The McDonagh Situation
Ever since it was announced that Ryan McDonagh would be returning to Wisconsin next season, and subsequently be named captain, there has been a little panic in Rangerland. If McDonagh does not sign by August 15, 2011, he will become an unrestricted free agent. Should Wisconsin make a run to the Frozen Four again next season, that will leave the Rangers with four months of negotiating time to get McDonagh under contract before August 15.
There are many prospects that decide to play their senior years in college. McDonagh, who feels there is unfinished business in college after getting blown out in the Frozen Four Championship Game. McDonagh wants one more shot at a NCAA championship. Another good thing is that he gets another year of playing with Derek Stepan, another top prospect in the Rangers system.
It is true that if McDonagh, a big stay at home defenseman who clears the crease (something the Rangers sorely need), can become a UFA if he does not sign by August 15, 2011. But let’s remember that it is 2011, not 2010. Wisconsin is one of the top programs in the nation, he will not hurt his development by staying another year. If by August 1, 2011, the Rangers and McDonagh have not reached an agreement, then you can panic. Until then, it is just business as usual.
By Jeremy, May 4, 2010 @ 5:46 pm
This happened with Blake Wheeler and Phoenix, right? Obviously, that didn’t work out too well. I don’t doubt that McDonagh will be signed, sealed and delivered soon.
By brian, May 4, 2010 @ 6:10 pm
I don’t understand, why is he allowed to be an RFA? I thought we owned his rights?
jurgenno88 Reply:
May 5th, 2010 at 5:50 am
IF he doesnt sign after his NCAA eligiblity runs out i think he can become a free agent. Im not sure of the exact rules but there is some precedence as Jeremy indicates with Wheeler. Its rare though that it happens though and with friends sch as Stepana nd Kreider both Ranger bound why would he not go there? AS in my post below there’s alot of reasosn for him to come here. Why would he choose 90% of the other teams ahead of NY?
Dave Reply:
May 5th, 2010 at 9:15 am
He becomes a UFA if he is not signed, not an RFA. It’s a very rare occurrence though, as jurgenno stated, only Blake Wheeler had that happen. I think that had more to do with being drafted by Phoenix than anything else.
By jurgenno88, May 5, 2010 @ 5:48 am
but as Dave says, other playres have played out their eligibility and are going to their drafetd team. Blake Geoffrion is going to Nashville after plying four years NCAA. THis cocnern shoudltn be a concern. The only issue is that its disappointing McDonagh isnt coming out this year as he’s needed.
Why wouldnt he sign here anyway? We’re a club stacked in history and tradition, with a reputation for treating players well (too well?) and there’s a spot for the taking for him. Too much is being made out of perhaps a sensible decision for the individual, not necessarily his future team.
Dave Reply:
May 5th, 2010 at 9:20 am
Stacked with history and tradition? Really? What tradition?
I would think he chooses to sign with the Rangers because they are a team on the upward swing (by the time he gets here). There are a lot of young kids that will grow together. Plus, Stepan will be here.
jurgenno88 Reply:
May 5th, 2010 at 10:57 am
i agree with all that but being an original six franchise does count for something. 4 cups are 4 more than alot of teams no matter how old 3 of them are and some of the greats who’ve played for the Ranegrs counts for something too. Alot of players liek the market as well. NY will always be a draw, i cant imagine he’d choose against us because of those factors.
But yeah, we SHOULD be on the
up-swing when he’s ready so that has to be a big factor.
By Gary, May 5, 2010 @ 7:54 am
Maybe if he stay at the college level he can not be used as trade bait?
Dave Reply:
May 5th, 2010 at 9:21 am
He can still be traded, but I see no reason why they would trade him. He is exactly what this team needs going forward.