New York Rangers: Why Mike Rupp is a Perfect Fit for the First Line

Rupp, then a Penguin, fights Prust of the Rangers last season.

I have not watched every single minute of pre-season this year, so forgive me if this line combination has already been tried.

As of right now, the most obvious and likely choice to land the left-wing spot on the first line of the New York Rangers is Wojtek Wolski. With newest acquisition Brad Richards being brought in to hopefully be that elusive star down the middle, and oft-injured Marian Gaborik planning on having a bounce-back year and return to his former greatness, the Rangers would like to compliment their skill with a player who has the potential to come in with a bang. Wolski, however, can join a long list of former players the Rangers have had, both loaded with talent, but equally susceptible to a disappearing act. The former first round pick from 2004 only had 12 goals last season, one he split with the Phoenix Coyotes. While he does add some much-needed size, he lacks toughness and is not much for checking.

To put it bluntly, the Rangers have had too many players act as reclamation projects, and it is already known that the rope Wolski is on is very short, and can be yanked at any time, especially given his $3.8 million price tag. If he clicks with Gaborik and Richards, then by all means, he could put up more than 20 goals, even though that is something he has accomplished only twice in his career. However, given the circumstances, and the fact that I do hold out much hope for players to automatically reverse their bad habits, if Wolski does not find himself cut to free up cap space before the season starts, then by the middle of October, the Rangers will be making that move.

Other than Wolski, another name that could be a fit for the top line wing spot is Brandon Dubinsky, because again, he brings size, and this time, actual toughness and fighting ability. But he also showed great chemistry with Ryan Callahan, and it would not be worth disrupting that just to load up on one line, because secondary scoring is equally as important. So, is there anyone on this team who could excel in that role? Well, how about another one of their free agent signings this summer, Mike Rupp? The enforcer and hard checker could be perfect on the line because he would not be relied on to score goals, just the occasional chip-in. His presence would allow Richards and Gaborik (not as a knock against them, but neither of them are physical players) more room on the ice, as well as acting as protection. Rupp could add size and balance, and be a force to be reckoned with in front of the net. Can Wolski do that?

Bottom-line is, when Wolski does not score, he is absolutely useless–worthless is the better word. He does not check, fight, or do anything aside from take up space. Rupp, on the other hand, can throw that body check to free up room, stand in front of the net to set a screen, and worst comes to worst, fight to stick up for a line-mate in case they are taken advantage of.

The Rangers have not had luck in recent years with enforcers. Donald Brashear was too old and Derek Boogaard experienced a severe injury. Colton Orr was the last good fighter they had, but alas, he did not have much hockey sense aside from rearing back and clocking someone in the head. Rupp has been known to score the occasional goal (ironically enough, he scored too many against the Rangers while a member of the Penguins) and his 22 goals in the last two seasons combined are very good for an enforcer, if not abnormally high. He is not a tremendous skater, but he can get around well enough that he won’t be a detriment. The Rangers should give this combination a shot. We know Wolski is going to be a bust, so lets just forgo the disappointment and give this threesome a shot in exhibition. Gretzky had Semenko, so why not let Gaborik and Richards have Rupp?

New York Rangers Sign Fighter Mike Rupp

On the heels of the tremendous successes the New York Rangers have witnessed with Donald Brashear and Derek Boogaard in the past two seasons, they are determined to add yet another enforcer, with the signing of Mike Rupp this afternoon. Rupp, a 30-year old fighter, has signed a three-year deal worth $4.5 million. Fans will remember him, not for his fighting ability, but for the fact that he seemed to score a goal every time he faced the Rangers while a member of the Pittsburgh Penguins. If this is a case of “Can’t beat em? Sign em!”, then I am elated with joy. After all, it worked so well with Chris Drury.

I am not going to rip this deal, however, because he comes on the cheap, can fight and hit, and even chip in a goal here and there, with more regularity that any other enforcer the Rangers have brought in. According to TSN, ten teams were going after Rupp this afternoon, and the Rangers were the high bidders. Lucky us. From Joe Aiello: “I love how we win all these bidding wars. We are like the spoiled rich kids.”

