Rangers News: Rangers sign Prospal, Mark Messier accepts front office position
by Jim Schmiedeberg on Aug 16, 2009 11:22 AM EDT
in New York Rangers News
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[Note by Jim Schmiedeberg, 08/16/09 11:07 AM EDT thanks to Joe and b4mv01, both of whom had the Prospal story up, I just wanted to combine it into one story. As usual, Ranger fans are all over it!]
Well guys, we've got some Rangers news today.
First, the New York Post is reporting that the Rangers have signed Vaclav "Vinny" Prospal to a one year deal.
Prospal became a free agent when the Lightning bought out the remaining three years of his contract.
Highlights from the story:
Prospal, who played for head coach John Tortorella before and after the Lightning's 2004 Cup-winning season in which he was in Anaheim, recorded 45 points (19-26) last year. The 12-year NHL veteran scored 33 goals two years ago for the Lightning and Flyers and recording 80 points and 55 assists with Tampa Bay in 2005-06.
The New York Post is also reporting that Mark Messier is returning to the Rangers in a front office role, as a special assistant to Glen Sather. Larry Brooks says this should not be interpreted as Sather hiring his heir apparent. I'll believe that when I see it.
Here is the full story from the NY Post.
Highlights:
"I couldn't be more thrilled with the opportunity to move back to New York with my family, to learn from Glen and to work for the Rangers," Messier said yesterday by phone from the Bahamas. "I'm going to come in and get my feet wet and get an overview of how the business runs and how the team runs and take it from there."
"While I believe I have a lot to offer, I know I have a lot to learn about the management and business side of the sport," Messier said. "From the hockey side, I'm going to try and get a feel for the players we have under contract, the depth of our organization, the operation in [AHL] Hartford.
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i like the move not so much because i am in love with prospal but because it is 1 year 1.1 million. anyone who liked the signing of Kotalik for his production cannot complain about this because it is shorter and much cheaper and frankly prospal produces more.
by Michael Gleich on Aug 16, 2009 11:22 AM EDT reply actions
100% agree
we are fixing our scoring problems thats for sure
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by Joe Fortunato on Aug 16, 2009 12:50 PM EDT up reply actions
Mixed Feelings.
I’m not saying I don’t like this signing but it just doesn’t make sense. Prospal is really a winger. He can play Center but so can Cally and Higgins. There has to be another move to be made. Whether its Richards or maybe just maybe The Real Vinny in Tampa. I guess we will have to see. Also for everyone that doubted the website insidepittsburghsports.com. They were the only site to say that the Rangers were kicking the tires on Prospal.
you read
i really hope this isn’t a precursor to some sort of Tortorella – 04 Bolts Reunion Bash
by John Merrigan on Aug 16, 2009 12:09 PM EDT up reply actions
What's up with you and this Brad Richards fascination?
There’s no way he can fit under the cap. He ain’t coming here.
its not fascination, if you read any of it you would see that i frickin hate the idea. but if rozsival gets moved he could fit. i dont think he’ll be here either just b/c theres no way they dump rozy w/o taking money back in return and the stars do not want to take on a contract so they need a third team to facilitate the trade.
by John Merrigan on Aug 16, 2009 4:18 PM EDT up reply actions
Actually we needed a left winger and have one now. His scouting report says he plays some center but dont read into that much.
I love this signing because it means we are looking good on the left side to start the season, and hopefully this means we are steps closer to signing dubie.
by louielounz1 on Aug 16, 2009 11:58 AM EDT via mobile reply actions
whats going on with duby
thats now the BIG question. what does this signing mean for him?
this means nothing for him. it means something for Enver Lisin who is probably the odd man out this season.
by John Merrigan on Aug 16, 2009 12:10 PM EDT up reply actions
or lisin goes to the 4th line and byers gets left in hartford.
by Michael Gleich on Aug 16, 2009 12:13 PM EDT up reply actions
i think thats what will happen
good call leetchie
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by Joe Fortunato on Aug 16, 2009 12:52 PM EDT up reply actions
But make sure you read Larry Brooks article on this
he claims that there are problems with signing Dubinsky. He claims it is a speed bump but if it was that minor then this should have been taken care of already
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I think this has no bearing on the Dubi signing, and I like the move. Anytime you can get cheap scoring help its a plus
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by Jim Schmiedeberg on Aug 16, 2009 12:56 PM EDT reply actions
i agree but why isnt Dubinsky signed
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by Joe Fortunato on Aug 16, 2009 12:59 PM EDT up reply actions
He is on the Ice Road
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by Jim Schmiedeberg on Aug 16, 2009 1:00 PM EDT up reply actions
Hes a trucker?
how cool
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by Joe Fortunato on Aug 16, 2009 1:02 PM EDT up reply actions
He got jealous of Hossa.
Probably wants one too many years than Sather is going to give him. Probably wants 3 or 4 years while Sather says here’s 2.
no he doesnt
he can be a free agent at 25 and if he signes for more than 2 years he loses his arbitration right.
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by Joe Fortunato on Aug 16, 2009 4:30 PM EDT up reply actions
Mixed feelings........
