Brooks update:

There is no progress regarding talks with Derek Stepan, sources report. Stepan, the club’s first-line center, is a Group II free agent without arbitration rights. Absent pressure points (or an unexpected offer sheet), negotiations with Stepan could well go into September and perhaps bleed into training camp.
The Rangers will likely need to carry 15 forwards on their opening roster because of the post- labrum surgery rehab that will sideline both Ryan Callahan and Carl Hagelin for the first few weeks of the year — but not for enough time to qualify for long-term exemption — and the need to have a healthy spare available on the opening trip.
Because of the crunch that creates, the club appears to have just over $4M of cap space available for Stepan and Zuccarello.


Read more: Rangers announce preseason schedule: Matchup with Tortorella's Canucks confirmed http://www.nypost.com/p/b...8rv1hnXBWFJ#ixzz2ZFLWJISh

I like what MZA brings to the table as well.
Looking over the Rangers roster and cap situation, Anton Stralman and his 1.7M cap hit need to go. That's high for a 5/6 DMan. I don't think there is a huge talent gap between Stralman and Faulk and I'd rather have the money available.
- tapout632

Strahlman is probably more like the #4 guy on the depth chart. He is the most underrated Dman on the Rangers and also the best value. I would say that Strahlman played a more flawless game than Girardi did last season, though Girardi played twice as many minutes. Still, Strahls in his 2 years with us has been nothing short of very impressive and one of the better UFA signings Sather has made in his whole tenure here. If Strahlman stays consistent, I fully expect Sather to resign him and accept him into the core.

Strahlman is probably more like the #4 guy on the depth chart. He is the most underrated Dman on the Rangers and also the best value. I would say that Strahlman played a more flawless game than Girardi did last season, though Girardi played twice as many minutes. Still, Strahls in his 2 years with us has been nothing short of very impressive and one of the better UFA signings Sather has made in his whole tenure here. If Strahlman stays consistent, I fully expect Sather to resign him and accept him into the core.
- xcheckmajor

this is crap

Girardi was always, and I mean always out there against the other teams best players. I like Stralman, and they missed him desperately in games 4 and 5 vs the Bruins after Lucic annihilated him, but he isn't even in the same breath as Girardi.

Brooks update:

There is no progress regarding talks with Derek Stepan, sources report. Stepan, the club’s first-line center, is a Group II free agent without arbitration rights. Absent pressure points (or an unexpected offer sheet), negotiations with Stepan could well go into September and perhaps bleed into training camp.
The Rangers will likely need to carry 15 forwards on their opening roster because of the post- labrum surgery rehab that will sideline both Ryan Callahan and Carl Hagelin for the first few weeks of the year — but not for enough time to qualify for long-term exemption — and the need to have a healthy spare available on the opening trip.
Because of the crunch that creates, the club appears to have just over $4M of cap space available for Stepan and Zuccarello.


Read more: Rangers announce preseason schedule: Matchup with Tortorella's Canucks confirmed http://www.nypost.com/p/b...8rv1hnXBWFJ#ixzz2ZFLWJISh
- jimbro83

Brooksie clearly is missing some of the key points to the roster if he thinks we only have 4M for Step and Zucc. If Cally and Hags aren't ready and can't be put on LTIR, then clearly Falk would be starting in the AHL, and Pyatt will be traded so that a few of the Kids who have low ELC cap hits could start. Kids like Fast, St. Croix, even Haley who only has a 600K cap hit.

I think its more of a complication to actually do it this way, you may as well let Cally and Hags sit for 12 games so they CAN be put on LTIR. This way, you aren't putting young liabilities on the ice in the first 12 games. If Cally and Hags are gonna miss 7-8 games, you may as well just eat it for 12 and keep the Roster from being handcuffed.

this is crap

Girardi was always, and I mean always out there against the other teams best players. I like Stralman, and they missed him desperately in games 4 and 5 vs the Bruins after Lucic annihilated him, but he isn't even in the same breath as Girardi.
- jimbro83

I disagree. I love Girardi and everything he has brought us. This past season, there were quite a few moments of unsteadiness in his game. The same went for many of our players. McDonagh was not the same presence as the year before as well. Same with Del Zotto. This past season showed a side of vulnerability in all of our defensemen. Anton Stralman however rarely EVER made a mistake with the puck. He routinely skated in, made a great play to take away the puck, and skated it out of trouble or made a good head man pass up. I'm not saying Stralman could have done the same thing in Girardi's position of 25min per night against the top lines, thats why I brought up the "disclaimer" sentence about G's minutes. But regardless, Stralman played a very poised and mistake free type of ice hockey for us.

Take a look at Stralman's Corsi, Fenwick and Qualcomp.

Blocking Lindberg or Fast? Really? 2 players that haven't played a single NHL game yet, or even played a significant amount of North American games yet? You have Zuccarello who takes 1.5M of capspace and gives you at least 45pts, a dangerous PP passer, good defensively + player, Top 3 Shootout guy, and always makes his linemates better and you don't want him over 2 completely unproven players?
- xcheckmajor

Nice glasses you got there!

