Rangers News: Rangers officially trade Chris Higgins and Ales Kotalik for Olli Jokinen and Brandon Prust
by Joe Fortunato on Feb 2, 2010 7:42 AM EST
in Rangers News
163 comments
As we first reported almost two weeks ago here on Blueshirt Banter, Ales Kotalik has been traded. To a team out west. Readers of our site are smart enough to know it was going to happen, there were too many denials for it not to be true.
The Rangers officially unloaded Kotalik (who is signed for two more years at three million per year) and Higgins; who while he was a great character guy, just never seemed to work out with the Rangers. Oh and don't forget to give us props for breaking the story!
As I said on my radio show tonight whatever rituals Glen Sather had to pull to get this done are beyond me. I have no idea what Calgary saw in Kotalik, although I can understand them dealing for Higgins. And I can't help but smile at the fact that Calgary actually made this trade. So what if Olli Jokinen doesn't work out in New York? He is a UFA at the end of the year and the Rangers can let him walk if they want. As for Brandon Prust? He brings grit and ferocity to table. Also note that he has as many fights (18) as Kotalik does minuses (-18 rating for the Rangers this year).
Jokinen will be the center that the Rangers have been longing for, and the removal of Higgins will allow the Rangers some room to maneuver with Donald Brashear and Aaron Voros. If you all want to send flowers to Daryl Sutter by the way I will look for his address, thank God there are no "backsies" in hockey!
Will this move help the Rangers this season? It should, but even if it doesn't it's a low risk trade. The worst case scenario is that Jokinen walks at the end of the year and the Rangers retain Prust; thus nullifying them of Kotalik and his contract. Best case scenario? Jokinen works wonders with Gaborik, adds some scoring punch and re-signs with the Rangers. Either way you have to be happy with the move from a Rangers perspective.
As for Calgary? I can't help but laugh ...
[Note by Jim Schmiedeberg, 02/02/10 7:41 AM EST the official release on the trade]
NEW YORK RANGERS ACQUIRE FORWARDS OLLI JOKINEN AND BRANDON PRUST FROM CALGARY FLAMES
In exchange for forwards Christopher Higgins and Ales Kotalik
New York, February 2, 2010 New York Rangers President and General Manager Glen Sather announced today that the Rangers have acquired forwards Olli Jokinen and Brandon Prust from the Calgary Flames, in exchange for forwards Christopher Higgins and Ales Kotalik.
Jokinen, 31, has skated in 56 games for Calgary this season, tallying 11 goals and 24 assists for 35 points, along with 53 penalty minutes and a plus-two rating. He is tied for third in the NHL with five shootout tallies, including one game deciding goal. He ranks second on the team in assists (24), third in points (35) and is tied for third in goals (11). Originally drafted by the Los Angeles Kings with the third overall pick in the 1997 NHL Entry Draft, Jokinen has eclipsed the 30-goal mark four times in his career, most recently in 2007-08 when he recorded 34, including 18 power play goals which ranked third in the NHL.
The 6-3, 207-pounder enjoyed his finest NHL season in 2006-07, establishing career-highs in goals (39), assists (52), points (91), plus/minus rating (plus-18), and shots (351). He ranked second in the NHL in shots, tied for seventh in game winning goals (eight), 11th in goals, and ranked 14th in points. In 855 career NHL games, Jokinen has recorded 248 goals and 305 assists for 553 points, along with 847 penalty minutes. The Kuopio, Finland native is the Florida Panthers all-time franchise leader in goals (188), assists (231), points (419) and consecutive games played (376).
Jokinen will represent Finland at the 2010 Winter Olympic Games in Vancouver, Canada and will be making his third Olympic appearance (2002, 2006, 2010). He helped lead Finland to the Silver Medal at the 2006 Winter Olympic Games in Torino, Italy, tying for the tournament lead with six goals and ranking sixth with eight points in eight games. In addition, Jokinen was a member of the Silver Medal-winning Team Finland at the 2004 World Cup of Hockey.
Prust, 25, has skated in 43 games with Calgary, registering one goal and four assists, along with 98 penalty minutes and a plus-six rating. His 98 penalty minutes lead the team, while his plus-six rating ranks second. The 5-11, 195-pounder ranks second in the NHL in fighting majors with 18.
Prust, who helped lead the London Knights to the Memorial Cup in 2005, appeared in 36 games for Calgary and the Phoenix Coyotes last season, recording one goal and two assists, along with 108 penalty minutes. He began the season with Calgary before being traded to Phoenix along with Matthew Lombardi and a first round pick, in exchange for Jokinen on March 9, 2009. He was dealt back to Calgary, in exchange for Jim Vandermeer on June 27. The London, Ontario native was originally selected by Calgary, in the third round, 70th overall, in the 2004 NHL Entry Draft.
Higgins has skated in 55 games this season, registering six goals and eight assists for 14 points, along with 32 penalty minutes. He was acquired from Montreal along with Ryan McDonagh, Doug Janik and Pavel Valentenko, in exchange for Scott Gomez, Tom Pyatt and Mike Busto on June 30, 2009.
Kotalik has appeared in 45 games this season, recording eight goals and 14 assists for 22 points, along with 38 penalty minutes and a minus-18 rating. He signed with New York as an unrestricted free agent on July 9, 2009.
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Is Prust also a free agent at the end of the season?
by Joe1969 on Feb 2, 2010 1:11 AM EST reply actions 0 recs
now send voros to the minors or trade him.
im still in the seller column. anyone actually think this deal makes us a contender?
by mleetch352 on Feb 2, 2010 1:16 AM EST reply actions 0 recs
MSG’s site has a story up on the trade:
http://rangers.nhl.com/club/news.htm?id=515884&navid=DL|NYR|home
by Joe1969 on Feb 2, 2010 1:18 AM EST up reply actions 0 recs
You know what ...
I think Prust and Jokinen will give the Rangers and much needed boost. Just how Avery gave them when he was traded from LA. The irony in this is that they’ll be in the lineup tomorrow against the Kings. They can make a push. If not, Fugg it, we still have a bright future.
by Poe678 on Feb 2, 2010 1:19 AM EST up reply actions 0 recs
the point is not making a push to get in. if they can win it, sell what u can and get more picks, a higher pick and add more talent to the system.
by mleetch352 on Feb 2, 2010 1:21 AM EST up reply actions 0 recs
Slight improvement at best. Adding Jokinen and Prust is obviously very secondary to the dumping of Kotalik’s contract.
by Joe1969 on Feb 2, 2010 1:20 AM EST up reply actions 0 recs
more of a financial move…but I’m all for it. Ditto the seller column. There is no trade that will make us a contender in the immediate future though…
Also, Prust does make Voros obsolete IMO (sorry Hank)
by j.surly on Feb 2, 2010 1:54 AM EST up reply actions 0 recs
I don't think it hurts...
