New York Rangers Analysis: Why The Richards Deal Is A Good One
by Joe Fortunato on Jul 4, 2011 10:08 AM EDT
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Sorry for the delay on this type of a post guys. Was away from the computer for a couple of days and couldn't get anything onto the site. Thank the guys for stepping up in my absence.
Anyway, onto the Brad Richards contract.
When word first started leaking Friday night that Glen Sather had offered Richards a nine-year pact, people began to panic. But once the terms of the deal were released and the dust settled I fell in love with the move. At first glance it seems like Sather went on another one of his spending sprees, and just targeted the biggest name he could find and got him at whatever cost possible.
That's not the case.
This was not an ill-advised attempt by Sather to cram another high-risk big name player under the cap. This was not Sather trying to jam a square peg into a round hole. And it certainly wasn't a blind grab at the biggest name in the free agent pool, just because of his name.
Instead, this was a well calculated move which fits perfectly into the Rangers plans. Don't worry about what you see other teams writers saying about the move. They're bitter, and they should be, Richards is a rare difference maker in the NHL, and he'll be on Broadway next season.
Join me after the jump for more.
The contract is even more favorable to the Rangers than I originally thought. The very-friendly $6.666 million cap hit is an absolute steal for the first three or four years of the contract, and will start leveling out towards the end of the deal. Which, incidentally, brings us to the part of the contract most people are worried about: the final few years.
Richards, who turned 31 in May, was scouted by Mark Messier earlier in the year so that the Rangers' brass could get a grip on what type of shape he is in. The end analysis was that Richards was a phenomenal athlete who is still in his prime and has many good years left in him.
Players like Richards do lose a step (everyone does), but they are still effective because it's his vision and intelligence that makes him dangerous. He is a brilliant playmaker, and one of those rare players that makes everyone around him more dangerous. He's a good skater, but doesn't need it to beat other teams, his hockey IQ takes care of that.
He loves to shoot the puck when he is quarterbacking the power play, something he will be doing often in New York. And he is a leader by example, and will fill the shoes that Chris Drury left in that department immediately.
If Richards play does tail off, however, the last three years of his deal are at $1 million dollars each, which would make the contract an easy buyout or a very lucrative one to use as trade bait for a team looking to reach the cap floor without having to pay for it (he would still have a $6.666 million cap hit despite his salary).
In the end, the move was a no-brainer. Players like Brad Richards don't come around very often, and when they do you don't let them pass up.
Tomorrow I will have a story on how well Richards fits into the system. For today, however, enjoy your Fourth of July, and make sure if you lose any extremities they are your toes. You need your fingers to comment on the Banter!
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My only concern is the NMC. anyone have more details on it? Is it a full NMC throughout? If so his “tradability” in his last years obviously disappears.
by teknics on Jul 4, 2011 10:18 AM EDT via mobile reply actions 1 recs
from what I’ve read is that its a full NMC for all 9 years but I’m sure in those last three he’ll waive it
"Don't look now, but there's one too many people in this room and I think it's you." Groucho Marx
In Prust We Trust
"Kovalev would work with Tortorella like a kitty would work in a microwave.
A lot of smoke and desperate clawing at the door. It wouldn’t work. It would just be a big, hot mess." -Dig Deep
Follow me @8kpower
Sather mentioned at least three times that Richards took considerably less money to play in NY. Must have felt good for him to say. Props to Slats for learning from past mistakes.
by Gabby the Gutless Sniper on Jul 4, 2011 10:18 AM EDT via mobile reply actions
This deal is....
Such a big positive not only for the offense who struggled mightily last season, but for Hank who year in and year out hasn’t complained once about the lack of offense supporting his stellar play in net. A classy signing for Richards who comes to Broadway with a great reputation, and a signing that is sure to make Hank happy for years to come. B-RICH is just what this team needs at just the right time.
In 94 I thought i could die in peace... Now I watch a ranger game and just want to die.
by RangerFan5 on Jul 4, 2011 10:23 AM EDT via mobile reply actions
Feeling good about the possibilities.
Dubi/Richards/Gabby
Boyle/Anisimov/Callahan
Wolski/Stepan/Feds
Prust/Rupp/Avery
MZA, EC. (Maybe Thomas 1st ten games, Hagelin by midseason.
by Gabby the Gutless Sniper on Jul 4, 2011 10:41 AM EDT via mobile up reply actions
I'd rather see
Avery/Richards/Gabs
Dubi/Anisimov/Callahan
Wolski/Stepan/Feds
Prust/Rupp/Boyle
but like you said, lots of possibilities here.
I always had the idea in my head (not sure if people have mentioned this), if Richards signed with NYR, then Avery would bust his ass to be the best hockey player he could be in order to play and be on the same team as his “good friend”.
Avery has certainly shown spurts of brilliance this season…..I wonder, if given the opportunity, how he would play on the 1st line w/ potentially Richards and Gabs.