I like Prospal but this now means No possibility of Grachev and Byers. Also now Lisin and Voros will be in a grudge match for the 4th line position. And where is Dubinsky??? I really hope this works out because I would be very disapointted if Dubinsky isnt wearing Ranger blue this fall.
there was a slim chance of Grachev making the team this year anyway
and lets make something clear if 20 players out-play Gaborik, Gaborik wont be on the team. So everyone has a shot
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by Joe Fortunato on Aug 16, 2009 1:59 PM EDT up reply actions
Agreed
Grachev is probably better served acclimating himself to pro-level North American hockey for a season. This is a one year deal so it leaves the possibility that Grachev gets some seasoning and that there’s already a spot waiting for him next year.
No problems with this move myself. Decent player for a bargain basement price. One of the best moves Sather has made this season, I think.
by Lunkwill Fook on Aug 16, 2009 2:28 PM EDT up reply actions
well i guess you can sleep now joe!
With the rangers picking up Prospal dont think there is any chance we see big Bert in blue.So now you can sleep at night joe.My only question now, like so many other ranger fans WHATS GOING ON WITH DUBIE?Maybe we wont be sleeping after all!
look Bert can put the Rangers logo on his wheelchair
feel better Pauly?
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by Joe Fortunato on Aug 16, 2009 2:55 PM EDT up reply actions
Anybody else wondering...
If this is leading to another move. What if the Rangers are gearing up to pull off a bigger move. Not saying that i want a bigger move i.e.-Richards or Heatly. What I’m saying is with the mass amount of signing on the D side and the lack of a contract for Dubinsky, isn’t anybody wondering why were not making strides to get youth out on the ice instead of the nearly dead? Just wondering
i think thats a little unfair
if Prospal signs then we only have 3 players over 30. Drury, Prospal and Redden
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by Joe Fortunato on Aug 16, 2009 3:23 PM EDT up reply actions
Ill give you Vally
but Rozsival and Kotalik are 30 i said OVER 30 lol
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by Joe Fortunato on Aug 16, 2009 10:32 PM EDT up reply actions
Versatile forward
I like this move, but it surely means that byers or lisin won’t make the starting line up…but i would like to see lisin on the 4th line cuz torts always switches his lines so he could move up to the other lines
because of this move I would not be surpised if dubi or anisimov are moved…but I’d be frigin pissed
by nutz_35 on Aug 16, 2009 4:20 PM EDT via mobile reply actions
Getting younger
Yes i agree we are getting younger…only 3 guys over 30 and if Redden goes down to play at Hartford that would be icing on the cake….goal scoring should be up and the power play HAS to be better with this crew.I still don’t think we have what sens want for Heatley but maybe we’re getting close,who knows….I like the Prospal move and we have to all agree that Sather is having a decent off season…
Redden wont be in Hartford
this year …
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by Joe Fortunato on Aug 16, 2009 4:31 PM EDT up reply actions
amnesty buyouts – everyone learn to love that phrase
by John Merrigan on Aug 16, 2009 4:37 PM EDT up reply actions
Prospal-Dubinsky-Gaborik
Higgins-Drury-Kotalik
Avery-Anisimov-Callahan
Brashear-Boyle-Lisin
That’d be my guess. I’d rather Avery get dropped down and Lisin play with Anisimov and Callahan, but that’s highly unlikely.
You could also do something like:
Lisin-Prospal-Gaborik
Higgins-Drury-Kotalik
Avery-Dubinsky-Callahan
Brashear-Anisimov-Boyle
That would work pretty well I think.
by George E. Ays on Aug 16, 2009 6:02 PM EDT up reply actions
They didn't give Brashear 2 years
To send him down. Though I suppose if he’s truly abysmal and/or somebody seriously outplays him, he’ll be a healthy scratch a bunch. But he’s on the team to start, almost assuredly.
by George E. Ays on Aug 16, 2009 6:07 PM EDT up reply actions
maybe we just signed brashear
to keep him from taking out our players for 2 years lol
i hope he is a healthy scratch most of the time i hate brashear
Also
With the signing of Prospal it might be Anisimov who gets another year, along with Grachev, to get ready for the big show in 2010-2011.
It’ll be interesting, there are a lot of moving parts here, it’s damn near impossible to tell in August what the October lineup will end up looking like.
by George E. Ays on Aug 16, 2009 6:11 PM EDT up reply actions
I think Avery and especially Callahan are wasted on the 3rd line, but at this point I’m not sure where else you put them
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by Jim Schmiedeberg on Aug 16, 2009 6:35 PM EDT up reply actions
The line designations
Are really just because that’s what was traditionally done.
