As we are in the midst of crunch week for the NHL-NHLPA negotations, which now has included cross-border labor concerns, I figured I would get rid of Don Fehr's picture for now with some actually hockey news.
The Rangers re-signed Steve Eminger today to a one-year deal worth $750k, adding a solid depth d-man to the fold. This is what I wrote on June 18 and I think a good part, both good and bad, came to fruition prompting the signing:
My View on Eminger back then: could return to the Rangers and fill a similar role as he did the past two seasons, though as a UFA, likely looking for more certain ice time and salary. If Rangers are successful in Nash or other scorer pursuit, Erixon or Del Zotto could be a critical component of that deal, opening up a spot on the blue line, which might be filled by Eminger. Also, he is impacted by Michael Sauer's health, as if he remains out as expected, the Rangers will have a need on the blue line. In addition, if money spent on forwards or stud d-man, not much will remain, which also could help Eminger. His return to the Rangers could be a late-summer determination.
What did happen: Rangers did get Nash and moved Erixon. Del Zotto is still unsigned and now is being asked by Glen Sather to come to senses when it comes to signing a deal, meaning that the two sides are not as close as we hoped. The view is that both sides are closer than they were a while ago but not so close that a deal is imminent, but a push could occur before the September 15 lock-out date. Unfortunately, based on Torts' comments Sunday, Sauer will not be back any time soon, as he won't be ready to start the season and reading further into it, there has to be some concern, though I hope not, that the injury could be career-threatening. For the reasons just stated, re-signing Eminger, who is a solid 5/6 d-man, was imperative.
New York Rangers Blogger • 
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