I like Del Zotto alot. I thought that he progressed significantly this season, particularly in the defensive and physical aspect of the game. I think he is a bit of a polarizing figure with Rangers fans, and maybe that has a little to do with McDonagh being so off the charts good at such an early point in his career, but we can't lose sight of the fact that the kid is not even 22 years old yet.

Personally, I see Del Zotto as a future multiple time all-star in this league, and unless there is just so crazy good deal out there, I have absolutely no interest in trading him.

I just hope that he doesn't get too crazy with his salary demands this summer, because if he does, you know Slats will take his negotiations into training camp. The one good thing, is Slats doesn't have a heavy load this summer as far as re-signing his own.
- Pete V

I am sure Del Zotto's camp is very well aware that Tyler Myers is getting a 12 million dollar salary for this coming season, I think like 10 million payable on July 1st. And, I am sure they think Del Zotto is better than Myers.

I am sure Del Zotto's camp is very well aware that Tyler Myers is getting a 12 million dollar salary for this coming season, I think like 10 million payable on July 1st. And, I am sure they think Del Zotto is better than Myers.
- jimbro83

How in the blue hell did the Sabres give Tyler Myer that contract? And, I agree, if I am Del Zotto's agent, and Ryan McDonagh's agent next year, I am all over that. I fear that McDonagh and Del Zotto are going to take some serious coin to re-sign.

Personally, if they can get Del Zotto done somewhere around $3.5-3.75 million per for a few years, I wouldn't be happy, but I would complain about it either. With what defensemen cost on the open market, I think teams are better off locking up their own to longer term deals.

How in the blue hell did the Sabres give Tyler Myer that contract? And, I agree, if I am Del Zotto's agent, and Ryan McDonagh's agent next year, I am all over that. I fear that McDonagh and Del Zotto are going to take some serious coin to re-sign.

Personally, if they can get Del Zotto done somewhere around $3.5-3.75 million per for a few years, I wouldn't be happy, but I would complain about it either. With what defensemen cost on the open market, I think teams are better off locking up their own to longer term deals.
- Pete V

lots of speculation that this summer is that last chance for teams to absurdly front load contracts to lessen the cap hit before new CBA eliminates it.

Maybe something to think about in MDZ's case.

How in the blue hell did the Sabres give Tyler Myer that contract? And, I agree, if I am Del Zotto's agent, and Ryan McDonagh's agent next year, I am all over that. I fear that McDonagh and Del Zotto are going to take some serious coin to re-sign.

Personally, if they can get Del Zotto done somewhere around $3.5-3.75 million per for a few years, I wouldn't be happy, but I would complain about it either. With what defensemen cost on the open market, I think teams are better off locking up their own to longer term deals.
- Pete V

Of course the player and his agent are going to point to comparables outside the organization such as Myers and Doughty but if I am Slats I point to two of MDZ's teammates on this roster: Dan Girardi and Marc Staal. Both are All-Star defensemen and both are under the terms of multi-year deals with AAV's less than $4 million. I then ask MDZ if he feels he is more important to the NY Rangers success than those two guys.

I sincerely hope these guys buy into maybe taking less than they can get on the open market but realizing the chances the Rangers win it all are higher with enough salary cap space to add talent when needed. Sacrifice a few million in your career to stay with an organization you grew up in and can win with. Let's hope these young guys see it that way.

Of course the player and his agent are going to point to comparables outside the organization such as Myers and Doughty but if I am Slats I point to two of MDZ's teammates on this roster: Dan Girardi and Marc Staal. Both are All-Star defensemen and both are under the terms of multi-year deals with AAV's less than $4 million. I then ask MDZ if he feels he is more important to the NY Rangers success than those two guys.

I sincerely hope these guys buy into maybe taking less than they can get on the open market but realizing the chances the Rangers win it all are higher with enough salary cap space to add talent when needed. Sacrifice a few million in your career to stay with an organization you grew up in and can win with. Let's hope these young guys see it that way.
- gkmkiller

yep, no doubt yo

Of course the player and his agent are going to point to comparables outside the organization such as Myers and Doughty but if I am Slats I point to two of MDZ's teammates on this roster: Dan Girardi and Marc Staal. Both are All-Star defensemen and both are under the terms of multi-year deals with AAV's less than $4 million. I then ask MDZ if he feels he is more important to the NY Rangers success than those two guys.

I sincerely hope these guys buy into maybe taking less than they can get on the open market but realizing the chances the Rangers win it all are higher with enough salary cap space to add talent when needed. Sacrifice a few million in your career to stay with an organization you grew up in and can win with. Let's hope these young guys see it that way.
- gkmkiller

The other question is free agency and the CBA as to if a change for UFA service time will be included. Personally, I think he gets 4 yrs and 15 mil or so, but could see higher in years and dollars given growth this past season.

The other question is free agency and the CBA as to if a change for UFA service time will be included. Personally, I think he gets 4 yrs and 15 mil or so, but could see higher in years and dollars given growth this past season.
- airjan23

I just don't know. We saw a lot of progress but there are still some holes. Of course he is just a kid still so he can continue to fine tune his game and get better. Do you take a chance and give him long-term deal for big money now or do you give him a year at a lower salary risking his development takes another jump and you end up paying more next year.