Was Richards in Avery’s corner when he was public enemy #1 in Dallas?
by I*Am*A*Ranger on Jul 5, 2011 9:16 AM EDT up reply actions
Totally agree
Immediately after the deal I thought, we gave up “0” (zero) draft picks, traded no one, and spent money in a front loaded contract. This instantly gives us a deeper team, think about Duby AA and Cally being our true second line.
Also, the fact that he took less money means he wants to be here, for whatever reason he wanted to join the Rangers, that means he has desire which this team had plenty of last year.
He is a perfect fit and he signed for less money. He has made the best possible welcoming for himself among fans as far as I’m concerned that is.
by Kevin Murphy on Jul 4, 2011 10:32 AM EDT reply actions 11 recs
yeah…this is getting a rec
"Don't look now, but there's one too many people in this room and I think it's you." Groucho Marx
In Prust We Trust
"Kovalev would work with Tortorella like a kitty would work in a microwave.
A lot of smoke and desperate clawing at the door. It wouldn’t work. It would just be a big, hot mess." -Dig Deep
Follow me @8kpower
+1, REC’D
"Mr. Madison, what you've just said is one of the most insanely idiotic things I have ever heard. At no point in your rambling, incoherent response were you even close to anything that could be considered a rational thought. Everyone in this room is now dumber for having listened to it. I award you no points, and may God have mercy on your soul."
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:)
In 94 I thought i could die in peace... Now I watch a ranger game and just want to die.
by RangerFan5 on Jul 4, 2011 10:37 PM EDT via mobile up reply actions
I just wish..
We could add another high-end piece to that gabby and BR line. I think we still got some extra spare parts we could use to trade up with. Now who would be the right player to target?
Ha. Word. That’s exactly what I’m saying.
A 6’3" 200lb two-time Stanley Cup winner that was the captain and leading scorer on his team.
Yes. I’ll take it.
Can’t say I wouldn’t do it – ‘cause by adding a Ladd you’ve got a very similar team to the one that just won the Stanley Cup – presuming that you’re not giving up Dubinsky/Callahan in the process.
If you end up swapping Dubi or Cally for Ladd, I see it as a wash – and it’s probably a win for the Jets because you’d have to give up more assets to get him.
I wouldn’t want to give up Dubinsky or Callahan. I had proposed something like Wolski, Del Zotto, one of the Hartford defensemen, and a second round pick for Ladd and Bogosian.
I’d be good with overpaying for Ladd, sending Wolski, a defenseman and a pick.
no way wpg makes that deal.........
Ladd AND Bogosian? no way
by giantsNYrangers on Jul 4, 2011 1:57 PM EDT up reply actions
this is true.......he does have a knack.....
especially after the Gomez trade which imo next to the messier trade was the greatest trade in rangers history…..
by giantsNYrangers on Jul 4, 2011 2:03 PM EDT up reply actions
I don't think you need a high end piece at all
you need a gritty fore checker who will go get the puck and get it quickly to Richards or Gabs. That’s why I love the idea of Avery on the first line, great first man in to get the puck, sneaky good passer/playmaker and a good skater. Avery seems to make a lot of his best plays behind the other teams net, I think Callahan would play well on this line also, but I liked him with AA and Doobs.
I agree – no need for another high end piece. I’m not sure how Gabby will respond to BR but trust me he needs another countryman on his line. The Czechs & Slovaks thrive on their teammates. Demitra, Zednik, Satan, Hossa (barring his contract) may not sound sexy but they would click with him. If that can’t happen then Prospal should remain his LW for the same reasons.
by I*Am*A*Ranger on Jul 5, 2011 9:30 AM EDT up reply actions
lol...
the only Hossa we’ll ever get to play with Gaby is Marcel….i mean come on, the guy lead the KHL in goals for a season….he MUST be awesome.
In Prust we Trust
"It's just pain."
This team has balls.
by Master Ov Brutality on Jul 5, 2011 2:38 PM EDT up reply actions
The great part about this move is that it separates the apples from the bananas, so to speak. Richards along with Gaborik will head the main line and focus on giving the other team fits on defense. We couldn’t say that last year. The pack line will have less pressure on them and will thrive because of it. What I really want to see is if MDZ and MZA make significant strides because of this. This season will be fun to watch.
by louielounz1 on Jul 4, 2011 10:50 AM EDT via mobile reply actions
What terms do you guys think the RFA's will all get?
I’m surprised no teams has tried to offer sheet Dubinsky for 5 years $25M with all the wild money being thrown around at players nowhere near as good
Were they saying "Boo" or "Boo-urns?"
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Let’s hope that doesn’t happen. Why would Dubi want to leave he is going to win his first Stanley cup next year ;)
by XxC17xX on Jul 4, 2011 11:09 AM EDT via mobile up reply actions
he wouldn't be worth the loss in picks
Also, it just seems GMs don’t like doing RFA signings. Else someone would be making a big offer for Stamkos too.