Jokinen’s arguably the best C on the team instantly. Prust gives them toughness.
I agree with you, I’d rather see them sell and worry about youngins….but if the light bulb comes on with Olli (fat chance on it in NY…) he may make them a contender.
The Rangers will go on a run at some point, they usually do. Its just when and how much of a run is it?
You've got to be very careful if you don't know where you are going, because you might not get there
by FreeBradshaw on Feb 2, 2010 7:47 AM EST up reply actions 0 recs
Nope
Not close. Jokinen is underwhelming. Good player but never made the leap to great. He’ll give us a little bit of punch, but it means we’ll lose 3-2 instead of 3-1 now.
Camp Tortorella - Where Vomit is a Mainstay
by RangerSmurf on Feb 2, 2010 8:27 AM EST up reply actions 0 recs
Words of a true rangers fan. But congrats on getting rid of Ales. Long way to go still.
I don't know shit about baseball.
by oVecKid on Feb 2, 2010 10:32 AM EST up reply actions 0 recs
Joe! You weren’t there following the hype and hysteria in the other thread!
"Jaromir Jagr.... it's a POWER PLAY GOAL!"
- Sam Rosen
"Marian Gaborik.... it's a POWER PLAY GOAL!"
-Sam Rosen
by rmc235 on Feb 2, 2010 1:20 AM EST reply actions 0 recs
Realistically not s contender but because our d has been so bad latlely that if we play like this we aren’t any better…but if we somhow turned things arou d locked up d and Ollie plays like Ollie has in Florida than we can be better than some think..but if not who cares we get a good 1st rd pick and some cap space when Ollie walks
by klh2009 on Feb 2, 2010 1:21 AM EST via mobile reply actions 0 recs
problem is if u dont sell things like prospal ur wasting opportunities imo. i understand if it flops we still get the space which is good, but if we wait til after the deadline and hope to “get in” we lost chances to sell things other teams would pay for.
by mleetch352 on Feb 2, 2010 1:22 AM EST up reply actions 0 recs
Prospal
Did you see Prospal’s assist on Gaborik’s goal on Sunday. You don’t want to unload a guy that understands and can set up your franchise goal scorer, not to mention Prospal’s been playing pretty good defensively too since his return from surgery.
by PotvinSucks on Feb 2, 2010 3:42 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs
I think Prust is the big part of the deal here. Now Gabby’s helmet isn’t the best fighter on the team.
by WalkerNYRanger on Feb 2, 2010 1:22 AM EST reply actions 0 recs
yea and he is an rfa so we got our new Orr
by mleetch352 on Feb 2, 2010 1:23 AM EST up reply actions 0 recs
so true…This even turns to be the Nurture Gabby deal – feed and protect
by j.surly on Feb 2, 2010 1:58 AM EST up reply actions 0 recs
i dunno
Yes… on paper great deal…
BUT… why has jokinen been traded around so much in the past couple seasons? is he an awful locker room guy?
besides that… he isnt having a stellar year either.
whatever, its not jaromir for dancin anson carter, but its better than trading for jason blake
by ImaMoose on Feb 2, 2010 1:23 AM EST reply actions 0 recs
yes he is an awful locker room guy.
this is about dumping kot’s contract not adding olli.
by mleetch352 on Feb 2, 2010 1:24 AM EST up reply actions 0 recs
exactly
if Olli doesn’t work out drop him. Blues moose did you think that Kotalik was less of a headcase?
Blueshirt Banter: Covering the New York Rangers the only NHL team with three home arenas.
by Joe Fortunato on Feb 2, 2010 11:15 AM EST up reply actions 0 recs
you know why there needs to be another deal in the works?
think of all the wingers Calgary now has in their possession:
From Bob McKenzie’s twitter —“Iggy, Boyd, Lndmrk, Hagman, Bourque, Glncrss, Higgins, Kotalik, Moss(inj), Dawes(inj That’s a lot of wingers. Gotta be more moves coming.”
"Jaromir Jagr.... it's a POWER PLAY GOAL!"
- Sam Rosen
"Marian Gaborik.... it's a POWER PLAY GOAL!"
-Sam Rosen
by rmc235 on Feb 2, 2010 1:24 AM EST reply actions 0 recs
and yet all they keep hoping for in cgy is it leads to kovy, yet another winger. lol.
by mleetch352 on Feb 2, 2010 1:25 AM EST up reply actions 0 recs
it doesn’t need to be Kovy. That is the grand poobah of all prizes in their eyes, but I wouldn’t be surprised if Calgary is one of the many teams interested in Ray Whitney (also another winger).
"Jaromir Jagr.... it's a POWER PLAY GOAL!"
- Sam Rosen
"Marian Gaborik.... it's a POWER PLAY GOAL!"
-Sam Rosen
by rmc235 on Feb 2, 2010 1:27 AM EST up reply actions 0 recs
exactly…im not saying it will be kovy, just saying that is all the flames boards talked about and how kots was going to aid that or whatever. name a center who has been out there on the market? i cant think of one other than Vinny. he would be interesting there.
by mleetch352 on Feb 2, 2010 1:29 AM EST reply actions 0 recs
Vinny is virtually untradeable. Doesn’t he want to make like 10 mil per? No thanks. But, I’m getting worn out. Till tomorrow. Peace.
"Jaromir Jagr.... it's a POWER PLAY GOAL!"
- Sam Rosen
"Marian Gaborik.... it's a POWER PLAY GOAL!"
-Sam Rosen
by rmc235 on Feb 2, 2010 1:31 AM EST up reply actions 0 recs
he already does…7.27 per for 10 more years.
by mleetch352 on Feb 2, 2010 1:33 AM EST up reply actions 0 recs
but he is the only center who i have heard talked about in any trades and with so many teams in it, interesting.
by mleetch352 on Feb 2, 2010 1:33 AM EST up reply actions 0 recs
yet another reason i think prospal would be such a great trade chip on the market this year. there are so few centers out there in the rumormill and he can play both center and wing, all situations and excellent set-up man.
by mleetch352 on Feb 2, 2010 1:32 AM EST up reply actions 0 recs
yep. Prospal has trade value now. I think he gets moved at the deadline.
"Jaromir Jagr.... it's a POWER PLAY GOAL!"
- Sam Rosen
"Marian Gaborik.... it's a POWER PLAY GOAL!"
-Sam Rosen
by rmc235 on Feb 2, 2010 1:34 AM EST up reply actions 0 recs
i wish i thought that, but i think sather keeps buying instead of selling vinny as he should.
what would boston pay for him.
