Dawes Down, Staal Stays (and Other Final Roster Moves)

The Rangers got down to the 23-man roster limit by making the moves they had to make given the current composition of their roster in re-assigning Nigel Dawes, Artem Anisimov, and Al Montoya, and (finally) waiving Andrew Hutchinson, while keeping Brandon Dubinsky and Marcel Hossa up front, Marc Staal and Thomas Pock among a group of eight defensemen, and Steve Valiquette as Henrik Lundqvist's back-up.

The reasons have been well-discussed and reflect the reality of roster-shaping under the current CBA. Hossa and Pock had to be retained for fear of losing them on the waiver wire -- their asset value is worth retaining even if they are no more than depth players at this time. Anisimov and Montoya need further development in Hartford -- Montoya is also too costly to keep under the salary cap. Dawes, despite appearing to win a job in pre-season, was blocked by incumbents on the wing on all three potential scoring lines, while Dubinsky won an spot at third line center that was up for grabs.

Dawes no doubt has been told that his assignment is short-term, that he must remain at the ready for recall if anyone on the top three lines falters or gets hurt. He is the type of player who cannot be allowed to languish on the fourth line or in the press box -- he is a skill player who needs ice time and complementary players to keep himself sharp. He will get that with the Wolf Pack, even if it is not at the NHL level. Staal on the other hand may be better served in his development by playing on the third defensive pair in the NHL rather than in Hartford. And the Rangers will be better served having him alongside Paul Mara as his defensive conscience. Pock and Jason Strudwick are not as well suited to playing with Mara, but can fill in up front if necessary.

Reports on the moves can be found at Blueshirts Blog, Rangers Report, and NYR.com. Blueshirts Blog also has several other notes from practice this morning, including Jaromir Jagr's extended practice session -- if he supposedly developed a hip flexor injury by practicing too much last week, why was he at it again? Probably because the prior hip flexor was just an excuse to keep him away from Islanders -- he should have sat out the Flyer game too, where he was once again targeted by Philly's goons. Blue Notes had an item on a Phoenix trade rumor earlier in the day. Hartford made three moves as well, sending Rick Kozak, Ryan Constant, and Clayton Barthel to Charlotte.

NYR.com has updated their roster for the first time in a long time, and show new numbers for the rookies who have made the team -- Dubinsky will wear #17 and Staal #18. The two rookies who made the team late last season also have new numbers -- Dan Girardi #5 and Ryan Callahan #24.

Comments

[imitation]

DUBI the 3rd line center spot was up grabs? Among who? If Straka or Avery etc was the 3rd line center, Dawes makes the team. I hope Dubinsky gets it done.

[MikeA]

Nice, Cally finally got his childhood number of #24.

[Dubi]

Renney said on the first day of camp that he had potential third line centers on the roster already, and he started with Cally there. But with Dubinsky winning the job, he was able to leave all of those guys where they belong -- Avery with Shanahan, Straka with Jagr, and Callahan on Dubinsky's wing. That leaves nothing for Dawes. It wasn't a matter of Dubinsky beating out Dawes -- it was a matter of Dubinsky winning the center job, leaving nothing left over for Dawes. But Dawes proved that he deserves a chance, and he will get that chance this season -- sooner rather than later, I'd wager.

[imitation]

DUBI when did Callihan, Straka , or Avery play 3rd line center in a preseason game? The best line in camp was Straka, Callihan, & Prucha, they never played as a line in a preseason game. Or did I miss it?

[Akayama49]

Can't make the Rangers opening night roster? Quickly offer Dawes to Lou, Paul or Garth and watch Nigel start his stellar NHL career as a Devil, Flyer or Islander this season!

[Dubi]

I don't understand what the issue is -- Renney tried those guys at center in camp, decided Dubinsky and Anisimov were better suited, so it boiled down to those guys in pre-season. Dubinsky won the job, which was wide open. What am I missing? Dubinsky winning an open slot in the middle didn't have any effect on Dawes being unable to break through six incumbent wingers on the top three lines.

[Laserman]

The only thing I am not liking is keeping Dawes down when Hossa has done squat with his chances in the line-up. The exception being the short time that he clicked on Jagr's line, and his shootout abilities. Dawes will be up this year sometime soon I hope, and the next time he will probably stay. Dubi stated all the logic behind this and it makes sense to start the season like this. GO RANGERS...