If Rupp can somehow find a way to net five to ten goals and protect Gaborik and Lundqvist, like Boogaard was brought here to do, then it will be worth it. Overall, if you are waiting for a blockbuster deal from the Rangers, keep in mind that Gomez, Drury, Redden, and Gaborik were also signed after 6pm EST if memory serves me correct. The Rangers have a habit of waiting until the early evening to make a splash, so stay patient.

In 497 career NHL games, Mike Rupp has 49 goals and 40 assists for 89 points. He has also racked up 656 penalty minutes.

New York Rangers: Toughness is Contagious

 

Last season the New York Rangers found themselves time and time again being hit and tossed around like a bunch of rag dolls, lacking toughness and a firebrand mentality bent on seeking revenge against those who ran into their goaltender countless times, gave their captain a concussion, or challenged the team’s only offensive superstar to a fight where he was then handily defeated.

To be more specific on the above events, and to refresh one’s memory on an all but forgettable 2009/10 season, how many times was Henrik Lundqvist bumped into and knocked over while the defense just stood there and did nothing? Where were the team’s pugilists who chose to not get even for the duration of a game after Chris Drury was knocked out after a dirty hit against the Calgary Flames? And furthermore, when Marian Gaborik was getting his face pounded by Daniel Carcillo in Philadelphia, why did Dan Girardi not come rushing in to his aid, choosing instead to be a spectator from a mere ten feet away?

The answers to these questions are unknown. The Rangers have been a team soft enough to soothe your face like a moisturized Kleenex since 1999 when Jeff Beukeboom, the last feared hitter that called New York his home, retired after he had a concussion and the ensuing symptoms. The Rangers were never able to properly replace him, though they did bring in a boundless amount of physical impostors who did more harm than good. Darius Kasparaitus, Dale Purinton, Ryan Hollweg and Erik Reitz (I actually laughed as I was typing that last one) all had potential to defend and protect the Rangers top stars and goaltenders, all of which had their own faults.

The Rangers, since the lockout, have lacked any kind of physicality or intimidation, sorely missed when playing the scrappy and corporeal Flyers. Tom Renney’s vision of a physical team included Ryan Hollweg running around taking hit-from-behind penalties, Colton Orr losing his breath climbing over the bench to go out on the ice, and Aaron Voros rivaling his face to an Everlast punching bag.

When John Tortorella first took over, one could have assumed that the team’s identity would change, and the Rangers style of play would mimic the personality of their head coach– feisty and determined. For the first season and change since taking over, we saw absolutely nothing that even came close to that inclination. Donald Brashear was brought in to enforce, but it was clear he would be no answer, as an early season injury and no forgiveness from the Garden Faithful prompted an end to Brashear’s Blueshirt career before it even began.

But now, at the start of John Tortorella’s second full campaign as Rangers coach, the team’s personality is changing. Could it be the youth finally getting a chance to show itself? Could it be that the players here last season are simply down to their last straw with opponents taking liberties against them? Or could it be the simple acquisition of Derek Boogaard?

This preseason, the Rangers have shown more heart and hitting than they did for most of last season. Ryan McDonagh and Pavel Valentenko are making Tortorella’s choice a tough one, as the final roster cuts that were supposed to be coming before tomorrow nights game have been put off until Sunday. Personally, after watching the last game, Valentenko would have the edge. He has a better shot than McDonagh, but also did something very subtle that drew my attention– he actually cleared the crease.

Towards the end of the Rangers last game at home against the Red Wings, Valentenko could be seen pushing Justin Abdelkader away from Henrik Lundqvist as his sat crouched down in the crease, trying to see where the next shot was coming from. The last defenseman the Rangers had that truly showed any ability to guard the net was Jason Strudwick, but unfortunately, his off-ice coaching skills were better than his playing skills, and he now has a job in Edmonton.

It is not really fair placing the blame for this on the shoulders of Rozsival, Gilroy, Del Zotto, and Girardi, when it comes to hitting and crease clearing, because that is not their game. However, when Lundqvist gets knocked over, or one of the team’s players knocked out, that does not require something learned in order to gets oneself involved, it is simple reflex-action. A teammate gets hit, and the teammate closest by is supposed to be there.