Mtl now that cammy is down 2 months
phx now that upshall is done for the year
by mleetch352 on Feb 2, 2010 1:34 AM EST up reply actions 0 recs
all speculation, but who knows. My positive image of Sather right now makes me believe shopping Prospal will happen.
"Jaromir Jagr.... it's a POWER PLAY GOAL!"
- Sam Rosen
"Marian Gaborik.... it's a POWER PLAY GOAL!"
-Sam Rosen
by rmc235 on Feb 2, 2010 1:38 AM EST up reply actions 0 recs
the flowers joe requested for sutter also have to be sent to iginla because if didnt break souray’s hand we would not be doing this celebrating cause this package might have gone to edmonton for another bad contract d-man.
by mleetch352 on Feb 2, 2010 1:37 AM EST reply actions 0 recs
guys idk if this is live or recorded but theres interviews from jokinin, nystrom, prust and a bunch of upset calgary fans. you should check it out if you want more proof of how bad of a steal this is(mostly because kotalik is gone really)
by polishBLUE on Feb 2, 2010 1:50 AM EST up reply actions 0 recs
i hope what doesnt happen is sather wastes this great deal by using olli’s expiring deal to match up w a contract of large dollars that isnt expiring…ie trading olli in a package to atl for kovy or tb for vinny without getting rid of redden or rozi.
by mleetch352 on Feb 2, 2010 1:42 AM EST reply actions 0 recs
I just found this post on fans.flames.nhl.com
“Jesus christ, this day keeps getting better. Another turd to go with our steaming pile from Toronto.”
by Joe1969 on Feb 2, 2010 1:45 AM EST reply actions 0 recs
A couple more distressed Calgary fans, man this is funny:
1. “Darryl Sutter needs therapy. Has he gone nuts?”
2. “Hmmm can’t say that this makes much sense. What do we need a another 3rd liner for? Maybe this is all part of some grand scheme to eventually land Kovalchuk (although I have no idea how picking up Kotalik makes that happen)….or maybe Sutter has lost his mind.”
by Joe1969 on Feb 2, 2010 1:47 AM EST reply actions 0 recs
why would you not want Kovy? the guy is 26 and is a bonified 30+ goals a year guy. He would instantly make this team a scoring threat. and you wouldn't have to pair him up with gaborik. although could you imaging what they could do together?
by drt76 on Feb 2, 2010 1:53 AM EST reply actions 0 recs
unless u get them to take redden we cannot afford to sign him for 9+ mil he wants a year and you can bet to get him ur giving up at least 1 of cally, dubi, AA; probably 1-2 of Grachev, Stepan, McDonagh, Sangs; maybe girardi/gilroy and a number 1.
by mleetch352 on Feb 2, 2010 2:32 AM EST up reply actions 0 recs
i’m assuming voros and brashear are going to get the boot, so who gets brought up to take kotalik’s/higgins spot, or do we just keep voros and brashear as scratches and use prospal as a wing?
by Tophubufu on Feb 2, 2010 1:57 AM EST reply actions 0 recs
voros gets dealt or sent to hartford, we are stuck w brash
by mleetch352 on Feb 2, 2010 2:31 AM EST up reply actions 0 recs
Brash continues to be a healthy scratch, Voros continues to get 4th line minutes.
Although stuck with Brash’s contract no matter what, he brings less to the lineup than Voros does (you could argue not by much) – but Voros at least hits something and has energy.
BlueshirtBanter - beating up reporters at bus stops since 1994
by dbmaven on Feb 2, 2010 9:16 AM EST up reply actions 0 recs
Nah
Prospal-Joker-Gaborik
Dubi-EC-Cally
Drury-Anisimov-Lisin
Avery-Boyle-Prust
Voros and Brashear never have to see the light of day.
Camp Tortorella - Where Vomit is a Mainstay
by RangerSmurf on Feb 2, 2010 9:28 AM EST up reply actions 0 recs
Well.
ESPN has him listed as a RW
Behindthenet and NHL.com has him listed as a C
Yahoo has him listed as a LW.
So, it appears he’s just an interchangable forward.
Camp Tortorella - Where Vomit is a Mainstay
by RangerSmurf on Feb 2, 2010 9:43 AM EST up reply actions 0 recs
It will be interesting to watch the next round of shuffling.
Jokinen is a scorer – not a playmaker – so putting him on 1st line probably wrecks the chemistry Prospal/Gaborik have. I’d leave Christensen on 1st and put Jokinen on 2nd.
If anybody thinks this will stop the line shuffling – they’ll be sadly disappointed.
BlueshirtBanter - beating up reporters at bus stops since 1994
by dbmaven on Feb 2, 2010 10:18 AM EST up reply actions 0 recs
Yeah, I listed the lines as Torts will probably have them, not as they should be. Up to me, I put the Dubi-EC-Gaborik line back together and let Prospal feed Jokinen and Cally on the 2nd line.
But yeah, musical chairs begins all over again now.
Camp Tortorella - Where Vomit is a Mainstay
by RangerSmurf on Feb 2, 2010 10:26 AM EST up reply actions 0 recs
There is a very good chance we’ll see al of these combinations… if only for one shit.
by CTrangerfan on Feb 2, 2010 10:39 AM EST up reply actions 0 recs
ROFL
Typo of the month ??
BlueshirtBanter - beating up reporters at bus stops since 1994
by dbmaven on Feb 2, 2010 10:46 AM EST up reply actions 0 recs
lmao
Blueshirt Banter: Covering the New York Rangers the only NHL team with three home arenas.
by Joe Fortunato on Feb 2, 2010 11:17 AM EST up reply actions 0 recs
Sam Rosen: “As you can see the new guys are really giving it their all on this first shit”
by fromthe51hate on Feb 2, 2010 11:58 AM EST up reply actions 0 recs
I can’t wait for Prust to play against Philly.
Also, one awful contract down, 3 to go. I assume either Redden, Brashear or Rozival will be bought out over the off-season.
by old hickory on Feb 2, 2010 1:58 AM EST reply actions 0 recs
I know. Carcillo has about 10 pounds on Prust, but Prust has a big heart.
by Joe1969 on Feb 2, 2010 2:09 AM EST up reply actions 0 recs
better than the 50 pounds he has on Gabby
Blueshirt Banter: Covering the New York Rangers the only NHL team with three home arenas.
by Joe Fortunato on Feb 2, 2010 11:18 AM EST up reply actions 0 recs
Also, Brandon Prust is the #1 trending topic in Twitter in the US (not just Canada) right now (2 AM eastern). Interesting…
by old hickory on Feb 2, 2010 2:01 AM EST reply actions 0 recs
I think they could get rid of Brashear's contract easily and maybe even Rozivals but their is no way that Reddens is going away that quick.
by drt76 on Feb 2, 2010 2:05 AM EST reply actions 0 recs
Maybe we’ll get lucky and he’ll retire. The guy gets hurt everytime he yanks someones jersey
by jigblahdah on Feb 2, 2010 9:12 AM EST via mobile up reply actions 0 recs
Even if he retires
We’re on the hook for a portion of his contract. That’s the rule with multiyear contracts for players over 35.
by Lunkwill Fook on Feb 2, 2010 11:02 AM EST up reply actions 0 recs
Yes but there is only one year left with Brashear
he’s not a big deal if he walks.
