Blueshirt Boggle

Catch some Zzz's

Today is the day for Nik Zherdev as he and his agent prepare to take on Rangers management in a battle of arbitration over about $1 million.

The Rangers reportedly have offered up to $3.25 million while the Zherdev camp is seeking around $4.5 million.

It appears at face value that the two sides will part, but there is more to think about than merely a stubborn kid who is overvaluing himself.

The Rangers gave up a strong player in defenseman Fedor Tyutin to acquire Zherdev, yes they also gave up Christian Backman and acquired Dan Fritsche, but the main component of the trade was Zherdev for Tyutin.

To simply lose Zherdev for nothing would make no sense as it shows that the Rangers got nothing for a top-four defenseman in Tyutin.

There is nothing limiting a sign-and-trade, of course, but what NHL team is going to take that chance at around $4 million? Not many unless you are taking a bad salary back in return.

Yet, what most are not talking about is how the Rangers roster will be affected by losing Zherdev. Are the Rangers really best served without him as opposed to with him?

While recent memory is always the easiest to evaluate, the team was relying on Zherdev as their primary offensive player for the first 50+ games of the season.

He was energetic, exciting, and a terrific talent. Fans must admit, for the better half of the season, they wanted Zherdev on the ice.

But it came crashing down as quickly as it seemed to build up.

He fell apart under new coach John Tortorella, was subject to benchings and line demotions, and did little in the playoffs.

Yet he still amassed 23 goals and 35 assists for 58 points along with a solid +6.

Statistically he is a strong player, particularly at 24 years old.

Not discounting his attitude and prima donna-esque persona, but he is still a solid winger with terrific upside. Also consider that the offense will now focus on Marian Gaborik and Zherdev would be playing in a much higher-paced system under Tortorella, a role he could flourish in.

So while it seems inevitable that Zherdev will walk, it may not be the wisest move for an organization thin on the wings to let a potent scorer (albeit with a terrible attitude) to just strut down Fifth Avenue and onto a rival club.

Center of Attention (Updated)

UPDATE: Hat tip to the comments below for clarifying that Dubinsky didn't have arbitration rights. Apparently there is a clause in the Collective Bargaining Agreement based on age and years professional. Here is a little something to clarify.

The Rangers traded away their top line center in Scott Gomez with hopes that another center would be able to come in and skate with potent winger Marian Gaborik.

However, with no major signings or trades down the middle, the Rangers appear to be looking within to take over that spot.

So who on the current roster could fill that role?

It seems like only yesterday fans were clamoring on July 1st for centers and they got Gomez and Chris Drury in return. Today, they are scratching their heads as to what has become of the Rangers center ice position.

First, Drury does not fit the role of first line center. His speed is not the same as Gaborik's and his north-south style isn't necessarily of the play-making variety. Yet, between Chris Higging and Ales Kotalik, the Rangers have a very strong second line.

By this point, readers are asking themselves: What about Brandon Dubinsky ?

And that's a fair question: what ABOUT Dubinsky?

Isn't it a bit peculiar that the likely first-line center hasn't been signed yet?

There seems to be a couple scenarios to explain Dubinsky's situation. First, upon entering the offseason as a Restricted Free Agent, Dubinsky declined to go to arbitration, a classy move toward the organization. Most interpreted this as a devotion to the Rangers club and expression of just how much he wants to stay in the Red, White, and Blue.

Once Ryan Callahan signed, it seemed inevitable that Dubinsky would sign for a similar amount as the precedent had been set.

Has he? No.

So what's the holdup?

At face value, many speculate that his signing will be linked to Nik Zherdev's arbitration hearing tomorrow. Yet, the standard has already been set by Callahan, so where's the debate? Zherdev will likely get too high a ruling and the Rangers will walk away. I suppose hypothetically Dubinsky is waiting to try and squeeze more money out once Zherdev is gone.

