The cap should increase after next year, a buyout of Richards clear's some cap space. Pyatt and Asham probably wont be resigned either.
- tomburton99

If we buyout Richards. Sign Stepan @$4M, McD @$3.75M, Hags @$2M, Zucc@$1.5M and somehow dump Pyatt.... we have about $9.8M in Cap space with a 20 man roster already on the books. It is doable...


What I am scared of is look at the UFA class this year. It BLOWS. When Richards is bought out we wont even be utilizing that money unless we took a 1 year flyer on a vet like Dallas did.

http://nhl.com/mc/comments/hey_slats_safe_is_death

such a great article now

oh the irony

That would be like the Rangers dealing Hank to NJ.

- MidnightMarauder

Send him our way, we'll get him his cup.

http://nhl.com/mc/comments/hey_slats_safe_is_death

such a great article now

oh the irony
- FourFeathers773

Doesn't open.

Doesn't open.
- mrhattrick27

nhl .com/mc/comments/hey_slats_safe_is_death

this page without the space before .com

dont know why, it keeps renaming the link and breaking it

Send him our way, we'll get him his cup.
- FAZOOL

I agree. Wanting and able are 2 different things.

We could win without Malkin. We've tried the big splash in years past and it blows up. I know Malkin is a different player but I see no guarentee that his signing wouldn't blow up either.
- jambodelta99

Malkin is way differet han Richards Drury or Gomez by long shot.

nhl.com/mc/comments/hey_slats_safe_is_death
- FourFeathers773

nope

nope
- mrhattrick27

G-damn it, ill just paste it

Hey Slats: Safe Is Death

by Mike Chen on 02/23/09 at 04:44 PM ET
Comments (0)

If I’m picking a new coach for the New York Rangers, I’m thinking three words: shut yer yap.

That infamous phrase, of course, came from the mouth of former Tampa Bay Lightning coach—and Stanley Cup champion—John Tortorella. Tortorella, a former assistant coach with the Rangers as well, was always a great quote and his no-bull style of talk would give the New York media interesting fodder every day. If you’ve caught any of his analyst work of TSN, you’ll know that he just doesn’t have that filter between his brain and his head—and that’s a good thing. Entertainment value aside, though, Tortorella’s coaching outlook and gruff approach might be just what the Blueshirts need. Let’s look at the Rangers checklist of problems:

-Boring, uninspired hockey—Need a little excitement in your game? Get the coach who yells the most, but who also employs a philosophy he termed “Safe is Death.” The Lightning were one of the first teams to transition from the trap-style of play to a more up-tempo style based on skating. Tortorella’s hard-nosed style gets players to skate hard, hit hard, and work hard (though it eventually wears thin, but hey, all coaches have a shelf life).
-Boring, scoreless hockey—“Safe is Death” isn’t just about staying away from the neutral zone trap. It’s about emphasizing scoring and skill over passive play that hopes for good turnovers.
-Bored, uninspired stars—Scott Gomez, Wade Redden, Chris Drury, you got issues? Let Uncle Torts come and set you straight. After all, this is the guy who turned Vincent Lecavalier from pouty turnover-prone whiner to a team leader and a shorthanded threat. Yes, there were growing pains with Lecavalier, and I’m sure they’re not BFFs these days, but Lecavalier is the first to state that Tortorella accelerated his growth and helped mold him into the player he is today.

Recent NHL hiring trends are shifting towards taking the next generation from the AHL and junior hockey, and part of this may even be a cost issue—those guys, after all, come cheaper than someone with a Stanley Cup on his resume. However, there’s a difference between recycling Craig Hartsburg and his nearly empty resume and a guy who literally took a team from worst to first and helped shape some of the preeminent stars of today’s game.

Safe is death? In this case, John Tortorella may actually be the safe choice for Glen Sather.

G-damn it, ill just paste it

Hey Slats: Safe Is Death

by Mike Chen on 02/23/09 at 04:44 PM ET
Comments (0)

If I’m picking a new coach for the New York Rangers, I’m thinking three words: shut yer yap.