We have already seen this in the preseason as Derek Boogaard can be seen calmly patrolling the waters like a Coast Guard cutter. He has yet to drop the gloves, but his job is not to fight, it is for protection. At the end of last season, with Brashear gone, the Rangers “enforcer” was Brandon Prust and later Jody Shelley, but let me pose the question; would you knock into Lundqvist if you knew you were going to hear from Boogaard later on, or Brandon Prust? The answer is obvious. There is not a player, who in their right mind, would look to fight the six-foot, eight-inch “Boogie Man” unless they absolutely had to.

Boogaard’s presence will be more than enough, and the Rangers have players like Prust and Avery to drop the gloves on a regular basis, or if need be, Brandon Dubinsky. Perhaps Valentenko fights too, but I have yet to see him drop the gloves.

The Rangers finally lived up to their word this season when they gave the kids a chance to make the team and sent the veterans and unworthy’s packing. What this can do for a young player’s confidence level is immeasurable, and now they see sticking up for one another as not something they have to do, but something they want to do. When the Rangers played the Flyers and other tough teams last season, it was the opponent that set the physical pace. This season, though, the Rangers have the chance to set the tone for themselves.

A little bit of toughness can go along way. It not only inspires fellow teammates and propels them to play better, but it makes for very entertaining hockey. I do believe the Rangers will be better this season than what I originally predicted, and the team’s new mentality has contributed a lot to this change of heart.

Joe’s Angle: A Projected Rangers Lineup With Ilya Kovalchuk

The summer keeps on getting more and more intriguing. With Ilya Kovalchuk once again a free agent, it is time to get creative. If the Rangers want to, they can afford to sign the superstar winger and still keep all their assets. Below is a projected, cap-friendly lineup for the Rangers, with Kovalchuk inserted:

Line 1: Frolov ($3.000)-Prospal ($2.100)-Gaborik ($7.500)

Line 2: Aasen ($1.750)-Anisimov ($0.821)-Kovalchuk ($6.000)

Line 3: Callahan ($2.300)-Drury ($7.050)-Dubinsky ($1.850)

Line 4: Prust ($.8000)-Christensen ($0.925)-Avery ($1.937)

Scratches: Boogaard ($1.625)

Defense 1: Girardi ($3.325)-Rozsival ($5.000)

Defense 2: Eminger ($1.125)-Del Zotto ($1.087)

Defense 3: Staal ($4.500)-McDonaugh ($1.300)

Goaltenders: Lundqvist ($6.875), Biron ($0.875)

Cap Room: $240,833 (Figures courtesy of Cap Geek)

As you can see, everyone is being utilized to their full potential in this new lineup. The obvious subtractions are Todd White, Matt Gilroy, and Wade Redden, allowing for a $6 million cap hit of Kovalchuk, and a $4.5 for Marc Staal.

Callahan, Drury, and Dubinsky, who are all third-line caliber players, find themselves in the right roles, while Avery is placed on the fourth line with Christensen as his center and a combination of Prust and Boogaard on the wing. This line can be very physical and can also chip in a few goals.

Frolov will be placed in a supportive role, anchoring Gaborik’s line, while Anisimov is given a chance to shine with a spot centering Kovalchuk. Prospal also continues his role from last year as Gaborik’s center, while the rookie Aasen gets a chance to have a serious outburst playing on the second line.

The defense will be porous, but the Rangers offense may be able to make up for that.

Projected Rangers Forward Lineup with Alex Frolov’s Addition

Very quick post projecting the Rangers opening night forward  lineup, should they not make any more moves from here on out. I am still not sold on Frolov, but for $3 million and only a one year deal, there is really nothing to lose by signing him.

Line 1: Prospal-Christensen-Gaborik

Line 2: Frolov-Anisimov-Aasen

Line 3: Avery- Dubinsky-Callahan

Line 4: Boogaard-Drury-Prust

Scratches: Brashear, Boyle, and Weise

Not a very potent lineup when you consider the team’s first line center was a waiver wire pickup from a team that missed the playoffs last season, much like their own fate. Many are expecting Frolov and Gaborik to be on the same line, but the Rangers need to spread the wealth throughout.

