopsided fight that Bettman and his cronies are sure to lose. It will be interesting to see how this will unfold.

THE DARK RANGER says: the draft tonight will be special. Every time Bettman speaks, the crowds will 'BOO' him. No one likes a bully. At the very least, this counter-lawsuit will keep talk at an all-time high regarding the NHL -- and you know the Dolans are going to strike back in a big way over the next couple of weeks. Thank the hockey Gods that we can finally now talk about something other than Sean Avery's speedo and Vogue internship.

Speaking of which, it looks like Sean Avery is actively discussing a return to his LA Kings -- who in rumor accounts- will provide him with the $4 million per year he is seeking from the Rangers. Glen Sather has publicly stated he has no intentions of talking to Avery before July 1 and his offer is in Avery's agent's hands. Otherwise, no deal. It has been mentioned that Avery was potentially contemplating a move over to the Island of Ted Nolen -- which would be terrific in reinvigorating the rivalry between the NY Rangers and Islanders. Not since Dennis Potvin would we have seen such hatred in an ex-Ranger. Fun stuff ahead. Tonight the draft. In two weeks, free agency. Yee haw.

tdr

Bettman the Barbarian Takes On Dolans!

2008-06-19T13:18:00.007-04:00

The National Hockey League is threatening to kick out Madison Square Garden, the owners of the New York Rangers, as punishment for accusing the league of violating antitrust laws.

The NHL filed court papers Wednesday that included a draft letter from commissioner Gary Bettman. In its court filing, the NHL asked a judge to agree MSG has breached its contract by challenging league rules and that it can force out MSG.

Madison Square Garden sued the NHL in September, saying it violated antitrust laws by monopolizing control of team promotions. And a judge said in November the league seemed within its rights to take control of the team's website.

Now here is the perfect example of the 'Battle of the Egos' -- where at some point Herr Bettman probably got in a room with members of the Dolan Empire and verbally shagged them, inciting imaginary rule #357a of the NHL franchise agreement regarding global league marketing and how big your C**k is....I mean New York accent.

So instead of revisiting corruption in the NHL's referees, looking to greater expand the NHL in our own country (as opposed to England or Prague), securing a greater network (i.e. ESPN) for the NHL to mainstream North America, and making player rough-housing revisions, etc., Mr. Bettman is again looking to admonish and threaten one of the most profitable Original Six teams because he 'can.'

What a joke. If the Toronto Maple Leafs decided they wanted to keep profits in-house and ultimately coordinate their website marketing in tandem with the league, as opposed to letting Gary Bettman control it, there wouldn't ever be a problem. There are untouchables in the league, as we saw throughout the playoffs.

Perhaps this is another example of favoritism in the hockey world and how the league looks down on another New York City franchise.

Go get 'em MSG....

tdr

A Beginner's Guide to the Upcoming Season (UPDATED)

2008-06-19T07:42:00.006-04:00

Jaromir Jagr craves a display of the Rangers’ affection for him. General manager Glen Sather says he is a fan but has yet to reach out to personally convey that sentiment to the sensitive captain.

So, with only 20 days remaining until Jagr can become an unrestricted free agent, it is anybody’s guess whether he’ll be in a Broadway Blueshirt when the club opens next season in his native Czech Republic. And because Jagr’s return or departure is the first domino that needs to fall before the Rangers can continue the process of assembling their roster for next season, such uncertainty at such a late date can’t be viewed as a good thing.

Of course, Sather has always enjoyed playing the cat-and-mouse game when his top players’ contracts come up for renewal. So his unhurried approach with Jagr is hardly out of character.

As long as Jagr’s situation remains not just unresolved but completely unpredictable, it seems difficult for the Rangers to make decisions regarding other potential unrestricted free agents, such as Sean Avery, Martin Straka and Michal Rozsival.