Blueshirt Banter: Covering the New York Rangers the only NHL team with three home arenas.
by Joe Fortunato on Feb 2, 2010 11:18 AM EST up reply actions 0 recs
I thought for sure Kotalik whould end up in the KHL next year… Maybe it’ll be Brashier instead. Rumor has it he wouldn’t mind going… but I don’t think he’d fit in at all in that leauge.
by CTrangerfan on Feb 2, 2010 11:23 AM EST up reply actions 0 recs
and why would he go when he gets paid to stay home?
by mleetch352 on Feb 2, 2010 1:19 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs
It would only be if they paid him more. And it would never happen with Brashier.
by CTrangerfan on Feb 2, 2010 1:50 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs
not a portion. the whole 1.4 mil at least on the cap.
by mleetch352 on Feb 2, 2010 1:19 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs
The three guys on the NHL Network’s “NHL on the Fly” just announced this deal, and one of them said that Brandon Prust is the best player in this deal. They also said they have no idea what Calgary is thinking.
by Joe1969 on Feb 2, 2010 2:08 AM EST reply actions 0 recs
Listen to Calgary radio link above – hell, we’re all scratching our heads…
Sather earned a pass for a day or two.
by j.surly on Feb 2, 2010 2:15 AM EST up reply actions 0 recs
im still listening to it now, and as a result decided to gather some info from Flames fans. check out the fanpost if interested in seeing the conversation, unless you want to try to find it in between the other hundred or so post
by polishBLUE on Feb 2, 2010 2:29 AM EST up reply actions 0 recs
Trade
Thank god it is done. I know Jokinen is more of a scoring center (I can hear the laughs from the other side of the world) maybe he and Gabby will gel. Now we just need someone for Redden.
by Lone Kiwi on Feb 2, 2010 2:28 AM EST reply actions 0 recs
“Kotalik’s move gives the Blueshirts a little extra cap room next season. I remember him being angry with me for bringing up reports that he had cancelled autograph sessions and had asked for a trade, yet he made no bones about the fact that he was unhappy. “I didn’t come to New York for the musicals,” he said. Hope he does get more ice time in Calgary. (Some good Westerns there, too, I hear.)"
look at this from Zipay…now he is trying to play the victim in his scoffing at your reporting. what a douche.
by mleetch352 on Feb 2, 2010 2:30 AM EST reply actions 0 recs
he demolished us
I rally hope he has the grapes to step up and say he was wrong here
Blueshirt Banter: Covering the New York Rangers the only NHL team with three home arenas.
by Joe Fortunato on Feb 2, 2010 11:20 AM EST up reply actions 0 recs
obviously not if he is trying to be the victim in all of it.
by mleetch352 on Feb 2, 2010 1:20 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs
i have to say..
Olli Jokinen is one scary lookin dude
by louielounz1 on Feb 2, 2010 2:47 AM EST reply actions 0 recs
"I didn’t come to New York for the musicals,"
That should be the banter’s new tagline haha!
by old hickory on Feb 2, 2010 3:10 AM EST reply actions 0 recs
I wish I could see all of Calgary’s games, just to watch Higgins and Kotalik miss the net for somebody else!
by Joe1969 on Feb 2, 2010 3:22 AM EST reply actions 0 recs
I think the ‘fire sather’ chants should stop, at least for a while after this trade. Sather is a tool sometimes but this is one thats worked and probably couldn’t be pulled off by anybody other than him.
by bludgeon213uk on Feb 2, 2010 5:26 AM EST reply actions 0 recs
i agree...
i understand things aren’t working out this season but i think he’s been a huge scapegoat for us.
by voice22 on Feb 2, 2010 10:09 AM EST up reply actions 0 recs
what a trade.
in reality thees no difference between prust and higgins.. they are both hustle players who cant score.
and kotalik for olli?? thats just beautiful. great news to wake up to :)
LET'S GO RANGERS!!!
by Moshe52792 on Feb 2, 2010 6:56 AM EST reply actions 0 recs
PRUUUUUUUUST PRUUUUUUUST PRUUUUUST. That’s the difference. The kid is a brawler. The Garden will be howling his name after every brawl. Can’t go by the numbers. He is a beast.
by christopherm on Feb 2, 2010 7:02 AM EST up reply actions 0 recs
PRUUUUUUUUST PRUUUUUUUST PRUUUUUST. That’s the difference. The kid is a brawler. The Garden will be howling his name after every brawl. Can’t go by the numbers. He is a beast. He is going to be a fan favorite.
by christopherm on Feb 2, 2010 7:02 AM EST up reply actions 0 recs
yea you can say that twice!
I know Prust is a fighter, but if he does the stuff that Higgins does (hustle, PK??) then its really a steal.
Prust for Higgins.
Jonkinen for Kotalik?
You've got to be very careful if you don't know where you are going, because you might not get there
by FreeBradshaw on Feb 2, 2010 7:49 AM EST up reply actions 0 recs
With no disrespect to Prust...
…but I believe the Higgins trade will burn us. He has the goods, and is simply struggling right here and now. Put him on the wing opposite Iginla and he’s going to light it up. He’s also a fantastic PK guy who never takes a shift off. I understand the argument of good players simply not fit for certain systems. Still, Higgins never quit on this team even during their worst. Kotalik, on the other hand, Ugh.
A shame about Voros, a guy who plays his heart out yet doesn’t do any single thing exceptionally well. Unfortunately, he’s likely more AHL All Star than NHL regular.
"...also I'll brush my teeth and remember to turn off the stars at night and put the hyena out." ERNEST HEMINGWAY
by pslieber on Feb 2, 2010 7:57 AM EST up reply actions 0 recs
I dunno....
Higgins did what he did while he was here, and a turnaround to being the player he was in Montreal never was gonna happen.
I think he could succeed up there in Calgary..but that’s not gonna bite the Rangers, cuz he did nothing while he was here.