Regardless, Dubinsky should be signed for about $2.5 million per season for two or three years, plain and simple.

Another scenario could be that the Rangers simply want to use Dubinsky to trade for a true top line center. It would seem to be an ill-advised decision, but depending on the return, may prove beneficial.

Or perhaps Dubinsky doesn't want to stay in New York. That's always a possibility.

Nonetheless, there is something going on that doesn't quite add up. And yes, there are upsubstantiated reports that the Islanders are trying to sign him to an offer sheet.

Back to the issue of top center. If we've ruled out Drury and Dubinsky is not yet a sure-thing, who are we left with?

Artem Anisimov, the burly Russian center, has shown the ability to score in the AHL, averaging better than a point-per-game last season. Could he skate beside Gaborik? Possibly.

Not much is known about Anisimov, but his brief appearance in the playoffs last year has led to some delving around the tri-state area.

Friends of Blueshirt Bulletin, NYRangersCast, recently sat down with Anisimov. And the local writers have all pegged him to make the big club.

But is he ready for the NHL? Yes. But is he seasoned enough to stay atop the front line? Not sure.

He has a lot to prove, but has shown the potential and skill to do it.

Of course, there are also trade possibilities (such as Larry Brook's campaign for Brad Richards), but nothing seems imminent on that front.

The most likely scenario at this point is that Dubinsky is signed and starts on the top line. Drury centers the second while Anisimov plays the third. But, hey, with John Tortorella, anything is possible!

Would you take a chance on...

With the bulk of free agency over, there remains a handful of possible last-minute additions for any club seeking depth.

The Rangers are looking at just that as August looms.

Here are a few free agents the Rangers could target to fill out their roster prior to training camp:

DEFENSE: The Rangers have four solid starters in Wade Redden, Michal Rozsival, Marc Staal, and Dan Girardi. However, the remaining three spots on defense could be a myriad of youth or veteran talent depending on which direction the Rangers take. Bobby Sanguinetti, Matt Gilroy, Corey Potter, and Mike Sauer may all have an opportunity to jump up, but the Rangers still need a veteran player to lead them.

• Chris Chelios, 47 years old : Has made it known he wants to be a Ranger. However, his age and lack of playing time over the past couple seasons would warrant him more likely as a 7th defenseman than anything else. Could be a good presence in the locker room.
• Marc-Andre Bergeron, 28 years old : A little surprising he hasn't signed. The former Islander has been a decent scorer from the backend and played to a +5 last season with Minnesota. While there may be some questions about his own-zone play, he is a potent presence and young enough to warrant a look.
• Patrice Brisebois, 38 years old : Like Chelios, Brisebois' best years are behind him. Yet, in a 6/7 spot, could provide some good leadership and a calming influence on the younger players.
• Matheiu Schneider, 40 years old : The New York native has always wanted to return to the Rangers and still managed 32 points in splitting time between Atlanta and Montreal. Will always help the power play.

OFFENSE: With Friday's arbitration looming for Nik Zherdev and Brandon Dubinsky suspiciously still un-signed, the Rangers still have some work to do up front. While a speedy center is certainly a must to play alongside Marian Gaborik, some mid-level wingers could also provide a spark.

• Mats Sundin, 38 years old : Almost a Ranger last year, the large Swedish center can still provide some offense and help to anchor a power play. Wasn't afraid to mix it up last season and managed a little less than a point a game.
• Taylor Pyatt, 27 years old: Although his brother Tommy was recently traded away from the Rangers, Taylor could be a useful versatile winger. Young enough to take a chance on, Pyatt has shown the ability to be a responsible forward and put up 15+ goals a season.
• Robert Lang, 38 years old: Jaromir Jagr always wanted him as the Czech center has good puck possession skills. Prior to a major injury last season, Lang was a consistent 20 goal player.
• Jason Williams, 28 years old: Williams has bounced around a bit, but has been able to find the net no matter where he went. Last year he accrued 48 points and can play both center and wing. 
• Mike Peca, 35 years old: Peca wanted to be a Ranger a couple seasons ago before signing with Columbus. His style of play makes him an old 35, but he can mix it up in the crease and provide some play making ability. Scored 18 points last season.

