Ryan McDonagh (Rumors: Close to Signing, but not yet)

Ryan McDonagh: NHL ready? Soon to be signed? Unwilling to sign with New York?

UPDATE: Rumours circulating online that the Rangers have signed the promising Defenseman today. More to follow I’m sure….

UPDATE #2.: Now being reported McDonagh has NOT signed today. Let the initial excitment subside.

There are many questions that need answering regarding Ryan McDonagh. Here are the facts. The three years he’s played in Wisconsin McDonagh had totals of 12, 16 and 18 points alongside totals of 5, 5 and 4 goals. Steady yet unspectacular numbers but it’s his style that has fans hoping he dons New York blue this coming season. McDonagh plays a physical style and has good size at 6’1 and 210. Blessed with excellent skating ability McDonagh is considered to be a good two way player. Hockey’s future wrote this on him:

Has the size to be a physical force. He combines that with an ability to contribute on the offensive end of the rink, making the smart pass and keying the rush.

The former Montreal first round pick and Minnesota’s ‘Mr Hockey’ in 2007 has won numerous awards throughout his upstart career. In 2008 he was in the WCHA all rookie team, in 2009 he was named to the academic all – big ten and WCHA all academic teams while the same year he was voted by his team-mates as the most competitive player on the Badgers – speaking volumes about his character and approach. McDonagh has won medals internationally for the USA in 2007 and 2008, has been an alternate captain for the Badgers and recently was named the captain for the forthcoming season – if he returns

So with the ideal playing style, intangibles (leadership, maturity) and track record McDonagh seems set for a spot in the pro ranks but with all the rumours of his return to Wisconsin and the (unsubstantiated) panic rumour that he doesn’t want to be part of the franchise it’s still unclear what his intentions are. Glen Sather stated McDonagh and fellow Badger Derek Stepan would be at rookie camp and Stepan was promptly signed out of college. Will this decision affect McDonagh’s? Surely it will. The only obvious reasons for the pro ready McDonagh to stay in college are getting a degree and NCAA frozen four success but the latter is greatly compromised without playmaker Stepan. Will completing a degree now (rather than after the career) be enough of an incentive to spurn an entry deal of $850k plus bonuses per year?

Playing devils advocate and assuming McDonagh turns pro where would he fit? Hartford is crying out for an infusion of quality and quantity while The Rangers need quality but not quantity. The numbers game would suggest he’d start in the AHL but in terms of readiness he may be ready for New York (rookie camp will offer more insight). A lot of McDonagh’s immediate (pro) future depends on Wade Redden, Mat Gilroy and the contenders to the bottom defensive pair. Ideally McDonagh would snatch a spot and help address the unit’s need for greater physicality.  With the way Gilroy’s season ended (read: dog and house) and the potential for Redden’s departure, ‘RcM’ could be set to make an impact immediately. One promising theory could see him team up with Mike Del Zotto. Looking past the inexperience of the pair their styles compliment each other well. McDonagh while capable offensively would be the ying to MDZ’s offensive yang and the pair could grow together if they are managed closely. Personally I love the age and upside of a top 4 featuring Staal – Girardi; Del Zotto – McDonagh.

With draft day looming the next few weeks promise to be exciting and full of second guessing. Who knows, with buy out season upon us, maybe further spots open up in New York.