I’m pretty happy Buffalo blew their budget and can’t do that. Saw too many comments from Buffalo fans about how he would make a great 2nd line center for them (and fulfill what they’d expected from Connolly but never got).
I was also concerned about Pegula, a local guy, wanting to make an offer to a Rochester kid who originally dreamed of being a Sabre.
+1
i did kinda get lost as to who he was talking about at that point for this reason.
In Prust we Trust
"It's just pain."
This team has balls.
by Master Ov Brutality on Jul 5, 2011 2:39 PM EDT up reply actions
Richards
He just makes so many facets of this team instantly better. Gaborik can’t help but get better scoring chances just being on the same line with Richards. Whomever plays LW on that 1st line probably will ave a career year. It hasn’t sunk in for me that Gabby and Richards will play together! Do we even talk about how good a QB Richards will be for the power play? The 1st line will strike fear in other teams, leaving the weaker defenders to play against the hardworking, fast and talented PACK line. The 3rd and 4th lines will continue the hard work and you may have a breakout star in Stepan. There is no doubt Stepan could score 30+ goals.
You can make the case that our defense will be better next year. How could they not knowing that MDZ and Erixon are just waiting in the wings to get their chances? There is so much talent that these guys will push each other to get better and the Rangers were 6th in GA/G last season.
With that kind of potential on D and the potential scoring in front of King Henrik, who could see less shots and maybe see games won on offense and without heroic King contributions. I’m stoked to see this team play and to see how the season plays out.
Freedom is a road seldom traveled by the multitudes...
I don’t know about that… Richards mostly faces lesser competition in order to put up the numbers he has… putting him against other team’s 1st D pairing will stunt his numbers a little bit. I could see the Pack Line taking some of the tough assignments, with Boyle’s line grabbing the rest when we get the last change. Expecting Richards to put up more than 70 points when he’s facing the hard competition is asking to be disappointed.
+1, IMO Richards is an allstar player, but no need to put his line out against top D pairings when you can put the pack line out their and they can have success while at it. Let Richards and Gabby tear other teams second and third pairings a new one.
by CrazyRangerFan on Jul 4, 2011 12:54 PM EDT up reply actions
Buyout prohibitive
If Richards play does tail off, however, the last three years of his deal are at $1 million dollars each, which would make the contract an easy buyout
From a salary owed perspective, that’s true. But from a cap hit perspective, if the next CBA maintains the same structure, a buyout would be a waste of time. It would still cost ~$6mm for the remaining real years of the contract, and drop to < 1mm (depending on which year he’s bought out) for the ‘extra buyout years’ (2/3rds the remaining salary over 2x the number of years remaining).
The hope would be that at that point, Brad would retire and relieve the cap hit completely.
dude…did you memorize the CBA or something? You’re just a wellspring of this kind of knowledge
"Don't look now, but there's one too many people in this room and I think it's you." Groucho Marx
In Prust We Trust
"Kovalev would work with Tortorella like a kitty would work in a microwave.
A lot of smoke and desperate clawing at the door. It wouldn’t work. It would just be a big, hot mess." -Dig Deep
Follow me @8kpower
I have my own copy for ready reference. Having negotiated software contracts for businesses, I can usually make sense of the ‘legalese’ language.
I haven’t memorized anything since the dawn of computers. Why store useless crap in your brain when you can look it up in seconds?
The NHL CBA is kind of a puzzle (as are most contracts) – and I like different kinds of puzzles….keeps the brain fresh and working at peak capacity instead of bored to death.
:-D
makes sense…good to have someone around who could enlighten us
"Don't look now, but there's one too many people in this room and I think it's you." Groucho Marx
In Prust We Trust
"Kovalev would work with Tortorella like a kitty would work in a microwave.
A lot of smoke and desperate clawing at the door. It wouldn’t work. It would just be a big, hot mess." -Dig Deep
Follow me @8kpower
im still kinda lost
if we buy him out the 2/3 cap hit we retain is 2/3 of his then salary or 2/3 of his cap hit over the length of the deal?
When you buyout a deal for someone of Richards presumed age, he’s entitled to 2/3 of the remaining salary owed, but the money is spread out over twice the length.
So if he’s bought out just before the three $1m years, he’s entitled to 2/3 of $3m ($2m), spread out over 6 years, or $333,333 per year.
The salary savings is then subtracted from the cap hit.
For for 2017-18, it’s $1m – $333 savings ($667k). That $667k is subtracted from the cap hit ($6.667m) to give you the cap hit that year ($6m). That will be true for 2017-18, 18-19, and 19-20.
After that, you have $0m-$333 savings, or a penalty of $333k. That’s subtracted from the cap hit ($0), to give you a cap cost of $333k for the final 3 years.