That infamous phrase, of course, came from the mouth of former Tampa Bay Lightning coach—and Stanley Cup champion—John Tortorella. Tortorella, a former assistant coach with the Rangers as well, was always a great quote and his no-bull style of talk would give the New York media interesting fodder every day. If you’ve caught any of his analyst work of TSN, you’ll know that he just doesn’t have that filter between his brain and his head—and that’s a good thing. Entertainment value aside, though, Tortorella’s coaching outlook and gruff approach might be just what the Blueshirts need. Let’s look at the Rangers checklist of problems:

-Boring, uninspired hockey—Need a little excitement in your game? Get the coach who yells the most, but who also employs a philosophy he termed “Safe is Death.” The Lightning were one of the first teams to transition from the trap-style of play to a more up-tempo style based on skating. Tortorella’s hard-nosed style gets players to skate hard, hit hard, and work hard (though it eventually wears thin, but hey, all coaches have a shelf life).
-Boring, scoreless hockey—“Safe is Death” isn’t just about staying away from the neutral zone trap. It’s about emphasizing scoring and skill over passive play that hopes for good turnovers.
-Bored, uninspired stars—Scott Gomez, Wade Redden, Chris Drury, you got issues? Let Uncle Torts come and set you straight. After all, this is the guy who turned Vincent Lecavalier from pouty turnover-prone whiner to a team leader and a shorthanded threat. Yes, there were growing pains with Lecavalier, and I’m sure they’re not BFFs these days, but Lecavalier is the first to state that Tortorella accelerated his growth and helped mold him into the player he is today.

Recent NHL hiring trends are shifting towards taking the next generation from the AHL and junior hockey, and part of this may even be a cost issue—those guys, after all, come cheaper than someone with a Stanley Cup on his resume. However, there’s a difference between recycling Craig Hartsburg and his nearly empty resume and a guy who literally took a team from worst to first and helped shape some of the preeminent stars of today’s game.

Safe is death? In this case, John Tortorella may actually be the safe choice for Glen Sather.
- FourFeathers773

Wel lwe all thought we wer getting the safe is death coach and instead we literally got the opposite. Ergo, fired please.

Unsure if you guys read Brooks today, but I am even more down after reading it.

I agree. Wanting and able are 2 different things.

We could win without Malkin. We've tried the big splash in years past and it blows up. I know Malkin is a different player but I see no guarentee that his signing wouldn't blow up either.
- jambodelta99

There are very few guarantees in life. But, I will say this. If you give Malkin Richard's money next summer (and a couple of extra million), and keep the roster relatively intact otherwise, I think the team would win a Stanley Cup within the 3-4 years after his signing, or at least go deep into the playoffs 2-3 times.

Is there any chance of torts getting fired and them hiring Messier as HC, with leetch and graves as assistants?

I agree, the Rangers need some toughness, and they also need some guys that play on the edge. When the Rangers bring in toughness, they usually bring in the type of guys that play 5 minutes a night. By way of example, what good is Arron Asham's toughness doing anyone if he is on the ice for 4 minutes. I've said this all year, but the team needs couple of mean SOBs to shake up that room a little. Too many nice guys.

With all the above said, I also think that Boston is whipping the Rangers, because they're skilled guys are playing much better. Boston is not just a bunch of bullies, they also have guys that are supremely skilled. They are playing well at the right time, and as a result, I think they have a shot at the Pens.
- Pete V

Maybe McIlrath makes the team

Re: Malkin...

He may not be re-signed, although I think he will. But if he's not Shero is already well aware. He will speak with Malkin and make him an offer. Much like Staal he will know well before Malkin is to hit the market whether he will be back the following year.

So for arguments sake let's say he knows Malkin wants to move on.

a) Shero will trade him without a doubt. No way he makes it to market with nothing in return.
b) It won't be to a team within the division or probably even the conference.

So in order for him to end up with the Rangers he would have to get traded to a team willing to give up a ton of assets who wouldn't re-sign him.

There is no way that happens. And yes, even if teams know Malkin will be a UFA soon Shero will find someone willing to pay through the nose just for a chance to sign him. If Staal brought back a top 10, Sutter and a prospect one would think Malkin will fetch at least double that being in the same situation.

I just don't see how he can become a Ranger unless he's traded there, and I don't see that happening.

It will be interesting to see how it all shakes out.

Unsure if you guys read Brooks today, but I am even more down after reading it.
- airjan23

Thanks for ruining my morning even more Jan...

It's always a sad offseason for 29 teams that didn't win the cup. One has to think the Rangers won't sit on their hands this offseason when they get eliminated by the Bruins.

A complete overhaul is not necessary, there was a ton of turnover already, but there are some key issues that can't be ignored.

To buy out Richards or not? To bring back Tortorella or not? Have to re-sign Stepan, McDonagh, Hagelin and Zuccarello and, in my opinion, do whatever it takes to acquire a true power play point man.

There are some good kids in the organization and they need to play. How this will all come together this summer should be interesting.
- MidnightMarauder

This can't even be a question MM. He is (frank)ing stealing from the Rangers, there is no other way to put it. That is a 3M player at this point in his career and that might be stretching it.

I just can't believe how far he's fallen.

Re: Malkin...

He may not be resigned, although I think he will. But if he's not Shero is already well aware. He will speak with Malkin and make him an offer. Much like Staal he will know well before Malkin is to hit the market whether he will be back the following year.