Nice glasses you got there!
- Coburns_Nose

What part did u disagree with? Everything I stated is something he's already done.

What part did u disagree with? Everything I stated is something he's already done.
- xcheckmajor

Well, he's never hit 45 points in a season... that's a good place to start. I understand he's produced at a 0.5 ppg pace for portions of seasons, but 45 points is not "something he's already done."

He's a 5'7 offensive winger with a combined (reg season and playoffs) 80 games NHL experience... calling him a "good defensively + player" would mean looking at his plus minus stat and saying he's good defensively because he doesn't go minus, when the fact is he's a plus player (except this year's playoffs) because he produces offensively.

I think he's a good player, but those comments, along with "always makes his linemates better" made it seem like you were wearing homer glasses.

Please note that I don't mean any disrespect. I respect your opinion and I don't necessarily disagree with you.

Most of the comments are very reasonable and I agree with the rationale behind them.
In light of this, I know what I'm about to say sounds outlandish, especially in light of managements (read Sather's) insistance that Richards will play for the Rangers during the 13/14 season. I see it differently (BTW, my view is shared by several other pro-hockey writers/bloggers) so here it goes.
If MZA arbitration hearing goes through (not settled beforehand) then the player to be moved will be Brad Richards.
I've been told that a hearing will mean another shot at the compliance buyout and BR will either be bought out then or possibly traded before the season begins.
And yes, I know it sounds far-fetched, but it is not out of the realm of possibility.

Most of the comments are very reasonable and I agree with the rationale behind them.
In light of this, I know what I'm about to say sounds outlandish, especially in light of managements (read Sather's) insistance that Richards will play for the Rangers during the 13/14 season. I see it differently (BTW, my view is shared by several other pro-hockey writers/bloggers) so here it goes.
If MZA arbitration hearing goes through (not settled beforehand) then the player to be moved will be Brad Richards.
I've been told that a hearing will mean another shot at the compliance buyout and BR will either be bought out then or possibly traded before the season begins.
And yes, I know it sounds far-fetched, but it is not out of the realm of possibility.
- howiehockey

We get another buyout window but not for compliance buyouts...just regular ones.

We get another buyout window but not for compliance buyouts...just regular ones.
- rangerdanger94

If he doesnt get traded, Pyatt will prob get bought out.

If he doesnt get traded, Pyatt will prob get bought out.
- aecliptic

what would those numbers be?

what would those numbers be?
- Mtlca66

450k this year, 550k next year.

Its just easier to waive him and bury him.

Rangers fans always need their whipping boy on the blueline. I hope the kid can take it, because by being the object of everyone's hate, he makes it easier for the other guys back there. As soon as he is traded, the fanbase will need to find someone new to hate on, and my prediction would be that the cute little late season pickup from the Blue Jackets better watch out. MDZ does a service to the team by being strong enough to take it.

Personally, I feel that the kid is going to have a great year this year, and it would surprise me in the least if he was a +20, scored 45 + points, and finished in the Top 15 in Norris Trophy voting for the second time in his young career.
- Pete V

That would surprise the hell out of me but I'll take it if it
Happens.

I disagree. I love Girardi and everything he has brought us. This past season, there were quite a few moments of unsteadiness in his game. The same went for many of our players. McDonagh was not the same presence as the year before as well. Same with Del Zotto. This past season showed a side of vulnerability in all of our defensemen. Anton Stralman however rarely EVER made a mistake with the puck. He routinely skated in, made a great play to take away the puck, and skated it out of trouble or made a good head man pass up. I'm not saying Stralman could have done the same thing in Girardi's position of 25min per night against the top lines, thats why I brought up the "disclaimer" sentence about G's minutes. But regardless, Stralman played a very poised and mistake free type of ice hockey for us.

Take a look at Stralman's Corsi, Fenwick and Qualcomp.
- xcheckmajor

I'd put Stralman above DZ at the moment. Much more consistent.
One weakness that I see is that he has a tendency to screen his goalie
Rather than blocking the shot -something girardi rarely does. If you're going to
Block it, do so; otherwise let the goalie see it. It's the one area where Stralman seems a bit unsure.

I'd put Stralman above DZ at the moment. Much more consistent.
One weakness that I see is that he has a tendency to screen his goalie
Rather than blocking the shot -something girardi rarely does. If you're going to
Block it, do so; otherwise let the goalie see it. It's the one area where Stralman seems a bit unsure.
- BobbySchmautz

Bah, wish everyone would just stop!

I disagree. I love Girardi and everything he has brought us. This past season, there were quite a few moments of unsteadiness in his game. The same went for many of our players. McDonagh was not the same presence as the year before as well. Same with Del Zotto. This past season showed a side of vulnerability in all of our defensemen. Anton Stralman however rarely EVER made a mistake with the puck. He routinely skated in, made a great play to take away the puck, and skated it out of trouble or made a good head man pass up. I'm not saying Stralman could have done the same thing in Girardi's position of 25min per night against the top lines, thats why I brought up the "disclaimer" sentence about G's minutes. But regardless, Stralman played a very poised and mistake free type of ice hockey for us.