Gaborik and Prospal showed great chemistry last season, and Christensen is a top-six forward or bust. He is not defensively responsible and is not a good checker, so he must go on the first line. Gaborik will still put up 40 goals regardless, provided he stays healthy.

The second line has the new addition of Frolov along with Mats Zuccarello-Aasen, who was signed from the Swedish Elite League this summer. He is incredibly fast and has decent skill, so putting him with a defensively responsible Artem Anisimov and the crafty Frolov would get the most out of that line.

Brandon Dubinsky will now find himself in a role he was destined for all along– a third line checking center. With Avery and Callahan on his wings, this will be one of the grittiest lines the Rangers have ever had. They have the ability to be relentless on the puck and pester their opponents. They also have decent speed and can put the puck in the net from time to time.

The Rangers $7 million center, Chris Drury, played his best hockey on the fourth line last season, so he should be there this season unless his play improves. Boogaard  and Prust on the wings will add even more toughness, and the Rangers are finally inching towards having a lineup that won’t be smacked around like a rag doll.

This team is still going nowhere, but they will at least be more enjoyable that last year’s disaster. I for one, would really like to see Avery centering a line of Boogaard and Brashear, that way when they lose every game 5-0 it will still be entertaining.

With the Market Shrinking, Kovalchuk Should Look to Broadway

When there is a big name free agent name free agent, what is the one team that is always mentioned? The New York Rangers.

Who is the biggest free agent available this summer? Ilya Kovalchuk

What team is the only big market team to not publicly have an interest in Ilya Kovalchuk? The New York Rangers.

For a team that year after year brings in big-money players, all is way too quiet on the Eastern front. Not once has there been a  rumor of the Rangers having an interest in Ilya Kovalchuk. Not from Eklund, not from the beat writers, not from anyone. The Rangers have to be interested in acquiring its services, so it is extremely strange that there has not even been word of an offer made to him.

Management has promised a better offensive team next season, but with no new catalysts brought in, and the homegrown players still at least a year away from development, this offensive help must come externally. Kovalchuk, despite his issues in big game situations is a perennial forty goal scorer who can hit more than fifty if he puts his mind to it. He is also a  guaranteed ninety points.

The only three teams that have been publicly announced as serious contenders are the Los Angeles Kings, New Jersey Devils, and New York Islanders. Although feasible, there is something wrong with each one of these teams being attractive to him.

First and foremost, Kovalchuk turned down the Kings offer this afternoon, so it is unlikely that he will sign there. The Devils have less than $4 million available, and would need to move a few players to fit him. Meanwhile, the Islanders offered Kovalchuk a ten-year deal worth $100 million. If it was about the money, he would have signed there immediately.

For Kovalchuk, it can’t be about the money. The reason being the Islanders offer, which was identical tot he offer Thrashers GM Don Waddell made to him last season. He has now had the chance to become the richest player in the NHL twice, topping both Crosby and Ovechkin, and he turned it down.

Should the Devils become economically capable of giving the same amount, would he want to play in front of a half-empty Prudential Center, as opposed to quarter full Nassau Coliseum?

Now, the Rangers are not in a great salary cap situation either. They have roughly $9 million in cap space, with Marc Staal and Dan Girardi still to sign. But there is just one thing Glen Sather needs to do, and the problem will be solved. We all know what it is– waive Wade Redden.

Should the Rangers get rid of Redden, and trade Brashear as well, the Rangers could not only be able to easily sign Kovalchuk, but be able to give Staal $4.5 million, and Girardi $2.5 million. Kovalchuk will not get anything close to $10 million a year.

Joe Aiello acknowledges that the deal he gets would have to be similar to what Marian Gaborik has, which is $7.5 million a year. Lets stop pretending that players do not care what their teammates are making. They do, and they get jealous. Making Kovalchuk he highest paid player on the Rangers has a chance to start animosity in the locker room. But if he was paid identical to Gaborik, it would be fine.

