This week in Rangersland saw the return of a pair of Conn Smythe winners; the team's best defenseman and a veteran center, press conference at Citi Field for the Winter Classic and the start of hockey, at least some form of it, with the Traverse City tournament. I will get back to the voting for the worst trade in Rangers' history, as after the current round of voting, we will be down to five so one can be selected. Each one of the events this week has a different level of importance.
The return of Brian Leetch and Brad Richards:
The press release read as follows: "New York Rangers General Manager Jeff Gorton announced today that the team has named Brian Leetch and Brad Richards Hockey Operations Advisors. In their roles, Leetch and Richards will work with the hockey operations department in both hockey-related decisions along with off-ice player and prospect development. In addition, Leetch and Richards will assist prospects in the Rangers organization, including players with the Rangers’ American Hockey League (AHL) affiliate, the Hartford Wolf Pack, in on-ice development."
Just having either one back is a good thing, but to have both is a win-win. Leetch can impart his wisdom to the young d-man, of which there are many in the organization, including Sean Day, Alexei Bereglazov and Neal Pionk. Richards should work with the pivotmen, hopefully Lias Andersson first, on draws, positional playing and how to set up wingers. This move is potentially the entre into the front office for both, especially Richards, who may gearing up for an assistant GM type position down the road. The history, experience and success that both have had can only benefit the organization. Each came to and left New York in different circumstances but bringing both back warrants kudos for Chris Drury and GM Jeff Gorton.
Press conference at Citi Field for the Winter Classic:
The press conference, while cool to attend, in itself was unremarkable, but some of the comments after were interesting. First was commissioner Gary Bettman speaking about the viability of and feasibility of the Nassau Coliseum serving as the home for the Islanders in the future. Then was some of the remarks from captain Ryan McDonagh and associate captain Rick Nash, who represented the Rangers at the event.
From McDonagh, other than his answer to my question:
Ryan McDonagh @citifield #winterclassic https://t.co/Befe9sHJkG
— Jan Levine (@airjan23) September 8, 2017
the two following quotes, taken from SNY interest me:
On the moves, "they are definitely tough decisions. Guys who have made a big impact on our team over the years and it's sad personally to see them leave, they are very close to me and my career and playing with Dan (Girardi) and learning from him when I was a rookie was a real pleasure."On the team making changes, "at the same time you know that when an organization does make those tough decisions they are not willing to accept mediocre, so to speak. We made the playoffs and won one round but we are still trying to accomplish the main goal of winning the whole thing. We are bringing in some guys that are very versatile, specifically on the back end, we have guys that are mobile and can play the offensive side, defensive side and should be very exciting."
McDonagh's comments were echoed by Nash, who was noticeably slimmer and realizes he is playing for his next contract. Nash said: "“You knew something was gonna happen. I think everyone kind of had that feeling. It’s tough to lose a lot of veterans, guys with big voices in the dressing room, but I think it gives a chance for guys to step up — guys like Hayes, guys like Kreider, guys like Miller that aren’t young guys anymore. This is gonna be their team. It’s gonna be fun to watch them kind of grow into leaders.…
Both players realized or came to realize changes were needed. McD gets to play with Kevin Shattenkirk also mentor the rookie d-men. Nash will have to serve as a leader while passing the baton to some of the younger players for the future. This is where Richards can be of great assistance, same for Leetch.
Information on tickets, alumni game, logo and jerseys have not yet been announced. all that will come in the future. But the event is an indication that hockey is around the corner, as evidenced by the next item on the list.
Traverse City Tournament:
There is not an inordinate amount to tell from the first two games, which the Rangers split. Chris Nell was very good in the 3-2 win over Chicago. The same can be said about Alexei Bereglazov and Malte Stromwall. Sean Day scored a goal while Gabriel Fontaine had a pair of assists but also several silly late penalties, In Game 2, New York did nothing, getting shut out 4-0 by Carolina.
The one mildly concerning aspect is that Lias Andersson has not really dominated. Given all the discussions of him making the team out of training camp, a strong tournament would be a nice springboard towards that occurring. This has yet to be the case. Maybe we will see it in the next game, same with his linemates, Ty Ronning and Ryan Gropp.