Season Highlight: Two springs after being battered by the rival Devils, the Rangers avenged that 2006 first-round sweep by eliminating New Jersey in five games in the 2008 first round. Lundqvist outplayed living legend Martin Brodeur—who was tormented by Avery shift after shift—and Jagr was a monster en route to leading the playoffs in scoring through two rounds.

Turning Point: A quirk in the schedule—back-to-back home games against an Atlanta team they own—produced 4-0 and 2-1 Garden victories (the second on the night Brian Leetch’s No. 2 was retired) to catalyze a playoffs-making 20-6-7 stretch run. Lundqvist was brilliant throughout the 11-week surge. Jagr routinely dominated games. And the Rangers capped a season in which they went an Atlantic-best 20-7-5 within the division by going 5-1-4 in their last 11 games, which all were intradivisional.

Notes, Quotes

• While Sean Avery remains in the news because his publicists have passed along word of every move he’s made as an intern at Vogue magazine this summer, his contract negotiations with the Rangers have yet to produce anything of interest. Avery remains convinced that he is a top-six forward who should be paid in the neighborhood of $4 million a year. The Rangers have yet to budge off their early season offer of $2.75 million per.

Quote To Note: “It’s clear Jaromir’s a good player. It’s clear that we like him. And it’s clear that we’d like to have him back also. There are so many other free agents that are going to be available. But if you have the option of getting Jaromir the way he played at the end of the year and in the playoffs, he was a pretty dangerous hockey player. And we could wind up with no one.”—Rangers GM Glen Sather

Roster Report

Most Valuable Player: G Henrik Lundqvist battled through the most difficult of his three NHL seasons to lead the NHL in shutouts (10), finish fourth in wins (37) and sixth in goals-against average (2.23) and earn a third straight designation as a Vezina Trophy Finalist. Lundqvist was distracted midway through the season by worry about his father, who underwent emergency surgery in Sweden for a brain aneurysm, and had to fight to rediscover his form for the stretch run and playoffs.

Most Disappointing Player: Unable to develop on-ice chemistry with either C Scott Gomez or C Chris Drury, Rangers captain Jaromir Jagr went from averaging 110 points his first two seasons in New York to scoring a career-low 71. However, despite failing to approach the great expectations that are standard for him, Jagr mentored rookie C Brandon Dubinsky to a fine first NHL season.

Biggest Needs: The Rangers’ first order of business is to figure out whether RW Jaromir Jagr is coming back. Then they can deal with their free agents and work on improving their defense.

Free Agent Focus: The Rangers remain committed to upgrading their underwhelming defense corps—by adding offensive ability and/or physicality. And while finding a scoring winger who can skate with C Scott Gomez will have them at least expressing an interest in Marian Hossa, it remains unlikely that the Rangers will shell out the at least $7 million per he is expected to command on the open market.

Player Notes:

• D Michal Rozsival, whose play dropped off over the season’s second half and in the playoffs, was to undergo surgery to repair a torn labrum muscle in his hip June 11. Though Rozsival scored a career-high 13 goals this past season, none came after Feb. 3. And the Rangers are considering whether to re-sign him—he’s likely to command at least $4 million per on the open market—or look elsewhere to upgrade the top end of their defense corps.

• LW Martin Straka is nearing the time when he must decide whether to sign on with a team in his native Czech Republic and effectively end his NHL career. Straka said last week that he is struggling with the decision, and it is unclear whether the Rangers want the classy, 35-year-old veteran back.

• RW Brendan Shanahan’s return for a 21st NHL season remains uncertain. The venerable winger, who turned 39 in January, sagged badly over the second half of the season. He blamed the effects of failing to give himself enough time to recover from a Jan. 5 collision with Dustin Penner that left him with a sprained knee and led to hip and back problems.

For Those Already Missing Hockey Season

2008-06-18T13:21:00.004-04:00

The Dark Ranger cannot help but think about holding a nice, cold one at MSG come September. Until then, don't let the economy stop you from having a couple of brewski's here and there, as this picture made me laugh and, strangely, think about hockey.