At even strength I’d bet Avery/Callahan get at least as much ice time as Drury’s line. Also, having Avery/Callahan as a 3rd line does show that our line depth is pretty darn good this year.
by George E. Ays on Aug 16, 2009 6:38 PM EDT up reply actions
true, but I like having Avery on the first line, because he attracts attention, should give Gaborik a little room to roam
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by Jim Schmiedeberg on Aug 16, 2009 6:39 PM EDT up reply actions
Lucky for you then
I don’t make decisions. lol
I don’t see Avery playing with Prospal and Gaborik though, I think he’ll end up with Callahan, but who the heck really knows what Tortorella will do at this point.
by George E. Ays on Aug 16, 2009 6:41 PM EDT up reply actions
don’t think lisin gets first line minutes, not since he was acquired to be third-fourth line material… right?
"Jaromir Jagr.... it's a POWER PLAY GOAL!"
- Sam Rosen
Where does it say
He was signed to be a 4th liner? He’s a fast kid with alot of offensive skills who doesn’t play a lick of defense, at least that’s the scouting reports I read.
Not that I think he’ll really get 1st line minutes, but I think his speed might be a good fit for Gaborik if given a chance. If nothing else it’s among the possibilities.
by George E. Ays on Aug 16, 2009 9:58 PM EDT up reply actions
lisin definitely is not a good option for the third line. especially because torts is rarely going to use it and when he does it will be in a checking role. it’s top 3 or bust for lisin.
by John Merrigan on Aug 17, 2009 12:02 AM EDT up reply actions
Let’s just wait for the Rangers to confirm the signing before we get all googly-eyed.
"Jaromir Jagr.... it's a POWER PLAY GOAL!"
- Sam Rosen
i agree with you rmc
the only place that is confirming this signing is TSN and the banter..not on the rangers site..nhl.com, etc. is anyone else as skeptical as I am??
by inHANKweTruST on Aug 17, 2009 9:14 AM EDT up reply actions
.....
Im starting to get a bit skeptical, Tsn Reports it because the New York Post reported it, and the NHL reports it because the New York Post reported it, so its like the only place that knows about this is the New York Post. Its a little weird that the day after it is still not confirmed by the New York Rangers.
by CrazyRangerFan on Aug 17, 2009 11:21 AM EDT up reply actions
wow the new look Rangers!
WOW-looking at the players and how they line up together makes you feel like who’s who
Higgins-Dubinsky-Gaborik
Callahan-Drury-Avery
Kotalik-Anisimov—Prospal
Brashear-Boyle-Lisin
its all about the x’s&o’s now boys-drop the puck already!!!!
Pauly I have to think that a big reason for signing Kotalik was to put him back with Drury
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by Jim Schmiedeberg on Aug 16, 2009 9:24 PM EDT up reply actions
agreed
If Drury wasnt here Kotalik wouldnt be either.
by CrazyRangerFan on Aug 16, 2009 9:25 PM EDT up reply actions
Wingers
You got a lot of guys switching wings for that to work.
by George E. Ays on Aug 16, 2009 9:59 PM EDT up reply actions
Great depth move
After watching the Mets flounder after a constant stream of injuries, I couldnt be happier about this. For anyone annoyed that Grachev wont get a shot… it’s hockey. Players get hurt all the time. What are the odds that all 12 forwards will play 82 games? Not very good. Grachev and Byers will still get their shots, and it’s nice that we dont have to rely on them just yet.
And I really dont see how this would affect Dubinsky at all. Prospal is not a very good center, so I doubt he sees much time there. Just a move to add scoring depth, not an indication that Dubinsky wont sign.
Goals
hopefully the rangers can get somne goals this season. I’d like to see a real playoff run again.
avery~dubie~gaborik =grit size speed
higgins~drury~kotalik
prospal~anisimov~callahan
brashear~boyle~lisin
i say that the lines will come together and the 4th liners will avg 5 minutes a game. Look for callahan and drury, dubie and higgins for pk time. the top 3 lines (save anisimov )should also log all pp minutes in addition.
i like that top line because avery is an underrated passer and tagged with dubie they offer protection for the glass vase on the right wing every team will be trying to break.
Great Move!!
I think hes a lock for 20 goals and 25 assiats on a line with Gabby. Would be great if he could add some veteran leadership too. I still believe the key to this season is a bounceback year from Higgy. He could easily net 30 goals under the radar. Especially with everyone keying on Gabby.
Awesome move
Vinny had a great year in 07-08. Last year was a crazy one in Tampa.
Gary Thorne=Simply the Best!
by The American Mr.Hockey on Aug 16, 2009 10:59 PM EDT reply actions
Great to see Mess in the F.O. & Love your Radio Show Jim
City Hockey Fever is a friend of mine and told me about your blog and I listen to the replay when I get home on your Radio Show. I have a night job and can’t listen live. Great to hear that Messier is joining the Rangers again in the front office and a personal question to ask you Jim.
Are you related to Kenny Albert, you do sound a bit like him on the radio.
Thanks & I enjoy the show with you and Jim. Great job.
by NYR #35 Richter on Aug 17, 2009 1:07 AM EDT reply actions
Hi NYR, glad you enjoying the show. It’s a lot of fun for us to bring it to you, we have a blast every Wednesday night
And no I am not related to Kenny Albert, but I’ll take it as a compliment
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by Jim Schmiedeberg on Aug 17, 2009 8:09 AM EDT up reply actions
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