Unless for some unexplained reason, Higgins was the reason why their PK was as good as it is, and now it stinks, then there’s no way to bite the Rangers on this one.
Probably the worst case scenario is Jokinen takes them to the 8th seed and they get blown out in round 1.
You've got to be very careful if you don't know where you are going, because you might not get there
by FreeBradshaw on Feb 2, 2010 8:17 AM EST up reply actions 0 recs
meaning, to pslieber… i’ll miss higgins on the ice. i wish him the best.
by voice22 on Feb 2, 2010 10:10 AM EST up reply actions 0 recs
yeah but remember he probably would not have
recieved an offer from the Rangers after this season and in return they got a guy who has some nic ehands but played no solid minutes in Calgary. Not that that will change here but Torts does sometimes shake things up a bit and get guys some ice time.
Blueshirt Banter: Covering the New York Rangers the only NHL team with three home arenas.
by Joe Fortunato on Feb 2, 2010 11:22 AM EST up reply actions 0 recs
Sather Sleight Of Hand is Always Damage Control
Good trade no doubt. BUT, I am getting tired of the fact that Sather’s best moves are always trades to undo the damage of prior mistakes. How about not making bone headed trades and signings that saddle us with immovable contracts and back-9 no chemistry no character players to begin with? I am as happy as anyone that Kotalik and his $3mm hit is gone. As for Higgins, it’s a bummer — he should have been a core 5 year player for us. I will never understand what happened to him when he put the blueshirt on. No matter — we would not have re-signed him. But I still wake up to a world of Redden, Roszi, and Drury contracts that paralyze us. Sather’s good at cleaning up his own mess, but he’s not that good.
by glen2813 on Feb 2, 2010 7:21 AM EST reply actions 0 recs
Sorry to sound like a broken record, but I'm not buying the Jokinen = clubhouse cancer argument
Oct 2007: http://www.cbc.ca/sports/indepth/hockey-jokinen.html
“Olli brings a lot of stability to our club,” Panthers coach Jacques Martin, who’s in his third season with the team, told reporters in Toronto. “He’s been our scoring leader for several years and he’s really made great strides this year right from training camp with his work ethic and his leadership.”
“He’s one of those guys who can decide a game for us,” Florida winger Radek Dvorak told CBCSports.ca. “He scores game-winning goals, he makes plays, and he’s great on both ends of the ice.”
Jokinen has also proved worthy of the Panthers’ captaincy, winning over teammates with a leadership style that blends his soft-spoken manner with a gritty determination.
“When things aren’t going well, he always stands up and talks to us,” said Dvorak. "You can feel the leadership from him.
“Everybody respects him as a player, and as a person. That’s the most important thing. Whatever happens, he’s there for us.”
*
There’s something amiss in the water in Calgary, with their 2nd best player asking to be traded at 24 years old.
"...also I'll brush my teeth and remember to turn off the stars at night and put the hyena out." ERNEST HEMINGWAY
by pslieber on Feb 2, 2010 7:46 AM EST reply actions 0 recs
Two more subtle points (sorry to be on a soapbox this morning)
Everyone accused Antropov of being a ‘devil may care’ player in Toronto before he came to NYC and thrived as a rental. If not for being disgustingly greedy, he’s still be a Ranger. Prospal? Tocchet and Torts both disliked him. He comes here, becomes the veteran leadership core of the team.
I’m amazed the audacity and unprofessionalism of Flames management is not being addressed in playing two players for which a trade was already been approved…likewise telling them outright that you’re doing it to them. It’s akin to filing for divorce, having to share a bed with your spouse the night before the proceedings.
"...also I'll brush my teeth and remember to turn off the stars at night and put the hyena out." ERNEST HEMINGWAY
by pslieber on Feb 2, 2010 7:53 AM EST up reply actions 0 recs
Torts = when in TB
"...also I'll brush my teeth and remember to turn off the stars at night and put the hyena out." ERNEST HEMINGWAY
by pslieber on Feb 2, 2010 7:53 AM EST up reply actions 0 recs
I agree completely with your remarks pslieber. That sounds like something that would happen in NY … it should have been handled better on the Flames end
by NYR9320 on Feb 2, 2010 8:28 AM EST up reply actions 0 recs
Still, and to be fair...
http://sports.outsidethebeltway.com/2008/06/florida-panthers-deal-olli-jokinen-to-phoenix/
"...also I'll brush my teeth and remember to turn off the stars at night and put the hyena out." ERNEST HEMINGWAY
by pslieber on Feb 2, 2010 8:00 AM EST up reply actions 0 recs
Repost
From another thread, but this has good insight on what Jokinen is actually bringing here:
http://www.coppernblue.com/2010/1/30/1284128/oill-jokinen-performing-as-expected#comments
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by RangerSmurf on Feb 2, 2010 8:31 AM EST up reply actions 0 recs
it doesn't matter
the deal wasn’t for Jokinen the deal was for not Kotalik. if Jokinen doesn’t work out then who cares? We drop him at the end of the year.
Blueshirt Banter: Covering the New York Rangers the only NHL team with three home arenas.
by Joe Fortunato on Feb 2, 2010 11:23 AM EST up reply actions 0 recs
I understand that Joe
Was simply to temper expectations about what Jokinen is bringing to this team.
I actually hope he’s a rental or re-signs for one year to place hold for Stepan.
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by RangerSmurf on Feb 2, 2010 11:25 AM EST up reply actions 0 recs
Ahhh
Stepan lmao
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by Joe Fortunato on Feb 2, 2010 11:38 AM EST up reply actions 0 recs
Exactly, just like Jagr was a cancer….but not in NY
by earthworm on Feb 2, 2010 11:34 AM EST up reply actions 0 recs
Jagr loved New York actually
and the biggest argument here is Avery. Cancer everywhere but NY
Blueshirt Banter: Covering the New York Rangers the only NHL team with three home arenas.
by Joe Fortunato on Feb 2, 2010 11:38 AM EST up reply actions 0 recs
i was going to bring up avery
he has been great here but never worked anyhere else
LETS GO RANGERS!!!! SECTION 405!!!!!
by kiop900 on Feb 2, 2010 1:59 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs
Avery, like Lundqvist, thrives on the spotlight. Would explain why they get along so well off-ice… I’ve heard stories of them sarging it up. Avery in theory does his job well, by keeping the media focused on him, they become somewhat less focused on the team as a whole.
by Kritikal on Feb 2, 2010 2:27 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs
Prust will be loved by the Garden very quickly … couple hits/fights … between him and Avery hopefully their will be a little passion at home games …
by NYR9320 on Feb 2, 2010 8:29 AM EST reply actions 0 recs
Long after Olli mopes his way to another team Prust will be grinding and pounding in Blue for sometime to come. Gaborik will skate a little freer knowing someone on the team besides Avery is going to make people pay for cheap hits.
by christopherm on Feb 2, 2010 10:38 AM EST up reply actions 0 recs
An we get rid of Kotalik and his contract to boot.
by CTrangerfan on Feb 2, 2010 10:42 AM EST up reply actions 0 recs
I wouldnt really laugh at Calgary
I think they received more in terms of straight up talent. Higgins is a good player who just never got it going here, and we’ve all seen what happens to guys in NY who start pressing. I really liked the way he played, and it’s a shame he didnt work out. Kotalik is not great but can maybe be a top 6 forward on the right team, or at worst give you some solid minutes on the PP with his slapper. I dont like his demeanor on the ice, but you cant deny he’s a talented guy.
