Rangers Musings

With Jeremy in the moving process, and Jurgenno without internet for a bit, it’s up to me to continue with the Rangers Musings.

• Why do people seem to think that because the Rangers signed Tim Kennedy, that Dale Weise is automatically going to Hartford? They play different positions. The Rangers are still short on RW, even though they have 11 players at the C/LW positions.
• Speaking of those 11 players (Dubinsky, Prospal, Frolov, Christensen, Drury, Kennedy, Avery, Boogaard, Anisimov, White, Boyle), there has to be some sort of deal coming, right? Even if the Rangers carry 13 forwards, with four RW, that leaves 9 C/LW. Either two players are getting traded, or two are going to Hartford.
• Mats Zuccarello-Aasen wasn’t included in the 11 forwards for a reason, I don’t believe he will make the roster out of camp. If he does, then it’s 12 C/LW, and 3 are destined for Hartford.
• It’s good to see that Sean Avery is planning on returning to form this season. If he doesn’t, I don’t think he will be around much longer.
• Martin Biron may not be a determining factor in the hunt for the playoffs, but will be the biggest factor in the playoffs. A rested King is a good King.
• Even if Alex Frolov doesn’t spend time with Marian Gaborik at even strength, he will see a ton of powerplay time with him. I expect a good season from the winger.
• Derek Stepan and Evgenvy Grachev will be playing in Hartford next season. The reason? There are 11 C/LW signed already. Oh, and they just simply aren’t ready yet.
• Ryan McDonagh, assuming a normal camp, will probably make the roster. If he doesn’t, he will be the first call up.
• Regardless if McDonagh makes the roster, the Rangers need to dump salary. However, that doesn’t need to be done by dumping Wade Redden. If Staal signs for anything less than $4.5 million, the Rangers can send Matt Gilroy, Todd White, and MZA to Hartford and still have the cap space for Redden and Staal. If Staal signs for $4 million, then the Rangers can have Staal, McDonagh and Redden on the roster, and have seven defensemen and thirteen forwards. (Cap numbers as per CapGeek)
• Dark horse to make the team: Ethan Werek.
• As for Staal, a deal will be done. It not time to panic yet. When Bobby Ryan signs, then it’s time to panic.
• Donald Fehr is perfect for the union, just pay him his money and get some solid leadership.
• This is the 13th bullet in the Musings, and it makes me wonder. Why do buildings in NYC skip the number 13? The elevators go from 12 to 14. Those on the “14th floor” are really on the 13th floor.
• Minor programming note: Jeremy is still moving, Jurgenno is without internet, and I will be going to Fire Island tomorrow for the weekend. So I am going to be writing posts tonight and tomorrow for Saturday, Sunday, and Monday. They won’t be outdated by the time they are posted, but any big news may have a delay in posting.
• What are the odds that Hurricane Earl delays or cancels my trip? I say, 45%.
• As of yesterday, we here at Blue Seat Blogs are now a proud member of the Yard Barker network. You may have noticed the toolbar at the top of the page, and the added widget on the sidebar. We are very happy to be on board with Yard Barker