Other names such as Sergei Zubov and Alex Tanguay have been previously discussed so we will refrain from repeating ourselves.

In all likelihood the Rangers will want to move forward with youth and any further transactions will take place via trade rather than free agency.

However, it is not completely unforseen for the Rangers to add a player or two in August.

The commets section is open for debate!

On Shanahan, Schedules, Sullivans, and Swaps

This week, Rangers news is sponsored by the letter "S."

First, the 2009 - 10 NHL schedule was released with the Rangers opening in Pittsburgh on October 2nd then playing their home opener October 3rd against Ottawa.

(I wonder what type of ovation Donald Brashear will get?)

The whole schedule can be found here.

Next, the Rangers named Mike Sullivan Assistant Coach. When John Tortorella was hired, this became an immediate point of contention as Sullivan had a clause in his contract that stated he could sign with whatever club Tortorella was coaching.

While he attempted to follow Tortorella last season, the Lightning axed that idea and the Rangers complied until after the season.

Sullivan, a former Ranger 4th round draft pick, was also Head Coach of the Boston Bruins leading them to a division title in 2003.

The official release can be found here.

A bit of intriguing "S" news has come by way of Philadelphia and New Jersey as multiple reports are stating that Brendan Shanahan has an open opportunity to re-join the Rangers after a one-year hiatus back to New Jersey.

Apparently, former Head Coach Tom Renney was the major factor in Shanahan not returning last season and with his exit, GM Glen Sather has reached out to Shanahan in hopes of luring the veteran winger back.

Shanahan, having never wanted to leave, is reportedly still contemplating staying in New Jersey, but has not ruled out a return to Broadway.

He may serve a positive purpose both in the locker room and on the power play. One of the bugaboos of last season was the lack of emotion that was seen in the Rangers dressing room. Lacking the presence of the departed Shanahan and Jaromir Jagr, at times the group seemed lax and disinterested. Shanahan would help Captain Chris Drury in remedying that.

Last season he signed for $800,000 and would likely command near the same this season. In two seasons with the Rangers, he tallied 52 goals and 56 assists for 108 points.

Finally, the Rangers made a minor swap with the Colorado Avalanche sending defenseman Brian Fahey in exchange for 21 year old Nigel Williams. Not much to say here except perhaps it is a depth move.

Nonetheless, here's the release:

    New York, July 16, 2009 – New York Rangers President and General Manager Glen Sather announced today that the club has acquired defenseman Nigel Williams from the Colorado Avalanche in exchange for defenseman Brian Fahey.
    Williams, 21, skated in 70 games with the Lake Erie Monsters of the American Hockey League (AHL) last season, registering seven goals and 14 assists for 21 points, along with 55 penalty minutes.  The rookie defenseman ranked seventh on the team overall and second among Lake Erie defensemen in points.  He also tied for the team lead among defensemen in goals scored.  Williams posted a season-high, three-game point streak from January 10 against Hamilton to January 13 vs. Quad City, collecting three points (one goal and two assists) over the span.  He also recorded his first career multi-point performance with two assists on March 28 at Syracuse.  Williams notched a goal in his professional debut on October 11 against Grand Rapids.
    The 6-4, 226-pounder skated in 113 career regular season contests with the Saginaw Spirit and Belleville Bulls of the Ontario Hockey League (OHL) prior to turning pro, registering 32 goals and 50 assists for 82 points, along with 192 penalty minutes.  In 2007-08, Williams split the season between Saginaw and Belleville, and established OHL career-highs in games played (67), assists (31) and points (46).  As an OHL rookie in 2006-07, he set a career mark with 17 goals.  In addition, Williams has collected 21 points (nine goals and 12 assists) in 27 career OHL playoff contests with Saginaw and Belleville.  He tied for fourth on the Bulls in playoff assists (11) and points (18), and tied for fifth on the team in goals (seven) during the 2008 OHL Playoffs.
    Williams also skated with the U.S. National Under-18 Development Team during the 2005-06 season, registering three goals and four assists for seven points, along with 23 penalty minutes in 19 games.
The Aurora, Illinois native was originally Colorado’s second round choice, 51st overall, in the 2006 NHL Entry Draft.
    Fahey, 28, appeared in 66 games with the Hartford Wolf Pack of the American Hockey League (AHL) last season, collecting four goals and 20 assists for 24 points, along with 67 penalty minutes.

