Blueshirt Boggle

Rangers Sign Gaborik (UPDATE 8:58)

The Rangers got the winger they needed when they signed former Wild star Marian Gaborik.

Gaborik signed for five years at $7.5 million per year.

While it may seem expensive for all of Gaborik's injury problems, he is a legitimate offensive threat and brings the Rangers a dynamic they have been missing for some time.

Last season, Gaborik only played 17 games, but scored 13 goals along with 10 assists.

More to come...

UPDATE: The Rangers must now turn to defense as they currently have only Marc Staal, Dan Girardi, Wade Redden, and Michal Rozsival under contract. However, expect Hobey Baker winger Matt Gilroy to make the top six.

Disappointed in Donald

The Rangers made somewhat of a splash so far today, but not in the positive way.

After making significant cap space in yesterday's Scott Gomez deal, the Rangers let fan-favorite Colton Orr leave to Toronto and in his place signed Donald Brashear.

This move is a significant disappointment on many levels.

First, it is clear that his better days are behind him and he did not warrant a two-year contract.

Second, he has shown over the past several seasons to be nothing more than a goon with suspensions and penalties rampant. Last season he played himself out of the lineup with a mere goal in 63 games and a plus/minus of -6.

Thirdly, let's not forget what he did to soon-to-be former Ranger Blair Betts in last season's playoffs: a blindside cheapshot that knocked him out of the game. Brashear had to be suspended, again.

He is also injury prone, suffering significant injuries over the past three or four seasons.

Finally, his salary of $1.4 million is absurd. He will not be in the lineup every night and he certainly is not bringing a presence beyond fighting.

He plays dirty. He plays cheap.

This was not Sather's finest moment.

Happy Free Agency Frenzy Day!

While Dany Heatley has apparently nixed the deal to Edmonton, there are bigger fish to fry as the Rangers are about two and a half hours away from the start of free agency.

One intriguing aspect of this season's July 1st party is that the Rangers have considerable cap space, yet they may be more likely to be involved in a trade then a major signing.

Why? Well, the Rangers needs may come at the expense of other positions. For example, a winger for a defenseman. This is significant because the price tag on certain players, like Marian Hossa or Marion Gaborik, may be too high so directly signing them may be out of the picture.

If that is the case then they will need to sign a defenseman just to supplement what they traded.

Yes, it can be confusing.

So we will wait and see as the final hours tick by. Follow us on Twitter for the latest updates...