[czechthemout!!!]

imitation-i think you should be wondering why hossa,hollweg are in and dawes and to a lesser extent byers is not.

[Phill]

I'd start Dawes immediately if I was Ted Nolan (mainly because the team is so weak). Note: I am not implying that Dawes should've made the Rangers, as this is just a hypothetical.

Dawes has more talent than any forward on that team, especially washed up Billy G.

[Dennis]

I think that if Callahan and Girardi continue their development from last season and Staal plays strong is his own end as a partner of the "defensively inept" Mara then we should be fine. Once Avery pulls a hammy or Hossa gets plastered a few times while playing on the checking line, Dawes will get his shot anyway so no harm done by a few games in beautiful Hartford. I can't wait for Thursday to cheer Dubinsky for his first(and definitely not last) opening night with the Blueshirts!!!

[imitation]

Dubi the issue is the spot was left wide open. Both Straka & Avery were used as centers last year. He put Callihan at center & said that's where he played in juniors. Preseason games started with way too many players & those guys aren't used at center. That maybe Renney's conclusion from camp, but it certainly was not spoken nor competed for in preseason games. My logic says if G Clark statement about Dubinsky was followed through on, then Avery, Straka, or Callihan would have been the 3rd line center, & Dawes might have taken Straka or Avery's spot up on the top 2 or been on the 3rd line. And I think Renney just might be putting some including Betts at 3rd line center this season, "if hisiory has taught us anything". I wish Dubinsky the best of luck in keeping the job and the same for Staal & Dawes when & if he gets back up.

[Bob Merchant]

I just hope Nigel remains positive and keeps his chin up. He will be back, you can bet your next pay check on it.

[Kaspar]

Take a look at the Wolfpack

(I dont know if lines are right but this team - and Rangers future- are very bright and then there is Kaspar- a future coach?)

Ansimov-Bourrett-Dawes
Pyatt- Byers-Jessiman
Barnes-Dupont-Moore
Graham-Korpikoski-Lessard
Lee-Quellete-Fritz

Sauer-Baranka
Liffiton-Potter
Taylor-Kaspar

Montoya
Holt

Then add Cherapanov and Sanguenetti to the Ranngers future mix. Oh my!

[Jess]

Not wanting to toot our own horn BUT

It was here at the Blueshirt Bulletin that Prospect Park first brought you the stories of Brandon Dubinsky right after he became a Ranger draft pick.

Others were going ga-ga over Bruce Graham, Dane Byers and Darin Olver but it was US here at the Blueshirt Bulletin who said Check out Brandon Dubinsky as we were the first (even before the Rangers.com) to cover Dubinsky.

IT WAS US HERE at the Blueshirt Bulletin who boldly predicted LAST MAY that Marc Staal would made the Rangers.

So as the new season is about to get underway why have you not subscribed?

I can give you a preview of our next issue as we will have a profile on 7th round pick David Skokan (who was earned a First Star the other night) along with OUR exclusive predictions on which Ranger prospect will have a breakout season.

ALL this for just a mere 30 bucks a season.

[Bob Merchant]

Yes Jess, thanks to your snoop dog reporting, I feel I know all these kids from the time you cover their first story right through the draft and beyond to camp.

You, Dubi and Mitch have really done a nice job keeping us briefed.

I sure hope everyone that posts here subscribes or renews. The best way to support what is going on here is to get a subscription.

[IITH]

any truth to the rumor that I read (can't remember where) the rangers were going to make a play for gauthier after the flyers released him?

Thanks

[lennynyr]

This mistreatment of Dawes has got me upset. Hossa should be going to Hartford, not Dawes. Renney strikes again!

[dtaild]

Then Hossa is lost to waivers for absolutely nothing and you will have that to complain about..

[lennynyr]

Hossa sucks, good riddance.

[Matty]

Mistreatment? He isn't being mistreated ... Hossa can be on the 4th line or 3rd line and kill penalties ... Dawes can't and if he can't get consistent minutes on lines 1 and 2 which will have Straka, Drury, Jagr, Gomez, Shanny, and Avery on them then it wouldn't do any good to keep him up here ... last season they brought him up and tried him on the 3rd and 4th lines and it didn't work, it also didn't work when he was up in the pressbox not playing ... you need to look at the long-term big picture instead of just having a short-sighted view on now ...