Getting Closer: Pre-Season Schedule Announced (Potter Signed)

During the summer doldrums, it's nice to have something to look forward to on the ice aside from trade rumors, high-priced free agent signings, and management changes.

From Prospects Camp a couple weeks back to the Traverse City Prospects Tournament in early September, there isn't a whole lot going on the ice to discuss.

Today, however, we got a little bit to look forward to with the announcement of the preseason schedule.

So while you sip "Junkanoos" (a delicious frozen Bahamian drink) or your summer beverage of choice near your favorite body of water, you can mull over the following:

• Sept. 15 - Bruins vs. Rangers, 7 p.m.
• Sept. 16 - Rangers @ Devils, 7
  
• Sept. 18 - Rangers @ Detroit, 7:30
  
• Sept. 19 - Rangers @ Boston, 4 p.m.
  
• Sept. 21 - Red Wings vs. Rangers, 7
  
• Sept. 24 - Capitals vs. Rangers, 7
  
• Sept. 27 - Rangers @ Capitals, noon

Last year, you will recall, that all of the pre-season games were televised. No official word yet on what coverage MSG will provide this year.

No real shockers although two years in a row without games against the Islanders.

**********
RFA Corey Potter was signed today. The defenseman will compete for a top-six spot with the big club this season. Here's the official release:
New York Rangers President and General Manager Glen Sather announced today that the club has agreed to terms with defenseman Corey Potter.

Potter, 25, made his NHL debut last season with the Rangers on December 7 against Calgary. He recorded his first NHL point with an assist in his next game on December 27 vs. New Jersey, and finished with two points (one goal and one assist) in five games.

Potter spent most of the season with the Hartford Wolf Pack of the American Hockey League (AHL), registering 10 goals and 22 assists for 32 points, along with 82 penalty minutes in 67 games. He established a career-high in goals and tied his career-high in points. He led all Hartford defensemen in goals, and ranked second among team defensemen in assists and points. Potter recorded nine multi-point efforts during the season, including his first career multi-goal game on February 13 against Lake Erie. 

In addition, Potter finished tied for second on the Wolf Pack in postseason scoring with four points, and ranked second on the club with three assists in six playoff contests with Hartford.

The 6-3, 200-pounder has skated in 177 career AHL games with Hartford, registering 17 goals and 57 assists for 74 points, along with 205 penalty minutes. He established career-highs in games played (80), assists (27), points (32), plus/minus rating (plus-33), and penalty minutes (102) during the 2007-08 season. Potter led the team and ranked second in the league in plus/minus rating. He also ranked third among team defensemen in points and assists, and tied for third in goals.

In 2006-07, Potter made his AHL debut with Hartford on February 7 at Providence, and collected an assist in the contest. He began the season with the Charlotte Checkers of the East Coast Hockey League (ECHL), recording six goals and 13 assists for 19 points, along with 56 penalty minutes in 43 games. Potter led all team defensemen in goals and points at the time of his recall to Hartford on February 5.  He notched his first professional point with an assist on October 26 at Florida.