I think this deal works out really well for both sides, TBH.
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by Steeeve on Feb 2, 2010 8:38 AM EST reply actions 0 recs
Kotalik is a 3rd-4th line winger with PP talents. If he’s a top 6 on your team, you’re in trouble.
Higgins will probably get going now that he’s got a new team and is away from home again. Some guys just can’t play in NY, may have been the case with him.
Rangers definitely win in this deal.
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by RangerSmurf on Feb 2, 2010 8:57 AM EST up reply actions 0 recs
Talent?
Kotalik has none. And Higgins does but he needs a change of scenery, it was never gonna happen here. Regardless we win this deal big time
Blueshirt Banter: Covering the New York Rangers the only NHL team with three home arenas.
by Joe Fortunato on Feb 2, 2010 11:24 AM EST up reply actions 0 recs
Short-term Help
Not very much of a long term solution though. It’s another save-my-ass deal by Sather; and I really don’t know how he pulls them off. Prust may be the biggest steal out of this, though.
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by Rob Luker on Feb 2, 2010 8:50 AM EST reply actions 0 recs
No one makes fun of The Generalissimo more than me, but this is exactly the type of thing he needed to do to prep this team for the long-term. Jokinen is the type of guy who could fit in the 2nd center slot perfectly, at a reasonable (read: “reduced”) salary for the next 2 years. And if he doesn’t want to fit that role, let him walk. Its a shame that he has to keep undoing his own mistakes (and for that alone he should have been canned years ago), but Sather did it right this time,
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by poploser on Feb 2, 2010 8:55 AM EST up reply actions 0 recs
Agreed
Jokinen should be playing 2nd line center because he’s more of a natural goal-scorer than a playmaker. Putting him with Gaborik will not work out as well as many think, in my opinion. Looking at his stats though, he will become the #2 center on the Rangers in relative +/- and his Corsi sits at 6.08 which is what Dubinsky and Anisimov are hovering around; both of which have been OK offensively this year.
However, the biggest beef I have with this trade is the long-term. Granted, he’s in a contract year and this could give him motivation, but if Ranger fans think we are getting the Jokinen of the Florida Panthers days (always around 1 ppg) they are sorely mistaken. This quote from Matchsticks and Gasoline worries me:
If this is indeed Jokinen’s last game, part of me is going to miss the guy. Not for his total lack of hockey sense, his inability to play against good player, his penchant for hitting the post nor his horribly inflated contract. But he did make for an amusing punching bag during his time here.
Time will tell, I guess.
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by Rob Luker on Feb 2, 2010 9:04 AM EST up reply actions 0 recs
Well said Rob
Though I don’t understand what you mean by:
However, the biggest beef I have with this trade is the long-term
On the surface, all this deal does long term is free up money. This really looks like a rental to create cap relief.
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by RangerSmurf on Feb 2, 2010 9:13 AM EST up reply actions 0 recs
Don't get me wrong
I understand that it frees up cap – and that’s great once again I do not know how Sather convinces GM’s to help him out like that. But I just see this as another typical Sather trade where its a short-term low-risk save-my-ass trade. If the Rangers are to become serious contenders at any point during my life a committment needs to be made to work towards the future more often. I’m being a little pessimistic but what I’m trying to relate I guess is that although this may help us make the playoffs again in a 5 through 8 seed I don’t see this helping us make the next step into becoming a top 3 team in the East.
The Flames have always been high on Prust because of his work ethic; but he has just zero natural scoring ability. After watching enough late-night games of HNIC I think he’s a steal for Kotalik, though.
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by Rob Luker on Feb 2, 2010 9:22 AM EST up reply actions 0 recs
Gotcha
Just keep telling yourself that they traded for an overpaid second line center who’s had an atrocious year on the PP – who the Rangers will now give 1st line, tough competition minutes and give 1st unit PP duties.
That should help you visualize the massive amount of potential this has to not help their playoff chances at all.
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by RangerSmurf on Feb 2, 2010 9:31 AM EST up reply actions 0 recs
But again who cares?
The Rangers suck now anyway. If this deal doesn’t work out then it doesn’t matter Olli walks Plus we are rid of Kotalik!
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by Joe Fortunato on Feb 2, 2010 11:25 AM EST up reply actions 0 recs
I don't care
I want the top 5 pick. Personally, I hope Olli sucks so there’s no even temptation to bring him back.
Camp Tortorella - Where Vomit is a Mainstay
by RangerSmurf on Feb 2, 2010 11:30 AM EST up reply actions 0 recs
I have always liked him
If he works out with Gabby I wouldn’t mind him sticking around.
Blueshirt Banter: Covering the New York Rangers the only NHL team with three home arenas.
by Joe Fortunato on Feb 2, 2010 11:36 AM EST up reply actions 0 recs
The problem I have with that
Is now you have Sather signing him. Too easy for a re-sign to end up like 3yr/14m or something silly.
Camp Tortorella - Where Vomit is a Mainstay
by RangerSmurf on Feb 2, 2010 11:53 AM EST up reply actions 0 recs
With a NTC of course.
Camp Tortorella - Where Vomit is a Mainstay
by RangerSmurf on Feb 2, 2010 11:55 AM EST up reply actions 0 recs
3/9-10 wouldn’t be so bad. Especially if he clicks on the first or second line.
by Kritikal on Feb 2, 2010 2:28 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs
I’m starting to think that Sather keeps making outlandish free agent signings just to show his prowess at somehow scheisting other teams into trades
by jigblahdah on Feb 2, 2010 9:18 AM EST via mobile reply actions 0 recs
This trade makes me as happy as the Little Rascals…
I got a dollar, I got a dollar, I got a dollar HEY HEY HEY HEY!
by Dave (BSB) on Feb 2, 2010 9:24 AM EST reply actions 0 recs
anyone see the postgame interview for jokinen?
said the trade was a “slap in the face”. Prust is genuinely excited to come to NY though.
by Richter915 on Feb 2, 2010 9:30 AM EST reply actions 0 recs
really?