The Rangers added 2 rookies to their roster this season, last season it was also 2 ... the team is still going in the right direction and giving their talented kids a chance, but they are doing it at the pace that THEY feel is right ... some might disagree with them but given their results on-ice in the last two years? I think their way is working

[lennynyr]

Only referring to Dawes. What does he have to do to earn a spot?? Yes, Hossa can play on the 4th line but not Dawes. With his offensive ability, he has to play on one of the three top lines.

Just hope his spirit isn't devastated, again!! He'll be a star for some other team and the Rangers will regret it.

[Matty]

Callahan didn't let his demotion devastate him last season and now he's a permanent and important part of the team so if this breaks Dawes then better he's gone because the reality is that Dawes needs to be in the top two lines, not even on the third one ... and who out of Straka, Avery, Drury, Jagr, Shanny, and Gomez do you honestly replace with Dawes? At this moment in time none of those guys ... you can make an argument for Straka moving to the third line cause it doesn't affect Straka but Jagr plays better with Straka on his wing and depending on the opponent Hossa can move up there for certain games so that still leaves Dawes on the outs ...

[Phill]

Honestly Lenny, you make Dawes sound like the second coming of Wayne Gretzky.

It'll be ok.

Even though Dawes won't make the opening night roster, I think everybody, including Dawes himself, realize it's only a matter of time.

[Matty]

Oh and I know some said move Avery to the 4th so that Dawes can be with Shanny but they aren't playing Avery on the 4th line with minimal minutes ... nor should they

[craigz]

It's not about talent right now it's about waivers.Who can pass thru and who doesn't have to. Dawes knows the score, I'm sure it was explained to him very carefully. To those who would trade Montoya I ask this question; If Henrik gets injured and is out for any period of time who would you want to tend goal for us? Also Mara is not Brian Leetch but he is not nearly as bad as some of you would make him. Anyhow I think his contract expires at the wnd of the season. One more thing...I know a lot of you don't like Larry Brooks and think he is a pompous a-hole but he is about the ONLY voice I hear that's not afraid to call Bettman and his type of NHL what it is. This is a family site so you fill in the blanks. DUBI... the check is in the mail...Z

[Andrea]

Why can't Marc Staal wear #4? Aaron Ward was the last to don it, so I can't imagine there's an aura around it. Not to put any pressure on him, but doesn't number four suit the kid?

And to all the Mets fans out there, get through the week and the Rangers will take your mind of it all....

Dubi, some nice subtle changes in the new print BB. Good job! Maybe Scoop can do a BioFIle on John Halligan on the eve of his Lester Patrick Award!

[cwede]

Lenny - relax - there is no mistreatment here. It aint where you start its where you finish. Injuries or deals will occur, and a spot will open for Dawes on the wing. And by playing regularly in Hartford, he'll be most ready to contribute. At least that's what I believe .
The Rangers are lucky to be so healthy for game 1, some teams are already hurtin'.

[Dubi]

imitation, I just don't understand what your issue is. Are you trying to say that Dubinsky was handed a spot but Dawes was denied one? And that is because they didn't try wingers at third line center during preseason games? They tried everyone, Dubinsky won the job, what's the problem? I don't get it. We're not talking about Mark Smith getting the job over Dawes or Dubinsky just because he has experience. We're talking about a kid who came to camp and worked to win a job. He and Dawes were never in competition against each other, at least not once the staff determined that they did not want to try a winger at third line center again, not when they had Dubinsky ready to step in with the exact right skill set for that role.

Lenny, Hossa and Dawes were not competing for the same job either, not once the staff determined that Hossa was not going to be first line winger again. It would make zero sense for the organization to lose an asset like Hossa for nothing just to put Dawes in a fourth line role that is just as bad for him as going back to Hartford, maybe worse. Renney is kicking himself for his good fortune in having the kind of depth he has this season because he knows what will happen down the road -- there will be changes as the season progresses. Dawes still has his future ahead of him -- he will get his chance.