Kovalchuk also wants job security. In order to make him happy, the Rangers could give him a thirteen year deal worth $97.5 million, as Joe suggests. This would be very un-Sather like, but this is a new age in the NHL, one where salaries are structured as such. Each year until he turns 35, he could get paid $10 million per season, then the remaining $17.5 could be spread throughout the final five years of the contract, taking him until he turns forty years old.

The Rangers would be fools to not consider bringing him in, or at least making an offer. One would have to think that something is going down, because there is hardly any market for Kovalchuk, and the next step would be the KHL, and I seriously doubt that he wants to play there, because they could have made him the highest paid player in the world, and he w0uld have signed there already.

Keep in mind that the longer a player goes without signing, the less money they get. That is just how it always works out, year after year. No one knows how long it will take, but we will see very soon where he chooses to ink his name, and I would consider the Rangers a top contender for his services.

Around the NHL: Busy Day for Waiver Wire, Willie Huber Passes Away

We are now less than forty-eight hours away from the busiest day of the NHL off-season, free agent frenzy! Although there are not as many big names out there than there have been in year’s past, it still proves to be an exciting day, regardless of what team one cheers for.

Teams got busy this afternoon, waiving dead weight from the rosters in an attempt to free up extra space for Thursday afternoon.

The Anaheim Ducks waived Nathan Oystrick, the Lightning waived Todd Fedoruk, Florida waived Ville Koistinen, Calgary waived Ales Kotalik, the Senators said good-bye to one-time fifty goal scorer Jonathon Cheechoo, the Coyotes waived two players, Petteri Nokalainen and Jim Vandermeer, and the Rangers were the busiest, cutting ties with Aaron Voros, Donald Brashear, and Patrick Rissmiller.

One cannot help but feel bad for Rissmiller, who was signed two seasons ago to have a spot on the bottom six. The Rangers then signed Voros later that same day, and Rissmiller all but lost his job, appearing in only two games for the team since 2008. Hopefully he can find a job somewhere else and play with some regularity.

For Donald Brashear, who I actually liked, this comes as no surprise since Glen Sather announced weeks ago that he would never play another game for the Rangers. Hopefully the Rangers will handle this situation smartly, so they will not be on the hook for any of his salary.

Lastly, hopefully third time is a charm for Aaron Voros, as he was waived once again this afternoon. With the exception of a hot streak in his first month as a Ranger in 2008, he has brought absolutely nothing. No offense, no checking, and has been a relative punching bag in the majority of fights he has been in.

Something just tells me, though, that getting rid of Voros is easier said than done. He is best buddies with Henrik Lundqvist and Marian Gaborik, the two most important players on the team. Sean Avery is also thrown into the mix when these four “hang out” during the course of the season and the summer. That gives him a lot of pull with the organization, in my eyes, but hopefully that won’t stop him from finding work elsewhere.

Meanwhile, for Jonathon Cheechoo, it really is sad the fall this guy has taken since being on top of the hockey world in the 2005/06 season, when he scored 56 goals. As Adam Raider noted on the 100 Ranger Greats Facebook page, “I’m amazed at the turn Cheechoo’s career has taken. His goal totals over the years are as follows: 56, 37, 23, 12, 5. He is on pace for negative-7 goals next season.”

As a sad note, the Rangers and Red Wings lost a former long-time member of their defensive corps today, Willie Huber, who passed away due to a heart attack. Huber appeared in 655 games with the Rangers and Red Wings, as well as brief stints with the Vancouver Canucks and Philadelphia Flyers. He recorded 104 goals and 217 assists for 321 career points. He was an all-star in 1983 in the midst of a 43 point season.

Huber will be remembered mainly as a Red Wing, as he had his best offensive seasons there. But I will always remember watching him on episodes of Rangers Classics on MSG, during the Rangers thrilling playoffs runs in the 1980′s with the New York Islanders and Philadelphia Flyers.

He was way too young to go. Our thoughts and prayers are with his family.

