Comments on: New York Rangers Offseason Plan/Future Outlook

By: MikeGartner

MikeGartner — Wed, 27 Jun 2007 20:36:36 +0000

I agree with you about Straka's ability to center the first line; the only question is his longevity. The OP's article may have not been watching the whole season, as Hossa clearly was the starting winger on the first line before and after the knee injury.

By: mundus80

mundus80 — Wed, 27 Jun 2007 14:08:00 +0000

its getting close to july 1st, we will see

By: mundus80

mundus80 — Wed, 27 Jun 2007 14:07:18 +0000

i like york too, hes got size and some pretty good wheels. he gives is all. but Prucha is a friend of jagrs so..

By: ranger_fan

ranger_fan — Tue, 26 Jun 2007 23:57:30 +0000

Am I the only one who is drawing up comparisons between Prucha and Mike York? Sure Prucha has a little bit more scoring touch, but York was probably better all around. If teams like Prucha and are willing to offer up for him - I'd trade him..

York is being passed over now and is underachieving so if we can get something 100000x better than Tom Pot[ty] lets do it

By: ranger_fan

ranger_fan — Tue, 26 Jun 2007 23:53:50 +0000

Offensively I think that Straka could definately center Jagr and Hossa. Nylander and Jags have great chemistry but 4.5-5 can be used much more wisely. Nylander doesnt shoot enough, doesn't win nearly enough faceoffs, and makes me angry while taking 35 seconds to get from his zone to the opponents blue line. Ortmeyer is probably gone.

I am feeling:
Hossa Straka Jagr
Avery Gomez Shanahan
Prucha Cullen Callahan
Dawes Betts Moore/Hollweg/Orr

Next season Cherepanov takes Shannys spot

Defensively it appears that with the exception of Rachunek departing nothing will change.

Malik Rozival
Tyuts Girardi
Mara Pock
Baranka/Sauer/Staal/Liffiton/Puritan... lol yeah that last one was a joke

And sadly its looking like Valiquette will back up Henrik so Montoya will still get a lot of work in Hartford and hopefully an injury free season.

By: dewdrop11

dewdrop11 — Tue, 26 Jun 2007 20:00:50 +0000

Why is everyone so hot on shipping out Prucha? He's going into his third year with the team, and while, granted last year wasn't a stellar as his first from a point production standpoint, this kid brings heart and EFFORT to this team. The thing that the Rangers have lacked for so long, and are finally revitalizing through the organization is the intangibles...doing the little things to make the plays...like forechecking and going into the corners. This kid is fearless...and I hope they keep him. Just my two cents...you can disagree.

As for what the Rangers need....I also hope they keep Nylander. He needs to shoot more, but there is undeniable chemistry with him on this team and he showed up in the playoffs. Chemistry can not always be bought and it doesn't always work...so when you have it, you should make an effort to keep it. If he commands too much money they may have to let him walk, but I hope the attempt is made.

With that said, what the rangers need most, as everyone knows is a second line center. For my money, I hope they get Drury. I don't see Gomez getting the job done - not in the way that they need. I think if they don't land Drury, you may see another name pop up that you wouldn't have even considered. Who, I don't know..but Sather has a knack for drumming up some deals that aren't always that obvious.

As for Cherepanov...I think he's a year or two away...I hope Dubinsky and Callahan get a crack at the team...as I think they'll do well.

Ortmeyer....not an offensive weapon but when it comes to shot blocking and penalty kills, he'll be missed if they don't sign him...hopefully they do or upgrade.

I like where this team is going. I think if they go the UFA market for one or two pickups, and let the youth blossom, we'll be ok.

Goaltending is solid and with Montoya, if they get him some ice time...could develop into one of the best goaltending tandems in the league...untested now..but the potential is there.

Looking forward to 2008 already...

By: wheresthesoda

wheresthesoda — Tue, 26 Jun 2007 18:43:58 +0000

Hossa has to play with Jagr, he's going to be a waste on the 4th line. When he was playing with Jagr he was getting ice time, which is the only place he'll get for him to score goals and rack up points.

By: wheresthesoda

wheresthesoda — Tue, 26 Jun 2007 18:37:54 +0000

cullen-callahan-prucha line generated a lot of scoring chances, and i believe a little more time to create more chemistry will lead to this line scoring a lot

By: flyersfan10897

flyersfan10897 — Tue, 26 Jun 2007 17:53:19 +0000

Sorry, but no team will have a first-line center making 4.5 million and a second-line center making 5.5+ million.

By: puckhead94

puckhead94 — Tue, 26 Jun 2007 17:40:23 +0000

Yeah bro, I know what you're saying, but I just don't think it even gets to that. Like Henrik said, "I don't want to go anywhere else". Avery will just sign a deal, no other teams will even be involved. I know what you're saying as far as barganing chips (other teams and other deals) but with this guy, that's a non issue.