Captaincy, Defense, Wolski, Breakthrough Player, and a Thank You

I didn't originally intend to make a fanpost, but I commented on 8kpower's wonderful article about the Rangers next captain, and figured I would repost it here, considering it was the last comment in that thread and no one really saw it. I also have some other thoughts I would like to put up for discussion, so feel free to comment on any of my thoughts! Look forward to reading your thoughts.

Captain thought

Captain- Ryan Callahan. Look, it just wouldn’t feel right if it was anyone else. Every night when the Rangers go out to battle, there is one man that you know, no matter what, even if he’s hurt or beat up, will give you 110%. That man is Ryan Callahan. He represents the never say die attitude of the New York Rangers (at least the 2010 team) and has the support of his teammates, and the fans. I have never seen Ryan Callahan skate slowly towards a puck, or shy away from a player to save himself, or avoid a speeding bullet to save an amazing Rangers comeback (hello, Boston Bruins game) Callahan defines the word captain.

Alternate 1: Marc Staal. I don’t know if he’s the best candidate, but you can’t take away an alternate for no reason in my opinion. I just don’t support that. Sends the wrong message.

Alternate 2: Mike Del Zotto. Sorry, I love MDZ. I’ll change this.

Alternate 2: Brandon Dubinsky/Brandon Prust. No, I’m not just saying this because my name is Brandon. The Rangers can use a guy that’s fiery and willing to fight for his teammates. I feel like it’s a tie between the two, and I’ll defer this choice to the masses. Either way, with the few negatives in their respective personalities, the two have earned their way into leadership roles, and have my full support.

Left Out: Brad Richards. Listen, I know he is a fantastic leader, and he is my first choice to take over in case of injury or failure to live up to expectations of the letter, but he has not played New York Rangers hockey yet. He has not spent a year with this team, he has not gone to battle with this team. He may be a terrific leader, but he can lead without the letter. I like the idea that you have to earn your way to a letter with the Rangers. Just my opinion.

Defense Thought

Though I am possibly the biggest fan of the Rangers' young defensive corps here, I would still like to see the Rangers sign a veteran defenseman. The only difference between my idea and the rest is that I would like the Rangers to sign a veteran with some trade value, or a small enough contract that if the veteran doesn't make the team he can be released without hurting the team. I know that's a lot easier to say than to do, but possibly the Rangers can ask around and see who is interested in who. This way if the youngsters show they are all truly ready and the Rangers have enough depth the Rangers can simply get rid of the veteran. Worst case scenario they can pick up another veteran later on.

Wolski Thought

Whether or not the Rangers should buy out Wolski is a hot topic. I think the Rangers should keep Wolski for now, as he can easily become a great player at any point. Wolski needs to get his head in the game, and perhaps Torts should room him with Cally or Dubi on the road. Either way, I actually feel the greater risk is letting Wolski go and creating the possibility that he becomes a very good player elsewhere, when the Rangers need scoring.

Who will break out this season?

Brian Boyle quite impressively showed why he belongs with the New York Rangers last season, when many fans believed he should not have even made the team. Derek Stepan proved to be a terrific player on the top level, and now Rangers fans can't wait for the next step (an) in his development into a complete player. Michael Sauer made the NHL and turned into a fantastic young defenseman. Which player will it be this year that showcases their talents in an amazing way? Some candidates:

Tim Erixon, Michael Del Zotto: Two of my favorites (Del Zotto being my favorite) have chances to shine with the Rangers, if they can make the team. I imagine they would be third liners, but both could see time on the powerplay. Both are supposed to impress, but the main difference between the two is that MDZ has two years of NHL experience. Will this be the year Del Zotto finds his complete game? Will Erixon avoid the AHL?

Christian Thomas: A dark horse. If Thomas makes the team, he could be the Derek Stepan of 2011. For a team that needs scoring, a vintage Christian Thomas season that we have seen in the minors could be what the doctors ordered for the Rangers.

Other possibilities: Carl Hagelin, Mike Rupp, (perhaps he finds his scoring and fighting grooves and turns into a Boyle type player) Pavel Valentenko.

A quick thank you

I never really got to say this, but thanks to Jim for being so great on this site for so long. This site was (and still is with Joe taking over) in great hands, and I am quite proud to be a member here. As long as Dig never gets to run this site, I'm sure it will live up to the great Jim legacy.

Thoughts?