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by George E. Ays on Jul 4, 2011 1:34 PM EDT up reply actions
Enough with the
Buyout talk!!!! He hast even put on a Ranger jersey yet. Enjoy what he brings to the table now and stop worrying about 2018!!!!
In 94 I thought i could die in peace... Now I watch a ranger game and just want to die.
by RangerFan5 on Jul 4, 2011 1:45 PM EDT via mobile up reply actions
what are you talking about?
the guy just signed a 9 year deal and people with knowledge of these types of contract situations are enlightening us on how the final few years could potentially play out. You don’t have to respond or read a post about 2018 if you don’t want, but please don’t advocate that somebody with useful and very relevant information not post it. I appreciated George and dbmavens explanations, they offer some answers for a lot of questions that many of us had about this deal. For the non-shortsighted folks who like to project things for the future of the team, this is very useful to know.
I understand ..
Your point here. But its almost as if everyone isnt celebrating the fact that we just got better. Don’t worry about buyouts right now. I understand people wanting to know our options for the future but that is a long ways a way. Take a look at the boogaard situation. A tragic end to a young career. Look at Cherepanov. I’m not saying that Richards falls in their categories. We have a talented squad with a young 7th ranked developmental system. If Richards stinks up MSG than talk buyout. He has enough pressure already. Just saying….. LIVE ON THE NOW!!!!
In 94 I thought i could die in peace... Now I watch a ranger game and just want to die.
by RangerFan5 on Jul 4, 2011 10:46 PM EDT via mobile up reply actions
*IN NOT ON
In 94 I thought i could die in peace... Now I watch a ranger game and just want to die.
by RangerFan5 on Jul 4, 2011 10:47 PM EDT via mobile up reply actions
Part of what George and I are doing is refuting what’s been in several blogs and even mainstream articles saying in effect “…the last 3 years are easy to buy out…”
which is patently false.
by dbmaven on Jul 4, 2011 11:16 PM EDT up reply actions 1 recs
seriously!!!!!! stop with the buyout shit already!!!!
"So Say Goodnight To The Bad Guy"..............Antonio Montana 1983
by Stroker Ace on Jul 4, 2011 5:25 PM EDT via mobile up reply actions
So as db said, a buyout would be pretty much useless. And because of the NMC, trading Richards to a team looking to reach the cap floor is unlikely to happen (I don’t think Richards would waive his NMC to go to Phoenix). All things considered, I’m a fan of the deal, but there is no doubt it’s gonna hurt the team in the final years, unless: a) Richards can maintain a $6.67 million level of play into his late 30’s; b) he decides to retire when his play declines and the money he’s owed shrinks; or c) the new CBA somehow changes the implications of this kind of deal.
Buyout = Schmout
The Lockout is going to come way before any of the buyout options.
by NTB on Jul 4, 2011 5:29 PM EDT up reply actions
I am not so optimistic
simply because the only big signing (trade) that worked out was Jagr (Nylander).
I’m sure BR is an immediate impact on this team, but my concern is mainly Gaborik and chemistry between the two of them, so I will hold my emotions until March-April 2012.
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That sounds like a valid concern to me. No matter what we think, we don’t [i]know[/i] if a match will work out for sure until the gentleman skate out onto the ice. On paper it didn’t look like there was a reason why Olli Jokkinen and Gaborik couldn’t work out…but the results there weren’t exactly stellar.
There was no reason to assume Jokinen and Gaborik would work. Jokinen was profuctive in Florida as a power forward who put up 300 shots per season. He was not a playmaker. Their styles would mess because Jokinen needs the puck all the time, and Gaborik needs the puck in the right spots.
Jokinen was "profuctive" here
He was “productive” in Florida. That is a great word you just invented, hahahaha
Were they saying "Boo" or "Boo-urns?"
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It does seem a lot like Jagr and Nylander tho
except for the fact Gaborik and Richards are going to be playing together in their prime instead of when they’re old farts.
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good for him, that wasn't the point
Last night, a comedian died in New York. Somebody knows why. Somebody knows
I understood the point. I just don’t think it’s a reasonable comparison. Prime or old age, these are 4 different players and 2 completely different sets of chemistry.
Jagr probably was better
but make no mistake, Nylander was a big reason he set those records. When Gaborik was healthy he easily got to 40+ goals here with Vinny Prospal as his main linemate.
Its actually an easy comparison. Richards is a playmaker more concerned with setting up teammates and Gaborik is a great finisher but also needs space, things Richards can make happen like Nylander did.
Last night, a comedian died in New York. Somebody knows why. Somebody knows
I see your point, and I know Nylander was a monster setting up Jagr. But comparing Jagr to Gaborik seems tough, seeing as Jagr wanted the puck constantly to make something happen, and Gaborik would rather be set up by someone else who is making the play. And Nylander always looked to pass first, and while Richards is similar, he shoots FAR more than Nylander ever did — just glancing at their stats, Richards averages about 100 more shots per year than Nylander did.