So I share.

tdr

Breaking News!!! Rangers Sign Mini-Holmstrom

2008-06-16T16:09:00.006-04:00

Swedish player Andreas Jamtin is now officially a New York Ranger --a free agent as of June 15. Previously tied up by the Detroit Red Wings, unsigned up until yesterday's deadline - Jamtin was once compared to Thomas Holmstrom (at the time he was drafted), except a meaner and faster version. That being some time ago and his having never played in the NHL, Blueshirt Bulletin suggests that his level of play is fast, with the attitude of Sean Avery -- unafraid to throw himself into any situation presented. Though his performance has been mediocre over the last couple of seasons in Europe, he is considered someone who might 'break out' once reaching the NHL level.

The Rangers management have not officially announced his signing, but sources at MSG have suggested that this will put much needed pressure on the Sean Avery re-signing over the next couple of weeks, as Jamtin the agitator is known by opposing teams as a 'gnat' and 'distractor' - someone who is highly disliked throughout the Finnish Elite League.

Add some speed and good shooting skills, Andreas Jamtin may just be one of the affordable components necessary to improve the Rangers' front lines. More to come...

tdr

Hey Billy!!!!! Welcome Back....

2008-06-12T15:08:00.007-04:00

A huge 'shout-out' to the ultimate combination of 'New York Ranger' fan and East Village artist here in the Great NYC. Billy the Artist is back and MSG will welcome back a great fan and a great NYC institution after a long hiatus in Woodstock....plus painting hot chicks and gratuitous pictures of hot chicks never ruined a hockey fan's day.

With all of the rumors and trades happening in the blogosphere, I thought it best to wait and see what the 'Great Slats' has to show over the next couple of weeks as we approach "free agency-land" July 1. For anyone watching the "What the Rangers Need Most" post, you'll see the two top voted needs are:

1. re-SIGN Sean Avery. & 2. Reinforce the blueline with defense that means something

Ironic that these were the most important issues for the Rangers one year ago -- only now we have a handful of free agents that (should) will leave, freeing up close to $20 million in salary cap. If management treats this right, we could be looking at an improved 2009 playoff picture and a long-term veteran/youth mix for years to come. But they won't....if Coach Clueless and SLATS the Barbarian refuse to adapt to new opportunities.

...at least we have Billy the Artist...for now.

tdr

Pittsburgh Are The Losers! Red Wings Win Cup in 6!

2008-06-04T23:26:00.002-04:00

In 1991, the Giants won the Super Bowl
In 1991, there was a Bush in the White house
In 1991, there was a Clinton running for President
In 1991, there was a war in Iraq
In 1991, the Penguins won the Stanley Cup
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

In 2008, the Giants won the Super Bowl
In 2008, there is a Bush in the White House
In 2008, there is a Clinton running for President
In 2008, there is a war in Iraq
In 2008, the Penguins?
(source thePittsburghChannel.com)
tdr

Jagr Haters? Hardly.

2008-05-22T10:16:00.012-04:00

Rumors are abuzz throughout the blogosphere that Avangard Omsk - the Russian hockey league - is offering New York Ranger forward Jaromir Jagr upwards to $12 million to play in this upcoming season, which puts our very own GM Glen 'Slats' Sather in quite the precarious position as he is currently negotiating with Jags, probably looking to secure some one-t0-two year deal for less than he was paying him this current season - with incentive bonuses. Stay tuned.

While we eagerly await our 2009-10 fate of whether Tom Renney will finally coach (for real) our team without Jagr or will he (pretend to) coach with Jagr in the lineup, I thought it was thoughtful to look back at the playoffs and see what the Pittsburgh fans really think of their ex-Pittsburgh Penguin Jagr , when Jags played side-by-side to Lemieux's #1 seating. The very fact that Pittsburgh fans boo'ed him every time he touched the puck this season is a good reading of 'Jagr Hating', but in looking a little closer the reality was very different. (As you know, The Dark Ranger has been accused of being a "Jagr Hater" myself (which I am not - "it's just time to move on...")).

