Rangers Sign Gaborik
As mentioned earlier, the Rangers have signed RW Marian Gaborik to a 5 year, $37.5 million deal, which averages out to a $7.5 million cap hit. I must say, although I’m hesitant about his injury history, this is a fantastic signing. The Rangers just replaced Gomez with Gaborik, as they had the same cap hit (for all intents and purposes).
This signing is nothing short of fantastic. Gaborik is the go to scorer, the game changer, the attention grabber that they desperately needed. And they got him by paying market value for him. Glen Sather, I applaud this off season so far.
Sather solved two huge problems in the past two days. He solved the salary cap woes by dumping Gomez, while still getting a helluva return for him, and solved the goal scoring issue with Gaborik, and didn’t give up any youth to do it. If anyone can whip Gaborik into shape, it’s Tortorella.
Speaking of that youth, don’t worry, there’s plenty of room ($17 million) to resign all the RFAs (Higgins, Zherdev, Korpikoski, Callahan, Dubinsky).
As for Brashear, I still hate him, but he’s necessary. Hank got bumped too often and no one did anything about it. Brashear changes that. Granted, you will be paying about $1 million per goal over the life of the contract.
Another aspect of Brashear, no one will mess with Avery anymore.
The lines so far (assuming RFAs get signed):
Higgins-Drury (Dubi) – Gaborik
Avery-Dubi (Drury)-Zherdev (Callahan)
Korpikoski-Anisimov-Callahan (Zherdev)
Byers (maybe)-Boyle-Brashear
Voros
That’s pretty good.
Tags: Marian Gaborik
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By Stas, July 1, 2009 @ 9:32 pm
interesting u mention and Brashear and Avery…they have some history. Brashear accused Avery earlier in his career for speaking ethnic slurs toward him during a game.
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Dave Reply:
July 2nd, 2009 at 12:08 am
And Blake accused Avery of saying something about cancer.
I wouldn’t be shocked, but I don’t believe it right now.
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By Jordan, July 1, 2009 @ 10:28 pm
TSN reporting Havlat reaches agreement with Wild.
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Dave Reply:
July 2nd, 2009 at 12:08 am
They do need some offense.
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By adam, July 1, 2009 @ 11:11 pm
I have a bad feeling the gaborik signing. everytime he’s on the ice we are going to be praying he dosn’t get hurt instead of praying for a goal. he is a amazing talent but will only help the team when he’s healthy (almost never). I hope i’m proven wrong – he certainly has the talent to do it.
I still would rather of had heats but i think the gem out there was hossa – solid two way player and offensive talent. the hawks got a great deal on him (5.2 mil cap hit for 12 years but heavily front loaded so the hit won’t be too bad if he retires near the end of the contract).
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adam Reply:
July 1st, 2009 at 11:17 pm
another interesting tibit about the hossa signing…. Kane, Toews and Keith are free agents next year and the cap is expected to drop. hossa, campbell and huet eat a lot of cap room. have to figure kane and toews get around 6 or 7 mil each next year. i wonder how that’s going to work for them?
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Dave Reply:
July 2nd, 2009 at 12:10 am
They may look to deal Campell this year to a team with room. He’s #3 on their depth chart anyway.
All three are RFAs, so there’s compensation involved too.
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By Mike A., July 2, 2009 @ 12:21 am
Madden signed with Chicago, one year for $2.75M. Nice little signing. Can’t believe he’s 36 already.
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Stas Reply:
July 2nd, 2009 at 7:25 am
john madden was always one of those guys I wish the Rangers had…i just love the way he plays
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Dave Reply:
July 2nd, 2009 at 10:02 am
He deserved that kind of money. Such a classy guy. Him and Parise were the two Devils I always respected.
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By MaddMatt, July 2, 2009 @ 9:48 am
After sleeping the Rangers’ moves I’m not as mad. Especially since this gives them felxability going into the season, instead of being right up against the cap.
the lines I’d like to see:
Higgins -Drury – Gaborik – experienced center with Gab
Avery – Dubi – Callahan – young energetic line
Korpikoski – Anisimov- Zherdev
Byers -Boyle – Brashear
I do like a previous comment which mentioned Brashear will protect Avery and some other guys; but couldn’t Orr have done that?
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Dave Reply:
July 2nd, 2009 at 10:05 am
Orr is nowhere near as feared as Brashear. Brashear’s presence will prevent anyone from f-ing with our young guns or Gaborik.
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MaddMatt Reply:
July 2nd, 2009 at 12:48 pm
And for 2 years, why not, it’s not like age is slowing his skill set down, he’ll always be able to brawl.
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Dave Reply:
July 2nd, 2009 at 2:18 pm
Skill set? What skill set?
Oh, fighting. Right. Yea, age won’t hurt that.
What I don’t like is the two years, but whatever, beggars can’t be choosers.
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