It’s not an off-the-wall comparison….there are a ton of similarities. I just think the players are too different to look into one duo to try to see the other, regardless of age difference.
It actually makes Richards vision MORE dangerous
that he is willing to shoot the puck so much. Opposing defenseman have to worry about two scoring players in that case, and if they focus on Gaborik, Richards would have more room to shoot.
If they chose to focus on Richards, Gaborik will have more space to work with. It all evens out for us.
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by Joe Fortunato on Jul 4, 2011 7:54 PM EDT up reply actions
Agreed. And Gaborik is no slouch at passing. Even though I’d much rather see him shoot, if Richards is getting open because of space Gaborik is eating up, maybe Gaborik can rack up the apples.
Gaborik is one of the most underrated passers in the league in my book
everyone assumes because he is a sniper he has cement for hands when it comes to dishing the puck. That’s not the case … at all.
Those two should be fun to watch.
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by Joe Fortunato on Jul 4, 2011 8:03 PM EDT up reply actions
Very acute statement. Gaborik set up some amazing goals last year (I remember a Fedotenko goal standing out in my mind), and set up a bunch of other chances that guys just couldn’t finish.
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by CrazyRangerFan on Jul 5, 2011 2:27 AM EDT up reply actions
and two completely different coaches.
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by Stroker Ace on Jul 4, 2011 5:27 PM EDT via mobile up reply actions
Jagr was great as an old fart in NY,
but imagine if we had him 5 or 6 years earlier? An all timer.
BR improves the center position. His job here is not to ‘jumpstart’ Gaborik, contrary to the billion things written on the subject. Gaborik’s will no doubt benefit, but the onus is on Gaborik to respond.
If it doesn’t work, you’ll see BR between Dubinsky and Callahan, or some other combinations.
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by George E. Ays on Jul 4, 2011 12:11 PM EDT up reply actions
George, if Richards doesn’t jumpstart Gaby then I can guarantee you there will be a lot of disappointed people in Ranger management including their coach. It may not be the main reason to get Richards but it’s 1AAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAA, lol.
Two years ago there was no Richards and Gabby dominated. This past year, no Richards and Gabby was not at his best. The answer lies totally with Gabby, not who he plays with. While Richards could be an additive bonus to the production, if Gabby plays his game and is healthy, he’ll score 40 goals playing with Stepan.
They will need to mesh on the power play, but that should be no problem. Richards is a point/boards guys who moves the puck into position. Gabby finds space and buries the biscuit.
by Gabby the Gutless Sniper on Jul 4, 2011 12:41 PM EDT via mobile up reply actions 1 recs
Bingo.
The onus is on Gaborik, and if Richards does his job, the disappointment will be with Gaborik, not with Richards.
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by George E. Ays on Jul 4, 2011 12:45 PM EDT up reply actions
This isn't mentioned a lot but...
I was concerned with gabby’s shot last year. When he was “healthy” he seemed to be skating well and moving around, but his shot (his best asset) wasn’t as crisp as it was 2 seasons ago.
He really never had any of those trademark gabby goals where he buried lazer beams from small angles or made the goalie look stupid with quick shots that they never even saw.
He seemed to fan on a lot of his shots and they looked like “knucklepucks” sometimes. It may have been becuase of his shoulder injury, so I hope he is really focusing on getting that back to full strength and his shot back to its full potential.
It was a weird season for him. The shoulder was probably an issue. He had fewer “highlight” type goals than he did the year before. He was also snake bit, rang a bunch of posts and flubbed a number of chances. Confidence looked like it might have waned a bit later in the season.
by Gabby the Gutless Sniper on Jul 4, 2011 12:57 PM EDT via mobile up reply actions
you hit it on the head. I said many times that Gaby’s shot has seemed to lose something. Is that from shoulder injuries? But then the Worlds came around and he was fine. It’s his head. As for Richards, I never said that Richards would be blamed for Gaby’s failure. What I did say is that they did bring in Richards with Gaby in mind. What happens after that is on Gaby. Listen, I have bashed gaby for a long time now and wanted him traded last December. So no one has to convince me that it’s on Gaby, lol. let him wear a Slovakia jersey if it will make him feel better, lol.
I can definitely see it being a mental issue, but it may have been his mechanics. The shoulder injury may have been fully healed, but it could have gotten him into some bad habbits that affected his shot.
I’m really rooting for gabby to return to his former self. I think he’s a good guy and I’ve always been really impressed with his skills and was really excited when we sign him, so last year was bothersome, especially given the drop off in talent after him in the roster.