Would love to see the footage.
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by Rob Luker on Feb 2, 2010 9:33 AM EST up reply actions 0 recs
He means that getting traded is a slap in the face, not coming to NY. Don’t look too deep into it.
by Dave (BSB) on Feb 2, 2010 9:37 AM EST up reply actions 0 recs
That’s right. A slap in the face will wake you up and make you want to prove something.
by CTrangerfan on Feb 2, 2010 10:02 AM EST up reply actions 0 recs
ya i think it’s more of him being mad at himself…he knows he was traded because he didn’t produce. the trade just reflects his poor play.
by Richter915 on Feb 2, 2010 10:24 AM EST up reply actions 0 recs
a part of me hopes that the Rangers re-sign him
at the end of the year. I have always liked Jokinen
Blueshirt Banter: Covering the New York Rangers the only NHL team with three home arenas.
by Joe Fortunato on Feb 2, 2010 11:26 AM EST up reply actions 0 recs
you need to remove that part of you…quick. Jokinen is a complete punk. He has been hated in every locker room he’s ever been in and he is pillow soft. This is not the kind of guy we need long term…especially at the $$$ he will get.
by Twigs on Feb 2, 2010 11:36 AM EST up reply actions 0 recs
Oh thats not true
he was loved in Florida, and he has no problems in Phoenix. And like I said if he works our and the Numbers are right I would love to have him. Regardless I’m not making the calls at the helm heh heh
Blueshirt Banter: Covering the New York Rangers the only NHL team with three home arenas.
by Joe Fortunato on Feb 2, 2010 11:37 AM EST up reply actions 0 recs
Agreed. Please see my previous posts on this (with citations/links)
"...also I'll brush my teeth and remember to turn off the stars at night and put the hyena out." ERNEST HEMINGWAY
by pslieber on Feb 2, 2010 12:23 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs
Well I must confess I don’t know him personally but he is notorious for being a pr!ck to be around. Especially with younger guys. It is true that the fans in FLA loved him but, from what you read, his teammates were more than happy to see him go.
On top of that, take a look at his playoff history. He has played in a GRAND TOTAL of 6 playoff games in his career.6. Not what I want to see out of a guy that has captained a team for several years and been in th league for over 10.
by Twigs on Feb 2, 2010 1:53 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs
i would do it potentially if it was for the terms of kot’s deal.
by mleetch352 on Feb 2, 2010 1:21 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs
Make it the Prospal deal and I’d consider it.
by Twigs on Feb 2, 2010 2:07 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs
Great trade!
Personally I have no beef w/Kotalik. He did all the things that most fans want our players to do, finish checks, shoot the puck. Somehow it just didn’t work out & hopefully he’ll have better luck (his luck was atrocious here btw) in Calgary.
Higgins the same, awful luck.
I hope that Torts plays Olli on the 2nd line, not the 1st line. He’s a natural goal scorer, not a playmaker…this means a better fit for players than with Gaborik, who’s also a goal scorer. After the way the Prospal-EC-Gaborik line has been playing the last 2 games, I’m hesitant to break them up. After all, once that line was broken up is when the Rangers went into that scoring funk.
by BriGuy27 on Feb 2, 2010 10:08 AM EST reply actions 0 recs
I agree. Haveing another scoring threat on another line will make us much harder to play against.
by CTrangerfan on Feb 2, 2010 10:09 AM EST up reply actions 0 recs
I third that. I think this gives us flexibility with our 2nd and 3rd lines. We don’t need to screw with Gabby by putting a shoot first center at his pivot. Let Dubi slide to wing and play with Jokinen. You can have Gabby and Prospal on the 1st line, Dubi and Jokinen on the second and Drury and Cally on the 3rd. In theory, this SHOULD give us 3 lines with scoring potential.
by Twigs on Feb 2, 2010 11:17 AM EST up reply actions 0 recs
This lets Torts mix and match guys like Christensen, Lisin, Avery and AA. And then you have a 4th line combo of Boyle and Prust. Bye Bye Brashear. Bye Bye Voros.
by Twigs on Feb 2, 2010 11:19 AM EST up reply actions 0 recs
Avery or Lisin/Boyle/Prust would be one hell of a checking line. I wouldn’t wanna be on the ice against that line knowing they’d turn up the heat physically.
by Kritikal on Feb 2, 2010 2:32 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs
roster not updated yet .....
so does anyone know what numbers the new players will be? i know oli was 21 so most likely he can take higgy’s number? but prust was 33 on calgary, wonder what number he will take now ….
by DJ Chicken on Feb 2, 2010 11:21 AM EST reply actions 0 recs
that was korpi’s old number, good to see him doing well now
by DJ Chicken on Feb 2, 2010 1:24 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs
Ironic that a week and a half ago we needed a tough guy and now we need to trade two of them in Brashear and Voros. I see brashear going to a contender to provide muscle, some team, some where will need him. I’m on the fence about Voros, while clearly not a skilled player I hate to give up a guy who always plays hard and will sacrifice himself for the team. Avery will not play on the fourth line, he deserves at least 3rd line time.
by earthworm on Feb 2, 2010 11:47 AM EST reply actions 0 recs
Avery has played 4th line.
and he’s still getting his ice time. With Tortorella, line designations are moot anyway, he just throws players out there whenever he sees fit.
Camp Tortorella - Where Vomit is a Mainstay
by RangerSmurf on Feb 2, 2010 11:52 AM EST up reply actions 0 recs
I wonder if Torts is like “Release the hounds!” I would do that if I was him. The players might not like it.
by fromthe51hate on Feb 2, 2010 12:11 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs
Voros is one of the few people on this team that gives 100% night in night out, regardless of the score or situation. I think he’s been rewarded with a little PP time the past couple of games (though I can’t be sure). If so, that’s what I like to see… that hard work will be rewarded. Benching Redden and giving Voros a little more ice time can be considered a good thing. I really wouldn’t wanna see Voros go… he’s taken on any role that we’ve needed (except scorer, but you can’t really fault him for that), and would be a rather nice fill-in due to scratches or injury. Any chance he’s defensively capable enough to take Redden’s spot on D? (LOL.)
by Kritikal on Feb 2, 2010 2:35 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs
I’m sure he his… as is an orange highway cone.
by CTrangerfan on Feb 2, 2010 3:45 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs
Two done, more to go.