I personally think Hossa is a waste of space, but if the fact of the matter is that someone would claim him if he was waived, then that means someone will trade for him. You don't just throw away assets that are worth something, especially not to put a scoring winger on the fourth line just for the sake of giving him an NHL job, not at his age. Geez, give it a chance, folks, and if it doesn't work, let's see what they do then.

[oleosmirf]

Nigel Dawes earned a spot on that team but over who. He cant play on the 4th line so here is my question. Since Dawes is a winger which means if he were to play he would replace one of the following: Straka, Jagr, Avery, Shanahan, Callahan, Prucha. Yes he is better offensively than Hossa but Hossa kills penalties something Dawes doesn't. If one of those 6 six wingers goes down Dawes is next in line but until then it makes no sense to keep him as a healthy scratch.

[oleosmirf]

Andrea

Maybe Staal didn't want to wear number 4.

[nyr1994ever]

Eh, I don't agree with Dawes being turned away (again). Hossa is still in the lineup blocking off Dawes and it bothers me to no extent. Dawes has so much more potential and alot more upside then Hossa. I say trade Hossa something, anything.

[baron34]

Dawes did kill penalties very well in Hartford. So that argument is null and void.

[baron34]

Dubi:

"Hossa and Pock had to be retained for fear of losing them on the waiver wire -- their asset value is worth retaining even if they are no more than depth players at this time."

Mark my words, Hossa is going to be placed on the first line by Renney, repeating his failed experiment again, yet expecting a different result.

Yet Dawes, who is a much better candidate for that slot, was sent down despite totally outplaying Hossa in camp.

I wouldn't care if they traded Hossa for a mid-level draft pick in 2023 - or a bag of pucks. The guy's a lifelong underachiever who is a total waste IMO.

But let's call a spade a spade: Hossa is the reason that Dawes is not here to start the season. You and the entire hockey world may consider Hossa just a depth player; Renney does not.

Po

[imitation]

I have no problem in seeing what they do, and I expect them to do alot, including changing this roster. Dawes might get recalled, but it's doubtful . Just look at who they gave icetime to last season that are now gone over Dawes, not from within the organization. I'll just name one BIG waste, Hall. If anyome can state Hall is better than Dawes, let's hear it.

[nyr1994ever]

I was just reading and article on Hockey Rodent and sadly their was some validation to the recent article. Is anyone else terrified about the chemistry crisis on this team. Please tell me I'm not alone.

[oleosmirf]

baron34

killing penalties in Hartford is completly different then facing NHL players especially the guys in our division. From what I saw Dawes never played on the penalty kill in New York meaning Renney isnt considering him for that role now. If Hossa goes someone needs to take that role and it shouldn't go the aging Straka, Shanahan. I think Callahan would be a great penalty killer but thats just me. And to any rumors of a Phoenix trade, the only players on their roster that would crack our lineup are Jovonovski, Morris, Michalek and Doan.

[oleosmirf]

Marcel Hossa and Paul Mara for Zbynek Michalek. It would give us a good young offensive defenseman with loads of upside to play on a line with Staal and it would solve our little Dawes situation. (no pun intended)

[GEORGE]

Hossa does not suck///,Again if you knew anything about hockey talent you would be dangerous.

[MikeA]

Hossa serves a point. He's a depth player. He can be a checker, a PKer, if he's hot he can do a little PP,, but can also be used as a big body or defensive replacement on Jagr's line against bigger opponents kinda like how Renney would put Niemenem on Jagr's line late in games during 2005-06. He has chemistry with Betts, and Jagr. I'd rather see Dawes personally, but come playoff time, imagine a checking line of Betts/Avery/Hossa against the more speed oriented teams. That line could frustrate opponents. If Dawes is playing well, they'll find room for him.

[oleosmirf]

HOSSA DID NOT TAKE DAWES'S SPOT!!!!!

Dawes was trying to fill a position that was already filled. He was competing with Straka, Jagr, Avery, Shanahan, Callahan, or Prucha. Dawes serves ABSOLUTELY NO PURPOSE on the 4th line. Instead of playing 6 mintues a game in New York he'll play 20 in Hartford work on his game and if one of those 6 players goes down he will take that spot. End of discussion.