Like GTGS was saying, it won’t be Richards that returns him to his former self, although it can definitely help. Hopefully he is working on his shot and clearing out the cob webs between his ears.
put avery on that line
imagine the havoc it would cause 1 out of every 9 games?
seriously though, i’d kinda like to see avery skate that line and grind the corners
GET RIPPED
"We'll Win Tonight" - The Captain
thats prob not a bad idea Papa..............at least as an experiment initially to see how it goes
Avery has speed and has shown in the past that he def has skill and ur right so that he can work the corners n cycle. Not to mention him and Richards are pretty good friends………dont wanna see Avery buried on the 4th line
by giantsNYrangers on Jul 4, 2011 1:37 PM EDT up reply actions
yes...
this is a good idea…as long as Avery learns how to not go offsides every time hes on the ice.
In Prust we Trust
"It's just pain."
This team has balls.
by Master Ov Brutality on Jul 4, 2011 3:25 PM EDT up reply actions
+1
I don’t want to see every other turnover end in a faceoff
"He went up with his arms and really played it out, and I told him to stand up," - Henrik Lundqvist on Crosby's diving.
by NYR North pole fan base on Jul 4, 2011 7:02 PM EDT up reply actions
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ctFOlWZZ3zg&feature=related
Dont know why.. but watching Richards win at lockerroom tennis made me happy.
He’s a winner.. nuff said
Prust: "It's only pain!"
Looks like he spends too much time at the country club
by The Blue Seats on Jul 4, 2011 5:24 PM EDT up reply actions
Locker room tennis >>>> Little League World Series any day of the week and twice on Sunday.
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what’s so special about Sunday?
In Prust we Trust
"It's just pain."
This team has balls.
by Master Ov Brutality on Jul 5, 2011 3:16 PM EDT up reply actions
All I can say is I’ve tried to hide my phone after Saturday when I got the news cuz I’m on vacation at a family reunion so once I saw “the decision” and went on to jump up and down on the beach and celebrate dick ridiculously I havent had much time to look at analysis but all I need to say is I was happy as hell with the deal I still am and can’t friggin wait for this season to begin!
by Mr. Avery to you on Jul 4, 2011 4:19 PM EDT via mobile reply actions
+100000000000000000000000.99999999
by XxC17xX on Jul 4, 2011 5:39 PM EDT via mobile up reply actions
Um and I have no idea how “dick” got in there i surely didnt celebrate that lol…typo..
by Mr. Avery to you on Jul 4, 2011 7:59 PM EDT via mobile up reply actions
it clearly says you celebrated dick. maybe you are just happy about NY new gay marriage law?
(jk dude)
Haha I know I didn’t notice til I reread it later Id been drinkin on the beach all day and have no clue what that word was supposed to be but I promise it wasn’t dick lol
by Mr. Avery to you on Jul 5, 2011 12:28 AM EDT via mobile up reply actions
Does anybody know when they announce the pre-season schedule?
"To everybody else we're underdogs, but we go in thinking we can handle any team in the NHL."
Brandon Prust, #8, New York Rangers
Soon I think
but I have a feeling the Rangers might be adding another European game or two
Blueshirt Banter: Covering the New York Rangers the only NHL team with three home arenas.
"We can trade Lisin for a gun, then hold it to Drury’s head and make him waive the no-movement clause" - XLII
"Tortorelli sounds like a kind of pasta… an unforgiving, stubborn, chewy, flavorless pasta that demands ‘jam’ from other pastas." - Dig Deep
by Joe Fortunato on Jul 4, 2011 6:55 PM EDT up reply actions
maybe we should just move there.
"Mr. Madison, what you've just said is one of the most insanely idiotic things I have ever heard. At no point in your rambling, incoherent response were you even close to anything that could be considered a rational thought. Everyone in this room is now dumber for having listened to it. I award you no points, and may God have mercy on your soul."
LET'S GO RANGERS!!!
Off topic
Feel free to delete if you want to stay on Richards topic only.
Heatley/Havlat trade Heatley had ability to pick 10 teams that the Sharks couldn’t trade him to.
What 10 teams would you pick?
Follow me on twitter @nyybrandonc
Writer for Pinstripe Alley
"No matter what I talk about, I always get back to baseball."
"Every day is a great day for hockey."
10 teams Heatley doesn't want to go to?
Edmonton
Winnipeg
Florida
Phoenix
Islanders
Ottawa
Dallas
Nashville
Columbus
Toronto (absolutely no chance to win a cup)
No, 10 teams you wouldn’t want to go to.
Follow me on twitter @nyybrandonc
Writer for Pinstripe Alley
"No matter what I talk about, I always get back to baseball."
"Every day is a great day for hockey."
Mine would be
Edmonton
Winnipeg
Montreal
Toronto
Calgary
Ottawa
Boston
New Jersey
Philadelphia
Pittsburgh
Follow me on twitter @nyybrandonc
Writer for Pinstripe Alley
"No matter what I talk about, I always get back to baseball."
"Every day is a great day for hockey."