**************************************************

from Mike244:
''I have been a Pittsburgh Pens fan all my life.''
You should be ashamed of yourself saying anything negative about Jagr after what this man did for your hockey team .You and the rest of the pitt boobirds should not be so quick to forget. Ask any Ranger fan if they ever booed Messier when he came back to the garden in a Cannucks uniform, Leach in a Bruins uniform. the answer is NO, Why Beacause Ranger Fans Have CLASS .something all of pitts. needs to learn .BTW IT AINT OVER TILL ITS OVER !!!!

from JGBerc:
I have never really understood the venom Penguins fans display to one of the all-time greats in Jaromir Jagr. It makes me very sad and cringe every time the igloo boos him. It seems like one, people forget what Jagr did while he was a Penguin, I don't. He carried this franchise during some of the darkest days of the Penguins era. Two, people also forget that Jagr, though vocal about his desire to be traded, knew there was no other option. Do people forget the team was in financial ruin? Do they forget this team was in danger of leaving the city?

It was not just Jagr who was victim of the post Howard Baldwin spending spree. Was he not supposed to take the money? Baldwin spent like a teenage girl with a credit card at Macys. Ron Francis, Martin Straka, Alexei Kovalev, and Robert Lang were among many players who simply had to be moved due to financial constraints. In the pre-salary cap NHL, many teams could not keep up with the free spending Red Wings, Flyers, and Rangers. Jagr saw the writing on the wall and personally, I think he asked for a trade because he knew there was no other options. Out of respect for Mario Lemieux, he took the role as bad guy. Could he have handled the situation better? Sure, but he and the Pens were out of options.

Look at it this way. If Jagr does not get traded...Pens never get Marc-Andre Fleury, Sidney Crosby or Evgeni Malkin. The Pens are likely playing in Kansas City or Seattle. Mario Lemieux is not the super-hero he is deservedly considered to be now for saving the Pens. We are not waiting for a beatiful new arena. We are watching another team dominate the NHL like no one has in a long time.

To anyone reading this who boos Jagr every time he touches the puck. Did you become a Pens fan after Sidney Crosby got drafted? Did you not watch Jagr play a critical role in winning two Stanley Cups? Did you not have the pleasure of watching the best player not named Lemieux or Gretzky for a decade? Next time you feel like being a dim wit and booing someone who was a victim of circumstance and the mismanagement of others, think about it and shut up. Im done ranting...Lets go Pens.

from GoHabsGo:
For anyone that boos Jags at the Igloo, you must be one of those Pens fans who didn't know any of the Pens' names 2 seasons ago. Jagr's a big reason the Pens won their last cup. I think you should go back to playing tiddlywinks. Bloody bandwagoners who suddenly think they know something about hockey.. ugh!

from The Burgh Blog:
I realize that the following are true:

Jaromir Jagr is no longer a Penguin and hasn’t been one for a long long time.
Jaromir Jagr had/has a gambling problem.
As a good Burgher, I should boo and hate and possibly try to Juju-curse Jaromir Jagr, because he is a “traitor” and because he talks smack about Sid.
However, all of the following are true as well:

I love Jaromir Jagr. I always have and unless he hunts me down and sticks an angry pigeon down my shirt, I always will.
If I wasn’t already dealing with the constant bickering of three very different imaginary self-united husbands, I’d totally self-unite with Jaromir Jagr, too.
Jaromir Jagr is a fun name to say.
When Jaromir Jagr and Ruutu were jawing at each other yesterday, and Jaromir threw some jesting kissy-kisses at Ruutu, resulting in Ruutu pushing him to the ice in anger … I loved Jaromir Jagr all the more. I love Ruutu, but come on, that was awesome.
When the game was over and Jaromir Jagr didn’t just shake the hands of the Pens, but looked every single one of our boys in the eyes and congratulated them with sincere graciousness and a smile on his face … well, I wonder if Jaromir Jagr has any babies he’d like me to birth for him? (Coming up at 11:00!)
As suggested to me by a reader, I completely agree that the Pens should sign Jaromir Jagr to a one-year contract so that he can end his career as a Penguin.