Take a look at Stralman's Corsi, Fenwick and Qualcomp.
- xcheckmajor

I got a Fenwick right here for ya

Most of the comments are very reasonable and I agree with the rationale behind them.
In light of this, I know what I'm about to say sounds outlandish, especially in light of managements (read Sather's) insistance that Richards will play for the Rangers during the 13/14 season. I see it differently (BTW, my view is shared by several other pro-hockey writers/bloggers) so here it goes.
If MZA arbitration hearing goes through (not settled beforehand) then the player to be moved will be Brad Richards.
I've been told that a hearing will mean another shot at the compliance buyout and BR will either be bought out then or possibly traded before the season begins.
And yes, I know it sounds far-fetched, but it is not out of the realm of possibility.
- howiehockey

who? name me somebody who believes Richards will be traded. Everyone I have seen mentions the fact that he has a No Movement Clause. And, the compliance window is closed until next year. Because Zuccarello is going to arbitration it opened up a second regular buyout window for the Rangers in August, a buyout where there are still cap hits.

Can I just state for the record that it's absolutely moronic that we didn't buyout Richards?

Honestly, we can't even afford to give Stepan the contract the Islanders gave Bailey right now.

I'd put Stralman above DZ at the moment. Much more consistent.
One weakness that I see is that he has a tendency to screen his goalie
Rather than blocking the shot -something girardi rarely does. If you're going to
Block it, do so; otherwise let the goalie see it. It's the one area where Stralman seems a bit unsure.
- BobbySchmautz

I like Stralman, too; and agree on his poor shot blocking skills. That will change this year, though. I doubt we will see many players going out of their way to block a shot.

Stralman is underrated (and with Stall out, he's a top-4 d-man). The guy has offensive abilities and under a coach that may actually let him show it, then he may flourish better this year. His main weakness is that he gets beat a lot on the outside. Too many people go around him.

who? name me somebody who believes Richards will be traded. Everyone I have seen mentions the fact that he has a No Movement Clause. And, the compliance window is closed until next year. Because Zuccarello is going to arbitration it opened up a second regular buyout window for the Rangers in August, a buyout where there are still cap hits.

Can I just state for the record that it's absolutely moronic that we didn't buyout Richards?

Honestly, we can't even afford to give Stepan the contract the Islanders gave Bailey right now.


- jimbro83

Rangers are stuck with Richards this year. Not sure for how long, though. With Cally and Hags out to start the season, everyone will look to Richards to step it up. If he doesn't and the Brad of last season shows up, then Sather will park Richards' a$$ in the press box the remainder of the season to avoid any possible injury so he can buy him out next summer.

The only way Richards is not here during the season is if he does get relegated to watching games from the press box and waives his NMC so he can get traded.

Rangers are stuck with Richards this year. Not sure for how long, though. With Cally and Hags out to start the season, everyone will look to Richards to step it up. If he doesn't and the Brad of last season shows up, then Sather will park Richards' a$$ in the press box the remainder of the season to avoid any possible injury so he can buy him out next summer.

The only way Richards is not here during the season is if he does get relegated to watching games from the press box and waives his NMC so he can get traded.
- mames11

I just don't see why he would do that.

If he waits until the off season, he'll get an 18 million buyout check and then have the opportunity to sign as a free agent with any team he wants.

I am not sure why he would let the Rangers choose his next team.

I just don't see why he would do that.

If he waits until the off season, he'll get an 18 million buyout check and then have the opportunity to sign as a free agent with any team he wants.

I am not sure why he would let the Rangers choose his next team.
- jimbro83

Well, being in his mid 30's and sitting in the press box-not playing and suffering a down year the season before....

...I think he'd want to be on the ice. Just my opinion.

Well, being in his mid 30's and sitting in the press box-not playing and suffering a down year the season before....

...I think he'd want to be on the ice. Just my opinion.
- mames11

in that scenario, you are asking for a team to trade for a 33 year old player making a 6.67 million cap hit until 2020 who has been sitting in the press box.

in that scenario, you are asking for a team to trade for a 33 year old player making a 6.67 million cap hit until 2020 who has been sitting in the press box.
- jimbro83

Have we not seen stranger things from Sather when it comes to trades?

Rangers are stuck with Richards this year. Not sure for how long, though. With Cally and Hags out to start the season, everyone will look to Richards to step it up. If he doesn't and the Brad of last season shows up, then Sather will park Richards' a$$ in the press box the remainder of the season to avoid any possible injury so he can buy him out next summer.

The only way Richards is not here during the season is if he does get relegated to watching games from the press box and waives his NMC so he can get traded.
- mames11

I don't think the Rangers would trade him midseason regardless of how bad/good he was doing. The main point of buying him out is getting out from under the new cap penalties so they don't go on the salary cap. If the Rangers trade him and he stinks and calls it quits with years remaining on his deal it doesn't matter that he's on a different team. The Rangers would still get hit with those penalties. I would think they'll just wait till the end of the year, hope he helps deliver a cup and then send him a buyout check.