I’m with you Brandon except I think I trade out Winnipeg for Long Island just cuz of the hate factor and I think it’d be pretty fun in Winnipeg at least for a year or two even if wins may be hard to come by..how long left on his contract anyways?
by Mr. Avery to you on Jul 4, 2011 8:33 PM EDT via mobile up reply actions
I was considering that, but I live in Long Island, so I figure it wouldn’t be the worst situation ever, even if the Islanders are…well…the Islanders.
Follow me on twitter @nyybrandonc
Writer for Pinstripe Alley
"No matter what I talk about, I always get back to baseball."
"Every day is a great day for hockey."
In order:
1 New Jersey
2 Ottawa
3 Phoenix
4 Florida
5 Toronto
6 Dallas
7 Boston
8 Philadelphia
9 Pittsburgh
10 Colorado
Just HATE 7-9 too much to play for them. Obviously same goes for the Devils, but its way worse to play for a loser and live in NJ than anything imaginable. They’ve fully created a hell.
But I don’t get why so many are against Edmonton and New York Islanders, they’re both young clubs on the up. Sure, we Rangers fans hate NYI, but for everyone else, it shouldn’t be the worst thing that could happen.
Any Word On
Calli & Dubi.
Nhl App is saying something about arbitration ?
Should I be worried ?
Why is it always so difficult to sign Dubi to a new agreement
by XxC17xX on Jul 4, 2011 7:39 PM EDT via mobile reply actions
It’s July 4th. Worry on September 4th.
Blueshirt Banter - Where Rangers' Fans Matter
Tracking the Rangers - Numbers don't lie. They just don't agree with you.
Twitter: RangerSmurf
by George E. Ays on Jul 4, 2011 7:44 PM EDT up reply actions
RFAs who have had QOs submitted (all NYR RFAs except Gilroy, who signed in Tampa)
have until 5 PM tomorrow, July 5th to submit for arbitration if they so choose.
If they do not accept the QO, and do not file for arb by the above deadline, the club has 24 hours to file for arbitration (5PM on July 6).
So, if you see that the NYR have filed for arbitration on any 2 of the RFAs, it would signify that they are still thinking about buying somebody out (since 2 players have to have actual arbitration hearings in order to open up the post-Arbitration buyout period).
I won’t miss Avery if he’s waived. He takes too many penalties, doesn’t fight (well) and isn’t really concerned with hockey 100% of the time.
Give his job away.
On a side note.
I’d play in Winnipeg.
What’s wrong with playing there? Byfuglien, Little, Ladd, Wheeler, Kane, Burmistrov, Cormier, Enstrom, Bogosian, Antropov all good – and their goaltending is solid.
Twitter - @peterman7
I personally took all teams in Canada off the list. I have nothing against Canada as a place, and maybe I’m feeling extra patriotic because of what day it is, but I wouldn’t want to live outside of the U.S. and I would want to live wherever I play.
Follow me on twitter @nyybrandonc
Writer for Pinstripe Alley
"No matter what I talk about, I always get back to baseball."
"Every day is a great day for hockey."
I don’t think there’s anything wrong with playing for Winnipeg I think it’s more of an issue with playing in Winnipeg. They have a few good young players like you named and should have a rejuvenated fan base.
I can’t remember who it was on the Coyotes, but he pretty much shitted on Winnipeg as a town because he relocated with the original Jets franchise to Phoenix.
If I got the numbers right, Brad Richards is 42% in the shootout…..that has to be somewhere in the tops of the league.
Somewhere, Erik Christensen is crying himself to sleep.
Blueshirt Banter *It's just pain.*
R.I.P. Derek 'Boogeyman' Boogaard
It’s right, he’s 25 for 59.
Blueshirt Banter - Where Rangers' Fans Matter
Tracking the Rangers - Numbers don't lie. They just don't agree with you.
Twitter: RangerSmurf
by George E. Ays on Jul 5, 2011 8:46 AM EDT up reply actions
Roster
WW-BR-Gabby. Staal-Girardi. King Henrik
Dubi-AA-Cally. Sauer-McD. Marty “the shootout guru” Biron
Feds-Stepan-MZA. MDZ-McIllrath/Erixon
Rupp-Boyle-Prust. 7th D Eminger/McCabe
13/14 Avery-EC
Remaining questions:
Do we upgrade at L1 LW or let it ride with the current roster?
Do we dump Avery/EC/MZA and let one of Hagelin/Thomas/Bourque grab a 3rd line spot?
Do we resign Eminger or McCabe to be the 6th/7th D-man or upgrade via trade?
If no to Eminger/McCabe & no trade, can we really go all youth on the blue line?
Were they saying "Boo" or "Boo-urns?"
@SlayerSantana on Twitter
I doubt McIlrath makes the team. I don’t expect to see him in Rangers blue until at least the 2013-14 season.
