Didn't see the press conference but I love this quote

@NYRangers: "It's a clean slate for everybody, so let's decide what we want to write on that slate"-Alain Vigneault: http://t.co/z64moGEN5g
- fquicks

stu bickell just got a boner

"none of the players nor was any management besides Glen Sather and James Dolan there."

Jan....They did mention that Shoney and Jeff Gorton were there, just not up on the big stage

"none of the players nor was any management besides Glen Sather and James Dolan there."

Jan....They did mention that Shoney and Jeff Gorton were there, just not up on the big stage
- wheresthesoda

Thanks for the info. Makes Messier's absence more telling, will update the blog

I can understand the view to a point but Briere is injury prone while MZA could really have a spike in production in Vigneault's style of play. Plus, he is a lot younger.
- airjan23

Briere has already stated his kids will NOT leave the Philly area. Little bit leverage there

Also, not at the cost of losing MZA

"none of the players nor was any management besides Glen Sather and James Dolan there."

Jan....They did mention that Shoney and Jeff Gorton were there, just not up on the big stage
- wheresthesoda

see revised paragraph

i'd almost rather have briere over zuccarello.

we might be able to offer less since he lives close by and won't have to relocate.
- rangerdanger94

Biere=4+ mil
Zuc=2

"..... I have to admit, I didn't see Torts fitting in Vancouver..."

That obvious, huh?

In all seriousness, I really hope he's on a short-leash here (at least in terms of his defensive coaching style - although perhaps he'll defer back to his Tampa days).

That said, at least the pressers should be fun, though

Great hire by Rangers, I see them being a force in the East for years to come.

Biere=4+ mil
Zuc=2
- BobbySchmautz

Briere at 4 mill is a huge mistake. 35 yrs old, 6 goals last year. Another smaller player

No thanks

Briere at 4 mill is a huge mistake. 35 yrs old, 6 goals last year. Another smaller player

No thanks
- Slimtj100

i wouldn't get him over zuccarello but if we still have cap room and he only wants a 1 year deal, why not? we could just move him for a pick at the deadline at worst, and at best, he performs like he normally does in the playoffs in what could be our last legit year to win with richards on the squad.

if they keep richards, i think next season is really, really big. as much as he's sucked, he's still an okay player. if he turns it around next season, which he might because i don't think he liked torts' style at all, and we have a proven playoff performing veteran that has a knack for scoring goals, it could be our last shot to win it until kids like miller and fast and lindberg and kreider develop. it could take a few years for those guys to get good enough for us to truly compete without a guy like clowe, richards, or briere having a spot on the depth chart in my opinion.

"..... I have to admit, I didn't see Torts fitting in Vancouver..."

That obvious, huh?

In all seriousness, I really hope he's on a short-leash here (at least in terms of his defensive coaching style - although perhaps he'll defer back to his Tampa days).

That said, at least the pressers should be fun, though
- Zogg

torts never thought the rangers roster was talented enough to do anything besides block shots and chip it in. he showed what he could do with a really talented team in tampa and i think the canucks have more talent than the rangers overall so we'll see what happens.

I wonder if van and NYR come together on a deal of coaches favorites?
- Slimtj100

Could see Burrows and Bieska getting in dog house quick. They seem like free thinkers. Who was Torts favorites? McDonough, Girardi and Cally I guess. No it's not popular but I would trade Cally or Girardi for the right deal. Cally surgery probably makes it unlikely. But their style f play and amount they have played scares me long term.

Could see Burrows and Bieska getting in dog house quick. They seem like free thinkers. Who was Torts favorites? McDonough, Girardi and Cally I guess. No it's not popular but I would trade Cally or Girardi for the right deal. Cally surgery probably makes it unlikely. But their style f play and amount they have played scares me long term.
- Chris Erwin

Cally, no. Girardi, yes. I think under AV, Girardi wont be as effective. Weve actually talked about trading Girardi while he has peaked because it probably wont last too much longer and his trade value probably wont get any higher than it is now.

Cally, no. Girardi, yes. I think under AV, Girardi wont be as effective. Weve actually talked about trading Girardi while he has peaked because it probably wont last too much longer and his trade value probably wont get any higher than it is now.
- aecliptic

Maybe. But I also wanna see if a more offensive way of playing eases up on girardi and he'll be more energized by the end of the season. He more then anyone seemed completely spent at the end. Either blocking shots or just tired from all the ice time in the Dzone

Just a thought, AVs pp in van was usually pretty good over the years. But he's always hsd a guy with a howitzer (salo, edler, etc) back there which I still don't see our roster having yet. So maybe AV hints to slats to get that in here somehow

Cally, no. Girardi, yes. I think under AV, Girardi wont be as effective. Weve actually talked about trading Girardi while he has peaked because it probably wont last too much longer and his trade value probably wont get any higher than it is now.
- aecliptic

Would you do Girardi for Bieksa

Would you do Girardi for Bieksa
- Chris Erwin

No. Girardi for letang

No. Girardi for letang
- Slimtj100

Of course. But was basing deal on two coaches wanting their guys.

Would you do Girardi for Bieksa
- Chris Erwin

Girardi is going to be a UFA next year so he is worth way more to the Rangers than he would be as a trade chip. Girardi is the soul of the Rangers, IMO, so in not trading him unless its a great return, which it won't be given next years UFA status.

Of course. But was basing deal on two coaches wanting their guys.
- Chris Erwin

Oh. I would want elder then. Bieksa isn't offensive enough

Would you do Girardi for Bieksa
- Chris Erwin

Like TJ says, Id try to go for Elder.

Oh. I would want elder then. Bieksa isn't offensive enough
- Slimtj100

How about Hamhuis?

How about Hamhuis?
- Chris Erwin

No thanks!

Girardi is going to be a UFA next year so he is worth way more to the Rangers than he would be as a trade chip. Girardi is the soul of the Rangers, IMO, so in not trading him unless its a great return, which it won't be given next years UFA status.
- Pete V

You notice the last two seasons Girardi sort of fade towards end of season. I hated him for not taking third man in on Carcillo against Gabby that time but he became one of my favorites. That being said he isn't getting younger and has a lot of city miles on him. Don't think those late season fades are going to stop if not get worse.

How about Hamhuis?
- Chris Erwin

no

No

No thanks!
- aecliptic

Garrison and burrows for Girardi and ??
Just basing idea on how coaches are going to want player or two they are comfortable with. Like Torts had Prospal and Feds here.