Kotalik and Higgins are gone. YAY =) They looked promising in the beginning of the season, especially during that 7-game winning streak. It was all lies! Now we have a few more problems: Donald Brashear, Wade Redden, and Michal Rozsival.
by danmarley21 on Feb 2, 2010 12:40 PM EST reply actions 0 recs
trade all three for draft picks
trade them for draft picks, then draft the biggest, meanest defender you can find, and have him post up in front of lundqvist the entire season. seriously the way Hank’s gotten run this year is even more of a disgrace than the lack of offense.
by Jersey BlueshirtFan on Feb 2, 2010 1:28 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs
no1 is giving up draft picks for them
unless we pay some most all of the salary
LETS GO RANGERS!!!! SECTION 405!!!!!
by kiop900 on Feb 2, 2010 2:08 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs
Demoting Redden would be the most logical choice. Nobody would take him even on re-entry waivers unless they were on the way out and wanted to fuck over their team out of spite.
Rozsival is probably our second-best defenseman in the defensive aspect (MDZ is almost there, I don’t know what to say about Girardi, Staal is our #1, Redden is a pylon, Gilroy is a forward playing defense) at the moment, and until that changes, we really can’t off him unless we get at the worst a top-4 defenseman to take his slack.
Brashear isn’t going anywhere. A washed up goon with recurring back and hand problems that can’t fight anymore. We’d only save 100K in cap relief demoting him. If he retires, his salary still counts against the cap. He’s worth less than Kris Draper was when he was traded for $1. Only option is to buy him out or let him waste a roster spot warming the bench.
Like I said in an earlier post, I really can’t see us getting rid of Voros. He’s a gritty fourth line checker who takes the body, puts in 100% 100% of the time, and should be someone our younger players can look up to (like Callahan), despite his lack of scoring talent. With this trade, I see him being scratched until someone screws up bad or someone gets injured.
Am I forgetting someone else we should be getting rid of? Drury’s not going anywhere unless he retires. He’s a critical piece of our PK and is our most reliable two-way forward.
by Kritikal on Feb 2, 2010 2:46 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs
i do not mind voros as our 13th forward if there is an injury
LETS GO RANGERS!!!! SECTION 405!!!!!
by kiop900 on Feb 2, 2010 2:48 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs
I doupt we’ll get that bag of pucks either.
by CTrangerfan on Feb 2, 2010 3:50 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs
bottome line is this is a great trade for the money
if jokinen plays great that is a bonus or if he only plays good that is a bonus but prust seems to be the tough guy we need.. watched some of his fights on hockeyfights.com and he is better then any1 we currently have… we save 3 mill the next two years and got rid of 2 players most people probably would have been fine with us just sending to hartford… maybe olli gives our PP a boost since it has been struggling… but in all i think it is a pretty good trade
LETS GO RANGERS!!!! SECTION 405!!!!!
by kiop900 on Feb 2, 2010 2:03 PM EST reply actions 0 recs
what the lines should be...
prospal-dubi-gabby
ec-olli-cally
avery-anisimov-lisin
drury-boyle-prust
LETS GO RANGERS!!!! SECTION 405!!!!!
by kiop900 on Feb 2, 2010 2:05 PM EST reply actions 0 recs
I kinda liked seeing Dubinsky at LW, but we’re overloaded at C and RW, so some people will need to adjust (Avery’s adjusted, Dubinsky’s adjusted, haven’t seen enough of EC to really notice, but he looks good at Center).
I agree with your line choices, despite it not really making sense that someone making 7M a year is on the fourth line. I’d really, really like Prospal to be on a line with AA and Lisin, he’d benefit both of them good. In my opinion, the optimal lines given our current roster would be the following:
Dubinsky – Christensen – Gaborik
Drury – Jokinen – Callahan
Prospal – Anisimov – Lisin
Avery – Boyle – Prust
Voros as 13th forward in case of injury or someone having a really bad game.
While Avery deserves more than fourth line time, you cannot say that the line does not look physical as hell, especially if Boyle starts using his 6’7", 245 pound frame more often to completely annihilate guys, and keep them away from the puck (Imagine Boyle with Anisimov’s instincts and Callahan’s relentlessness… cackles evilly).
Though, this is Tortorella we’re talking about… instead of seeing 4 different pairings, we’ll see about 15.
by Kritikal on Feb 2, 2010 2:59 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs
well drury is not a 7m guy
he is a good 3rd or 4th liner but not 2nd…. i like avery with AA because they have flat out been great together and seem to have alot of chemistry and i like lisin with them because he will get oppotunities on that line… that line would be great but i think avery needs more time on ice and he does not PK so 3rd line…
LETS GO RANGERS!!!! SECTION 405!!!!!
by kiop900 on Feb 2, 2010 6:32 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs
Drury
While I am new to this site, I have seen an overwhelming number of posts and comments about Redden and Rozsival, not to mention the Rangers favorite ex-whipping boy, Kotalik. Obviously the main problem is the amount of money these guys make, and strain they put on the salary cap, while under performing ( I don’t know if their as bad as the fans say they are, or if they made 1mil a year everybody would be cool with their level of play). All that being said, why does Drury get a pass. His contract seems way worse then Kotalik’s was, but I rarely see posts dedicated on sending him to the minors, or trading him for a bag of chips. So why the difference? Of course at the end of any arguement, they are probably ALL bad contracts, but I was wondering if you boys could help clear that up for me.
by bad karma on Feb 2, 2010 10:47 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs
Drury has a No-Movement clause in his contract, so he has to approve any transaction, including being sent to the minors.
For that reason alone it’s useless to talk about doing anything with Drury’s contract.
It might be possible to trade him at some point, but it’s really, really unlikely.
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by RangerSmurf on Feb 3, 2010 8:27 AM EST up reply actions 0 recs
does anybody know if they are playing tonight???
and is olli on the olympic team for finland this year???
LETS GO RANGERS!!!! SECTION 405!!!!!
by kiop900 on Feb 2, 2010 2:06 PM EST reply actions 0 recs
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| GP | W | L | OTL | PT | |
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66 | 40 | 22 | 4 | 84 |
|
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|
65 | 39 | 23 | 3 | 81 |
|
Philadelphia
|
65 | 35 | 26 | 4 | 74 |
|
New York Rangers
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Sun 03/14 | 3:00 PM EDT |
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Montreal
|
Tue 03/16 | 7:30 PM EDT |
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Thu 03/18 | 7:00 PM EDT |
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Sun 03/21 | 12:30 PM EDT |
Last 5 Games
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Wed 03/10 | L 3 - 6 |
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Buffalo
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Sun 03/07 | OT - L 1 - 2 |
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Washington
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Sat 03/06 | L 0 - 2 |
|
Pittsburgh
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Thu 03/04 | OT - L 4 - 5 |
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Ottawa
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Tue 03/02 | W 4 - 1 |
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