Maybe McCabe stays on as the “shooter” if that’s what Tortorella feels is necessary for the powerplay. I think they really need to do something about bringing in a right-handed defenseman, though.
agree on mcilrath.
don’t see mccabe coming back.
he was brought in specifically to help the PP, didn’t do too much after he got here. Even if its not his fault, he didn’t fix things and he costs too much. no sense spending to the cap just to spend to the cap. keep the money in case you need to make a mid season deal.
I would rather have McCabe then Eminger. I said it once and Ill say it again. If we could get McCabe for a decent price I would dump Eminger in a heartbeat. Never liked him and just because he played decent at the end of this year I still dont care. There was NOTHING McCabe could do for this team last year. They were hopeless in that area. Put McCabes Rocket out now with a team learning to pass quicker and “smarter” and your going to see his shot is deadly….anyone ever hear of Eminger’s deadly shot…no
roster
I say Prospal takes LW on L1 b/c of chemistry with Gabby.
There were flashes of brilliance last year with a WW-Step-MZA line. Could it be replicated? If not, WW should get bought out. EC needs to be let go too – enough is enough. Avery is the odd man out sitting. I like Rupp’s signing – last year Prusty was getting fed up having to fight everyone himself.
On D, we are stuck with what we have (which is pretty good) unless they swing a deal for Sopel or Hannan to replace Caber or Emmy.
by I*Am*A*Ranger on Jul 5, 2011 8:16 AM EDT up reply actions
Christensen probably sees no real role or future for himself on the team. He’d probably be best served requesting a trade. Or maybe even a buyout. His contract is so cheap it wouldn’t really hurt the Rangers next year.
As for buying out Wolski, what’s the upside? Saving a few dollars this season won’t help anything, especially when the money they save probably wouldn’t be enough to attract any other free agents, given the contracts that were handed out this summer. And even then, there’s no free agent out there better than Wolski.
The best thing for the Rangers would be to convinve Redden to allow himself to be traded to a team that needs to get to the Cap floor. The Isle would be the perfect place, but I don’t think Garth Snow is looking to do the Rangers any favors.
if we don't make any big moves between now & camp i think I'd like to see Prospal & McCabe back
At the right price of course. something like $1.5M or less on a 1-yr deal.
Feds-Stepan-Prospal as L3 & MDZ-McCabe as D3. If they’re injured or ineffective we could always call up some young-uns from the Whale
Were they saying "Boo" or "Boo-urns?"
@SlayerSantana on Twitter
Prospal’s knees are done and McCabe was not the player we needed him to be. Both guys aren’t getting any younger.
McCabe would have to take a really, really significant paycut in order to come back (I just don’t see it happening) I think his team in NY is done. Prospal might be an option, but he would have to come back for a very, very, very modest salary cap hit. I think we would be better off giving some kids a chance at making the team instead of bringing back both Caber and Vinny. Parting with Vinny will be tough, the guy loved playing in New York and we certainly loved him right back.
@DigDeepNYR
"I like a man who grins when he fights." -Sir Winston Churchill
"It's just pain." -Brandon Prust | "In Prust we Trust."
1.7 mill should do the trick
I would like him back instead of Wolski to be honest. Remember Vinny P. still has that chemistry built up with Gaborik and if I’m not mistaken played quite a few minutes together with Brad Richards in Tampa. This could possibly work out beautifully, but who knows. I am sure if we bought out/traded Wolski that spot would be filled properly by Vinny. And I love how everyone talks about us either signing one or the other in Vinny and feds like there is an over 30 limit in hockey. With the loss of Drury, we could still use that vet leadership, IMO.
by louielounz1 on Jul 5, 2011 4:11 AM EDT via mobile up reply actions
Wanting Vinny instead of Wolski? Not with you on that.
Wolski still has a lot of potential, granted he will cost twice as much as what Prospal does but he also can really be something special. He has a lot of size (though he doesn’t use it) and some marvelous hands. The guy can really be a first line player, he was for Colorado at one point.
@DigDeepNYR
"I like a man who grins when he fights." -Sir Winston Churchill
"It's just pain." -Brandon Prust | "In Prust we Trust."
How we won BR
by BigB22 on Jul 5, 2011 3:43 PM EDT reply actions 1 recs
ROFLMAO
3:26 pm – The Rangers’ presentation on the value of loyalty and long-term commitments turns uncomfortable when Wade Redden shows up halfway through to repair the office photocopier.
lmao!!
"Mr. Madison, what you've just said is one of the most insanely idiotic things I have ever heard. At no point in your rambling, incoherent response were you even close to anything that could be considered a rational thought. Everyone in this room is now dumber for having listened to it. I award you no points, and may God have mercy on your soul."
LET'S GO RANGERS!!!
It’s funny because it’s true.
by DieselCane22 on Jul 5, 2011 10:37 PM EDT via mobile up reply actions
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