TSN, Cullen: Rangers Offseason Plans

Over at TSN, Scott Cullen has evaluated the Rangers offseason plans. It’s definitely worth a read, as he touches on some points that we as fans have already touched on. One of the key points is Zherdev, who is “enigmatic”, would succeed and be a dynamic player in the right situation. Zherdev has never played for an offensive minded coach until the brief Torts stint at the end of the season. It would be extremely beneficial to the Rangers to get him under contract, if just for a year, to see what he can do.

Cullen also touches on a point that divides a lot of Ranger fans: Michael Rozsival. Rozsival, coming off his worst season, is capable of being more of the offensive defenseman than he showed last year. Was his hip to blame? Possibly, but he would never admit it. If the Rangers need to create cap space, than he is the most likely to go, but I think he should stick around for another season. If Torts gets him to shoot more on the PP, even just throwing the puck at the net, it could provide a big boost.

Now, while the article does have a professional point of view from what we have been discussing, you should note that Cullen’s cap numbers are off. He is using the annual salary of the player to calculate the cap room, not the average of the salary. He is also using Sean Avery’s full salary, not the re-entry portion the Rangers are on the hook for. So while that does not affect the point of his article, you should be using NHLNumbers to have a better understanding of the Rangers cap situation. There is also the minor detail of Cullen listing Vally as a UFA, when he is signed for next season. But, that’s minor.

Drop by, read the article, and definitely comment on what you think the Rangers should do, and what the Rangers are capable of doing.