NHL Breaking News: Scratch Patrick Sharp Off The Rangers' List
Not that he was on the list anymore, but just in case he was, you can stop thinking about it now.
Earlier in the off season, when it was unclear wether or not the New York Rangers would be able to lure coveted free agent Brad Richards to New York, the Rangers were linked to a plethora of centers who might be on the trading block or available through free agency.
One of the names that was often linked to having caught Glen Sathers' eyes was Patrick Sharp. Today that dream officially died; when the Chicago Blackhawks signed the impending free agent to a five-year contract extension with $5.9 million annually.
And why not? Sharp was a 29-year-old center who scored 34 goals along with 37 assists last year and also has a Stanley Cup ring on his resume as well.
Join me after the jump for why the Rangers probably had no interest in Sharp after the Rangers took care of all their off season bullet points.
The Sharp signing does not, however, effect the Rangers in any way, shape or form anymore. Since Richards chose the bright lights of Broadway (turning down more money in the process) the Rangers dire need of a first-line center has been filled. Even after the Rangers signed Richards there were some who lobbied for Sharp's presence on the team, especially when Brandon Dubinsky's contract negotiations seemed assured for arbitration.
Sharp was a big part of the Blackhawk's cup run, and would have added a leadership presence along with an air of "having been there before." There are all, of course, characteristics that Richards brings to the table for the Rangers, along with a Conn Smythe Trophy as well.
Plus, there was no guarantee that Sharp would have made it to free agency (obviously, since he didn't) and the Rangers would have had to trade for him to boot.
Obviously this isn't really groundbreaking news for the organization, as I explained above, but in the dog days of August it's always good to add a little big of NHL news to keep the site fresh and the discussion consistent.