Rangers and Coyotes: A Give-and-Take Relationship

This may seem like an odd and random topic to start writing about, but given the fact that the New York Rangers and Phoenix Coyotes have made several trades with each other since the lockout, I thought it appropriate since there are sure to be transactions upcoming this week that may or may not involve the two parties dealing with each other. One of these trades even predates Glen Sather’s former assistant, and current buddy, Don Maloney taking over as their GM.

Since 2005, these two teams have made four swaps, which is the most of any duo in the league. They include:

2005: Rangers sent former first round pick and draft bust Jamie Lundmark to the Coyotes in exchange for another center Jeff Taffe. This trade ended up being boringly even on both sides, but still leaning towards Phoenix because they got more use out of him than the Rangers got with Taffe. Lundmark would skate in 35 games, while scoring five goals and 13 assists. Taffe, meanwhile, played in only two games with the Rangers, going pointless– much like the trade.

2008: Rangers trade goaltending prospect Al Montoya and bottom six stalwart Marcel “Good Along the Boards” Hossa to the Coyotes for Fredric Sjostrom, Josh Gratton, and David LeNeveau. This is another trade that comes out even, as Hossa did not do much for the Coyotes and Gratton and LeNeveau would never even suit up for the Rangers. Meanwhile, the Rangers got good use out of Sjostrom, who was a part of the Rangers penalty killing success in the 08/09 season. Montoya has also become a part of solidifying a once questioned Coyotes goaltending situation.

2009: This is perhaps the biggest of all the deals, as it saw the Rangers trade the much beloved Petr Prucha to the Coyotes along with Nigel Dawes and Dmitri Kalinin for defenseman Derek Morris. Originally, it was seen to be in the Rangers favor. Kalinin was on the bad side of fans, and it was brutally obvious that Tortorella did not care for both Prucha and Dawes. Morris also happened to be one of the more sought after defenseman during the 2009 trade deadline. However, the Coyotes would end up winning this deal because Morris walked from the Rangers that summer, after not even scoring a goal in 18 games. Prucha was then retained by Phoenix, where he would have his best season since 2007, scoring 13 goals.

2009: Rangers trade anther former first round pick to the Coyotes for speedy winger Enver Lisin. Early on it looked like this trade was a steal for the Rangers, as Lisin showed excellent speed and skill at the beginning of last season. However, he would soon fall into John Tortorella’s dog house, and play only 57 games. Korpikoski would not fare much better, as he recorded one less goal than Lisin, with five. The Rangers have since announced at the end of the season that they will not qualify Lisin. Korpikoski, meanwhile, is signed on for another year.

The main reason why I bring up these trades now is because there is a rumor circulating that mentions the Rangers and Coyotes again in discussions for a trade involving Donald Brashear being sent for defenseman Jim Vandermeer. At first glance it seems like a trade that does not make sense, but when looking at it, it not only makes sense, but benefits both sides.

Sather and Maloney have made trades attempting to help each other out in the past, and this move can do both teams a favor. Sather has already said Brashear will not play another game for the Rangers, but he cannot be cut because he is over 35 and the team would be on the hook for his salary.

Meanwhile, Vandermeer makes $2.3 million and really has no place being on the Coyotes next season. Should this swap be made, both teams can then send the player to the AHL, the Coyotes saving money, and the Rangers being able to demote Vandermeer and clear all the salary.

It certainly does make sense, and given the working relationship between the two GM’s, this is the most logical rumor that has circulated in a long time.

Rangers Should Target Savard, Forget About Marleau

The center on the free agent market this summer that will be number one priority for teams lacking depth up the middle will be Patrick Marleau of the San Jose Sharks. Marleau, who has struggled pretty badly in 07/08 has since bounced back with two impressive seasons, recording 71 and 83 points, respectively.

Because of this renaissance, Marleau will be a hot commodity in the coming weeks, and the New York Rangers will most likely find their interest peeked at the free agent’s availability. However, his salary was $6.3 million last season, this coming after a career high 44 goals. Marleau will be set to make $7 million or higher, depending on the desperation of the bidder.

The Rangers will not be able to afford his salary, what with Chris Drury making $7 million to score fifty points, and the Rangers having impending RFA’s Dan Girardi and Marc Staal to sign. And even if the Rangers were to free up space, such as by miraculously getting rid of Wade Redden, I still would not want him.