So for arguments sake let's say he knows Malkin wants to move on.

a) Shero will trade him without a doubt. No way he makes it to market with nothing in return.
b) It won't be to a team within the division or probably even the conference.

So in order for him to end up with the Rangers he would have to get traded to a team willing to give up a ton of assets who wouldn't resign him.

There is no way that happens. And yes, even if teams know Malkin will be a UFA soon Shero will find someone willing to pay through the nose just for a chance to sign him. If Staal brought back a top 10, Sutter and a prospect one would think Malkin will fetch at least double that being in the same situation.

I just don't see how he can become a Ranger unless he's traded there, and I don't see that happening.

It will be interesting to see how it all shakes out.
- canadianpenfan

I think Malkn remain a Pen. Fleury will be gone and they will make it work with a Crawford type goalie in net.

This can't even be a question MM. He is (frank)ing stealing from the Rangers, there is no other way to put it. That is a 3M player at this point in his career and that might be stretching it.

I just can't believe how far he's fallen.
- canadianpenfan

I pray the Pens spend $3M on him for the Ranger sake.Guy should be scratched for Newbury as he would make a bigger difference.

I agree. Wanting and able are 2 different things.

We could win without Malkin. We've tried the big splash in years past and it blows up. I know Malkin is a different player but I see no guarentee that his signing wouldn't blow up either.
- jambodelta99

Agreed, the Rangers should take no part in free agency this summer. They aren't far off from being a solid contender. A trade here, a change in philosophy there and a hiring of a power play coach is a must.

The Rangers lost six games in these playoffs, four by one goal, an efficient power play could have turned those losses into wins.

I am aware Hank covers up a lot but that is what he is paid to do. As long as he is a Ranger they could get away with certain deficiencies. But they simply can' get away with a power play being this dreadful. It has killed them for years and I think it has been worse this year than ever before. That is saying a lot.

Is there any chance of torts getting fired and them hiring Messier as HC, with leetch and graves as assistants?
- jambodelta99

Maybe the next coach was sitting in the stands last night with his hot wife who have a hot daughter getting jiggy with half the male population as we speak

Re: Malkin...

He may not be resigned, although I think he will. But if he's not Shero is already well aware. He will speak with Malkin and make him an offer. Much like Staal he will know well before Malkin is to hit the market whether he will be back the following year.

So for arguments sake let's say he knows Malkin wants to move on.

a) Shero will trade him without a doubt. No way he makes it to market with nothing in return.
b) It won't be to a team within the division or probably even the conference.

So in order for him to end up with the Rangers he would have to get traded to a team willing to give up a ton of assets who wouldn't resign him.

There is no way that happens. And yes, even if teams know Malkin will be a UFA soon Shero will find someone willing to pay through the nose just for a chance to sign him. If Staal brought back a top 10, Sutter and a prospect one would think Malkin will fetch at least double that being in the same situation.

I just don't see how he can become a Ranger unless he's traded there, and I don't see that happening.

It will be interesting to see how it all shakes out.
- canadianpenfan

Good post. But, I think the difference between the Staal situation and the Malkin situation is that the Hurricanes knew that Staal would sign with the Canes and, therefore, were willing to give up good assets to get a deal done a year early. With Malkin, I don't think any team is going to give up the earth, the stars, and the sun to trade for him unless they have some assurances that he will sign with them.

I know that New York has always been a major draw for Russian players. I also know that the Rangers will have the space to pursue him next year if they let Richard's go. I also know that the Penguins and Rangers aren't opposed to dealing with one another, in that they almost a completed a deal for Jordan Staal (so, even a trade between the two is possible, but not at full Malkin value, as he will be a UFA).

My personal feeling is this. If Malkin doesn't re-sign with the Penguins, if he really wants to be the head hauncho on a team, the Rangers will be his landing spot, IMO.

rangers are getting beat the same way the got beat last year against the devils. they have no answers for the 4th line. last year it was carter,bernier and gionta, this year its pallie,thorton and Kelly.

I pray the Pens spend $3M on him for the Ranger sake.Guy should be scratched for Newbury as he would make a bigger difference.
- mrhattrick27

I don't want to come off as trying to pile on here...

But when a PP struggles this bad and receives as much negative press as this one has lately, why does this guy keep getting thrown out there to QB it? It makes no sense. I've heard it mentioned here and it's so true, this team need a true PP Dman badly.

PS. No way no how Pit brings him in.

This can't even be a question MM. He is (frank)ing stealing from the Rangers, there is no other way to put it. That is a 3M player at this point in his career and that might be stretching it.

I just can't believe how far he's fallen.
- canadianpenfan

I agree but the Rangers might give him one more year before they buy him out. I don't think they cut him loose this summer. You are right though, he is a bigger thief than Jesse James.