from BolognaMan03:
I have never and will never boo Jaromir Jagr at a Penguins game for several reasons, about 429 of them. After watching his spirited play last night and his solid play throughout the playoffs I hope he doesn't go to the Russian Super League next year. Jagr is still a great player and should continue to play in the NHL. If the next game is perhaps his last in the NHL, as he stated, then I wish Jagr the best and hope he goes into the Hall of Fame as a member of the Penguins.

from PSUimu said:
If Jaromir Jagr hates Pittsburgh so much, then why does he maintain a residence in Muraysville PA and rent it to... you guessed it... Peter Sykora? They're really close friends. In fact, Jagr still stays there when he's in town against the Pens. Dateline...1992...conference semi-finals.... Mario Lemieux gets his wrist broken by Adam Graves. The ENTIRE WORLD believed that Mario WAS the Penguins, and just like Evgeni Malkin in this day and age, Jagr stepped up his game, helping the Penguins sweep the next 12 games and win the 1992 Stanley Cup. Certain Pens fans forget this. If you have questions about Jagr... just like the interview thanking his mentor, remember this...

J A R O M I R when rearranged spells MARIO JR.

**************************************************

So with that, there is some Jagr sentiment in The Igloo -- not that us Rangers fans need to cheer on the Atlantic Division during the Stanley Cup finals this weekend, but it was a surprise to see how much support Jaromir Jagr has received from his former fan base.

Let's go Red Wings and bring on the "Sid Haters", a more timely discussion point as the first game arrives this Saturday.

tdr

The Devil Wears Prada

2008-05-16T18:19:00.004-04:00

REPORTING FOR DUTY: Sean Avery started his internship at Vogue on Monday, and already staffers at Condé Nast Publications Inc. are buzzing about the New York Ranger star's presence at 4 Times Square. Observers say he's involved in all sections of the magazine, including features and accessories, and attends edit meetings. And while Avery pulled down $2 million last year with the Rangers, he's earning minimum wage for his time at Vogue, a magazine spokesman confirmed, denying speculation Avery was being paid $5,000 for his summer job. While Vogue has been mum on the specifics of Avery's internship, insiders say there's been talk of the hockey hard man attending the couture shows in Europe next month along with Vogue editor in chief Anna Wintour and editors André Leon Talley, Hamish Bowles and Sally Singer (which would be sure to raise the eyebrows of jealous Voguettes). No word yet on if he'll be filing reviews on the shows, or, like tennis star (and Wintour favorite) Roger Federer, appearing on an upcoming cover of Vogue or Men's Vogue.

Not sure I understand this venture from Ranger's bad boy....it is the most unlikely venture thus far, but I wouldn't be surprised if Marty Brodeur -- who is at the end of his career -- follows in Avery's footsteps by making appearances on Sesame Street or leaves hockey entirely to become the fifth member of The Wiggles. You never know.

tdr

An Open Letter to Glen Sather

2008-05-13T11:13:00.021-04:00

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')

Should I Stay Or Should I Go?

2008-05-07T12:00:00.003-04:00

NEW YORK DAILY NEWS/NEWSDAY/TSN/CP: all reported NY Rangers captain Jaromir Jagr claims his priority is to return with the Rangers next season. The reports note the Rangers aren't the only option for Jagr, as he could also sign with Avangard Omsk of Russia, and eventually he intends to return to his hometown club Kladno in the Czech Republic. He noted any deal he signs probably won't be longer than two years because his father would like him to return by that time. John Dellapina of the Daily News suggested the Rangers could offer Jagr a bonus-laden contract much like the one they signed with Brendan Shanahan last season, as bonuses for players over 35 can be deferred toward the following season's salary cap.

(the above courtesy of Spector's Hockey)