As good as he has been, Marleau seems just like the player the Rangers would sign. At 31 and coming off his best season ever, he is past his prime, or at least on the cusp of passing it. He is going to command big bucks as mentioned earlier, but also a long term deal.

I do not see Marleau eclipsing the 44 goals and 83 points he scored this season, even if he would be playing alongside Marian Gaborik.

Fact is, if the Rangers do sign him and put him on the top line, even if he and Gaborik score 100 points each, where will other offense come from? Signing Marleau will only allow that one signing, with no space available to bring in secondary scoring.

However, with Marc Savard now available in Boston, according to Larry Brooks of the New York Post, the Rangers have a cheaper option that they can target.

The Bruins already have a slew of centers, including newly acquired Nathan Horton, Patrice Bergeron, David Krejci, and the soon-to-be-drafted Tyler Seguin. The Bruins will have no room for Savard and can use the cap space.

Should the Rangers bring in Savard, they would have a highly skilled center locked up for the next seven years (I know, it seems daunting) but the cap hit is a very manageable $4.007 million. Savard is only one year older than Marleau, and has put up 63 or more assists in four out of the last five seasons. He failed to reach that last season due to injury, where he only played 41 games, but still managed to put up 23 assists.

Savard also has experience playing in New York, albeit very brief. He was drafted by the Rangers in 1995 and played two seasons with the team from 1997 to 1999. In 98 games he scored 10 goals and 41 assists for 51 points. He was then shipped out by Neil Smith for Jan Hlavac.

But what would it take to get Savard?

Boston will most likely ask for Dubinsky and a draft pick, because remember, they need to clear up salary and could also use Dubinsky as a bottom six, checking forward, something he would be on the Rangers if it was not for such a severe lack of skill.

If the Bruins are desperate enough, than perhaps Dubinsky and a second round pick will be enough. I really cannot see any other moves that would work between the two teams that would be cap friendly. Obviously, the Rangers would love to shed Rozsival or Brashear in a deal, but to be realistic, that is just not going to happen.

Should Savard get traded, I expect we will see something on draft day, but it is just a hunch.

As a side note, Jonathon Ragus from Ranger Nation and MVP Gotham just posted this Facebook status: “Stupidity is a terrible thing. Ranger fans who think they should sign Evgeni Nabokov to be Henrik Lundqvist’s backup, I have one question for you– What the [expletive deleted] are you smoking? Sipping the stupid juice today?

I thought that was hilarious. I know Rangers fans aren’t that dumb, so for the sake of everyone’s IQ, I pray that July 1 will get here sooner rather than later.

Joe’s Angle: A Look at a Projected, Cap-Friendly Rangers Lineup

[Editor's Note by Greg Caggiano] First of all, I would like to congratulate Joe for his last article that got mentioned on Yahoo’s Puck Daddy blog yesterday. That will really be important for the blog in moving forward as we will get much more exposure. Also, for those of you that don’t know Joe, we have been writing and doing radio shows together off and on for almost three years now.

He is also the first writer I have ever brought in since transitioning to this new blog. He is a Rangers season ticket holder and is never shy in being brutally honest with the team when the situation calls for it. I’m sure you will all enjoy his writing.

Anyway, here is a look at his projected 2010/11 lineup, that is also salary cap friendly, with the numbers based on CapGeek.

Forwards

Callahan ($2.300)-Dubinsky ($1.850)-Gaborik ($7.500)

*Kovalchuk ($8.500)-Drury ($7.050)-*Aasen ($1.750)

**Grachev ($.933)-Anisimov ($.822)-Avery ($1.938)

**Weise ($.700)- Boyle ($.525)- Prust ($.650)

Scratches: Brashear ($1.400)

Defense

Rozsival ($5.000)- Staal ($3.500)

Girardi ($2.250)- Gilroy ($1.750)

*Foster ($1.200)- Del Zotto ($1.087)

Goaltenders

Lundqvist ($6.875)

*Biron ($2.000)

* Denotes players acquired via free agency

** Denotes players called up who were already in the system