Potter has also skated in 18 career AHL postseason contests with Hartford, recording two goals and eight assists for 10 points, along with 49 penalty minutes. He collected two assists in his professional playoff debut during the 2007 Calder Cup Playoffs on April 18 against Providence.

The Lansing, Michigan native was originally the Rangers’ third round selection, 122nd overall, in the 2003 NHL Entry Draft.

Another from Broadway to the Desert: Korpikoski to Phoenix

Lauri Korpikoski, a RFA, will join Petr Prucha, Nigel Dawes, and Al Montoya as former Rangers to join GM Don Maloney in Phoenix.

The Rangers acquired winger Enver Lisin in return, also a RFA, who split time between Phoenix and their AHL-affiliate San Antonio last season.

In 48 NHL games last year, Lisin scored 13 goals along with eight assists.

While Korpikoski seemed to be playing his best hockey under new Head Coach John Tortorella, this move may have been precipitated by salary cap as he was most likely to command a little less than $2 million per year.

Lisin will be worth slightly more than $1 million.

The Russian winger is not without a bit of baggage (pardon the pun.)

After being drafted early in the second round of the 2004 NHL Entry Draft, Lisin would spend two seasons in Russia before joining the NHL in 2006.

Bouncing around a bit from the AHL and NHL, Lisin was eventually suspended by the 'Yotes for failing to report to the AHL during a demotion. That summer he would sign with a Russian team, but eventually reported to camp that fall.

While he may compete for a spot on the NHL roster, this move may hint a bit more at the future of Nik Zherdev and perhaps leaves a glimmer of hope for Dany Heatley who is apparently itching to join the Blueshirts.

Ryan Callahan signs (Updated with Release)

The Rangers 2008 - 09 Steven McDonald Extra Effort Award winner will remain a Ranger.

Steve Zipay of Newsday is reporting that restricted free agent Ryan Callahan has avoided arbitration and has signed a multi-year deal.

Terms have not been disclosed.

Callahan is coming off a career year amassing 22 goals and 18 assists for 40 points along with a +7 rating. "Cally" was also a force in the playoffs for both his physical play and knocking in a couple goals during the series.

Head Coach John Tortorella quickly became in favor of Callahan's work ethic and felt he has big time goal scorer potential as well.

More to come...

UPDATE:

New York Rangers President and General Manager Glen Sather announced today that the club has agreed to terms with forward Ryan Callahan.
   

Callahan, 24, established career-highs in games played (81), goals (22), assists (18), points (40), and penalty minutes (45) last season. He also won the Steven McDonald Award, voted by the fans as the player who performs “above and beyond the call of duty.”

Callahan ranked second on the team with a career-high, 237 shots, first with a plus-seven rating and tied for fourth on the club in goals. In addition, he led the team and ranked fourth in the NHL with 265 hits. Callahan posted a team-high, six-game scoring streak from March 12 at Nashville to March 22 against Ottawa, recording eight points (four goals and four assists) over the span, and tied for the team-high with a three-game goal streak (March 17 at Montreal to March 22 vs. Ottawa). 

He reached the 20-goal plateau for the first time in his career on March 28 at Pittsburgh, and skated in his 100th NHL contest on December 16 at Anaheim.  Callahan also skated in all seven playoff games with the Rangers, and tied for the team lead with two goals.

On June 30th, the Rochester, New York native was one of 34 players who were invited to the U.S. Olympic Men’s Ice Hockey Camp to be held August 17 to 19.

Callahan has skated in 147 career regular season games in three seasons with the Rangers, registering 34 goals and 25 assists for 59 points, along with 85 penalty minutes. He ranked fourth in the NHL among rookies with 139 hits and tied for third on the team with a plus-seven rating during the 2007-08 season.He finished that season recording a plus or even rating in 36 of his last 40 contests. 

In 2006-07, Callahan tallied two goals, including his first career NHL point, on March 17 against Boston.  He made his NHL debut on December 1, 2006 at Buffalo.  In addition, Callahan has skated in 27 playoff contests with the Rangers, recording six goals and three assists for nine points, along with 20 penalty minutes.