So far I say Slats has won on pretty much all RFA extensions of the last few years with the lone exception being Dubi's. I think Cally, Staal (when healthy of course) and Girardi all play above their AAV while Boyle and AA earn a fair salary for their production.

Well boys, not only is my wife an absolute warrior, she's been brainwashed by torts as well. She gave birth to our first child a lil girl and kept reminding me that " just like torts says, its part of a process, and we will find our way".
This was during labor mind you.
What a keeper!

Well boys, not only is my wife an absolute warrior, she's been brainwashed by torts as well. She gave birth to our first child a lil girl and kept reminding me that " just like torts says, its part of a process, and we will find our way".
This was during labor mind you.
What a keeper!
- FBONES19

haha that is awesome, congrats

haha that is awesome, congrats
- TPC

Thanks dude, sitting in the hospital, no chance of sleeping....I've been running to the car every so often for a beer and a cig in the lot. Lol

Well boys, not only is my wife an absolute warrior, she's been brainwashed by torts as well. She gave birth to our first child a lil girl and kept reminding me that " just like torts says, its part of a process, and we will find our way".
This was during labor mind you.
What a keeper!
- FBONES19

Congratulations. So are you naming her Ryan?

Well boys, not only is my wife an absolute warrior, she's been brainwashed by torts as well. She gave birth to our first child a lil girl and kept reminding me that " just like torts says, its part of a process, and we will find our way".
This was during labor mind you.
What a keeper!
- FBONES19

Congrats Frankie! Best thing in the world. God Bless.

Well boys, not only is my wife an absolute warrior, she's been brainwashed by torts as well. She gave birth to our first child a lil girl and kept reminding me that " just like torts says, its part of a process, and we will find our way".
This was during labor mind you.
What a keeper!
- FBONES19

Congrats man!

Congratulations. So are you naming her Ryan?
- bodiva88

My wife picked out Gabriella a while ago......I obviously had no problem with that

My wife picked out Gabriella a while ago......I obviously had no problem with that

- FBONES19

Congrats Frankie Bones!

Congrats Frankie Bones!
- evitageN

Yes Congrats Mr. Bones!

also

According to a Czech report, via nyrs_rangers, “the moon” is being offered to Alex Radulov in terms of bonus money from the KHL, but the report says that Radulov may prefer coming to the Rangers.

The agreement between Radulov and the Rangers is reportedly, “close.”

The Predators are willing to trade Radulov or let him return to Russia.

http://isport.blesk.cz/cl...ou-slavou-do-rangers.html

My wife picked out Gabriella a while ago......I obviously had no problem with that

- FBONES19

Congrats, Frank! Daughters are great, and it is only a matter of time before you turn soft and do whatever your little girl wants.

Yes Congrats Mr. Bones!

also

According to a Czech report, via nyrs_rangers, “the moon” is being offered to Alex Radulov in terms of bonus money from the KHL, but the report says that Radulov may prefer coming to the Rangers.

The agreement between Radulov and the Rangers is reportedly, “close.”

The Predators are willing to trade Radulov or let him return to Russia.

http://isport.blesk.cz/cl...ou-slavou-do-rangers.html
- jimbro83

Frankie, congrats, great news. Interesting if the $10 mil is accurate, that's a lot of cash to turn over, and if Nashville has really moved on from Radulov, wonder what they will want in terms of a pick for him?

Frankie, congrats, great news. Interesting if the $10 mil is accurate, that's a lot of cash to turn over, and if Nashville has really moved on from Radulov, wonder what they will want in terms of a pick for him?
- airjan23

if we could get rights to negotiate with him and actually do sign him, I think that would be well worth the 28th pick

then you get this:

Bob McKenzie ‏@TSNBobMcKenzie
NYR have not traded for Alex Radulov's rights. In fact, I'm not convinced their level of interest in this player is very great at all.

then you get this:

Bob McKenzie ‏@TSNBobMcKenzie
NYR have not traded for Alex Radulov's rights. In fact, I'm not convinced their level of interest in this player is very great at all.
- jimbro83

Brooks vs. McKenzie in a cage match, wonder who wins? Two divergent opinions on this one and did someone state that his rights had already been acquired by the Rangers?

Brooks vs. McKenzie in a cage match, wonder who wins? Two divergent opinions on this one and did someone state that his rights had already been acquired by the Rangers?
- airjan23

I think there are conflicting opinions to the translation of that Czech article I posted.

Some are actually saying it actually says the Rangers have acquired Radulov's rights already, while others say it says they are close.

I think there are conflicting opinions to the translation of that Czech article I posted.

Some are actually saying it actually says the Rangers have acquired Radulov's rights already, while others say it says they are close.
- jimbro83

Where's Dan when you need him?

I'll have another is scratched for Belmont Stakes if anyone cares.

No triple crown

man, I cannot believe the lack of writing skills with some of these "bloggers"

http://justblueshirts.blo...-say-nyet-to-radulov.html