[jas]

Wait...in the last three years the Rangers have been able to integrate seven draft choices, two undrafted FAs, and three young players acquired from other teams, while progressing towards the ultimate goal of winning a Cup, and people still act like..."same old Rangers". Plus, there's a very good chance that at least four more top draft choices - Sauer, Anisimov, Sanguinetti and Cherepanov will almost certainly follow suit in the next two years, and some people are up in arms because, Dawes, a player whose abilities are already matched on the top two lines in NY, didn't make the cut. Some people are never satisfied.

[Matty]

Aleosmirf,

Don't give yourself a headache. Your point, and Dubi's that Hossa didn't take the spot that Dawes was fighting for will fall on deaf ears as you can already clearly see. I mean I 100% understand and agree with what happened mainly because of last season. Dawes made the team and was wasted on the 4th line or was scratched for multiple games at a time and that led to him being completely ineffective. Jagr already was reported as not wanting Dawes on his line because they didn't work well together and he'd rather have the more defensively responsible Straka, so Line 1 was out. That left line 2 and are you going to replace Avery and/or Shanny for Dawes? Are you going to move any of those 2 wingers to the 3rd line and then force Cally and/or Prucha to the 4th line to get minimal minutes?

I mean honestly people, you need to be realistic and see past your Renney dislike here enough to acknowledge that two rookies did in fact make the team and both are expected to play significant roles. When/If there's an injury at forward in the top lines he will be here. This is not the same as what was going on in this organization before the lockout.

Lundqvist, Prucha, Callahan, Girardi, Staal, Dubinsky, and Hollweg(yes him) have all come from our farm system and are all on our team. Next year it will be more, heck it might be more by the All-Star break or earlier, and this team expects to be a contender for the Cup ... how is any of this a bad thing?

[imitation]

Maybe it's time to change the concept & the makeup of the 4th line with how many minutes a 4th line should play. Preferably 10, not 4-6. That's what is was when it was the HOM line.

[cwgatti]

I recall HOSSA played really well on the first line until he was injured. I wouldn't poo-poo the idea of Dawes not making the team yet. We all remember how awesome Dawes was in all of his regulation NHL games and who could forget how dominant he was in game 6 v. Buffalo. Be happy that a kid like Dawes is showing some promise. Injuries happen (in fact HOSSA last year). These are the same comments we heard about Immonen last year. He was great everywhere EXCEPT the NHL. 82 games. S*** happens. I believe there will be a trade, but in the meantime, let the management make their decisions and watch the best Ranger team in years win a CUP!!!!!!

[imitation]

cwgatti that's fine, but there is an increasing party line ( alias rennisms & cliches) that if disagreed with has become semi-blasphemy. Disagreements, differing opinions & points of view are part of what makes it interesting while being sports entertained. The goal is to be better & get further than last season, anything else in a work in regression no matter which way it's spun, except for injuries, bad refs, bad luck, & woulda, coulda, shoulda & a hot goalie ;-)

[dtaild]

Imagine this discussion if Sather went and picked up Peca...great move by management to avoid that one

[brian]

am i the only one think maybe renney didnt give him more than 3rd or 4th line oppurtunity because Dawes doesnt warrant it.....the dude goes from tons of points in the ahl down to almost nothing in the nhl whenever he has been around...i dont wanna hear he needs to be on a top line...hossa was on a top line and suceeded but only for 11 games...showe me something consistant and ill believe it...obviously there is something with dawes that he doesnt HAVE TO be in the opening night lineup...

[shesends]

yea! here's a great idea! waive hossa, one of the rangers' players that still has untapped potential just to bring up nigel dawes and his size 6 skates so he can suck up 4th line minutes and get pushed all over the ice! that's what everyone wants right?!

wake up people. dawes will be with the big boys when there is ACTUALLY a spot for him and his game. Right now, that spot doesn't exist, get over it and start looking forward to thursday night.

[brian]

im just not a fan of dawes...he just is small and small is not bad if your as good as theo fluery before the meltodown...if ur small u gotta be GOOOOOD...dawes just isnt that good to be stuck on a top 2 lines of an nhl hockey team....lots of players own the AHL and cant do the NHL, its a huuuuge jump...wonder what kinda numbers crosby would have if he was in the AHL...lol

[David]

An excellent post about Peca, sometimes the best deals you make are the ones you don't. If he was here now, and I was in favor of it at the time, Dubinsky would be in Hartford in favor of an already hurt Peca. Dawes will get his chance, its a long season.