Callahan was originally the Rangers’ fourth round selection, 127th overall, in the 2004 NHL Entry Draft.

Rangers add Kotalik

The Rangers announced today that they have signed 30 year-old winger Ales Kotalik to a three-year, $9 million contract.

Kotalik posted 20 goals and 23 assists in splitting time between the Buffalo Sabres and Edmonton Oilers.

This signing may signal the end of the Nik Zherdev era as the Rangers offered Zherdev a little over $3 million before he filed for arbitration.

This move marks the continued renovation of the Rangers offense as Kotalik will join Chris Higgins, and Marian Gaborik as high profile forwards that the Rangers have added this offseason.

More tonight...

Developing the Defense

With so many UFA's still out there, let's begin with addressing the defense and what the Rangers currently are looking at for the 2009 - 10 campaign.

The Rangers currently have Marc Staal, Dan Girardi, Michal Rozsival, and Wade Redden under contract.

Consider that Redden at $6.5 million and Rozsival at $5 million are your top pairing. Not necessarily in skill, but for the purposes of price bracketing.

Top line talent commands about $5 million per player.

Secondary talent, should be not quite half of that. Girardi at $1.6 million and Staal at $825,000 are both well below that, but are scheduled to become RFA's after this season.

So the Rangers need to fill their remaining three spots on defense in that $1 - 2 million range in anticipation of both Staal and Girardi's pay increases.

Matt Gilroy, the 2009 Hobey Baker winner, is owed approximately $1.75 million this season and next.

The Rangers also have Mike Sauer ($850,000) and Corey Potter (recently qualified as an RFA) that could step into the lineup.

However, the Rangers can't rely upon that many rookie defenseman in an NHL lineup so expect management to look for a veteran defenseman before the season begins.

Steve Zipay over at Newsday is reporting that the Rangers are still considering Derek Morris, yet he would likely need to accept less than last year's $3.25 million.

Paul Mara is also still available and should command around $2.5 million.

Other names still unsigned include former Rangers Sergei Zubov and Matheiu Schneider, as well as recently waived Jay McKee, Martin Skoula, and Marc-Andre Bergeron. 

In the next week or so, expect these players to sign as the top-tiered defensemen are all off the market. Larry Brooks of the NY Post has heard rumblings of Zubov, but his age could be a factor. Skoula and Bergeron at 29 years old bring a lot to the table, but may lack the experience to lead this group.

It should get interesting so stay tuned...

Additional notes:

• Greg Moore has signed with the New York Islanders. He joins Thomas Pock on the list of recent Ranger prospects to sign east.
• Brad Richards of the Dallas Stars may have an opportunity to join friend Sean Avery and former coach John Tortorella on Broadway. However, it will come at a steep price given his $7.8 million salary.
• Could Saku Koivu or Mats Sundin center Marian Gaborik? Perhaps, but let's hope we don't have to go through the Sundin run around again. 
• Former Ranger Alex Kovalev signing in Ottawa almost assures that Dany Heatley will be dealt. However, if he doesn't want to go to Edmonton, where will he end up? Can't imagine the Rangers are still considering this one.
• Blast from the past: Manny Malhotra, Mike York, Jed Ortmeyer, Dan LaCouture, are all still on the UFA front. Could any see a return on Broadway? Probably not. 

Staal invited to Canadian Olympic Camp

Marc Staal joins John Tortorella, Chris Drury, Ryan Callahan and former Ranger Scott Gomez as an invitee for the Olympic training camp.

Staal, the lone Ranger invited for the Canadian squad, will compete against eight other defenseman for the right to represent his country in the 2010 Vancouver Winter Olympics.

More this afternoon on remaining UFA's. Hearing rumblings on another Long Islander in Rob Scuderi...