Hagelin Next to Head to Europe?
Doug McIntyre at ESPN Insider translates a report out of Sweden that Carl Hagelin "is very eager" to return to his homeland and join Swedish second-their team Sodertalje during the NHL lockout.Here's Sodertalje sports director Per Nygards on Hagelin's contract possibly preventing him from playing overseas...
"It's a little messy. I know that he will meet with the New York Rangers (Monday) or Tuesday. We'll wait and see what is said at the meeting...I can at least say that Carl seems incredibly eager to get the chance to play in Sodertalje. Maybe this is his only chance he gets to do it."
...reports out of Sweden are usually suspect at best, so I'm going to reserve judgement until I hear a confirmed report.
...but, similar to my stance on Nash yesterday, if the rest of the team is sticking it out together initially, I'd be happier of Hagelin hung around. It's no accident that the closest Rangers team since 1994 made it to Conference Finals last year. So chemistry can not be overlooked. However, if this drags on a few more weeks, I can't fault the players for looking for work elsewhere.
Meanwhile, newest Ranger Jeff Halpern gives his thoughts on the Rangers players leasing ice to continue practicing as a team during the lockout (via Daily News)...
"It's great to have this many guys stick together."
...i couldn't agree more Jeff. Maybe you should have a conversation with Rick and Carl.
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Learned about this here http://www.eliteprospects.com/lockout.php Check it out. Lots of players jumping. And this lists even those rumoured to go. Hagelin still rumoured, so is Nash. But Thornton, who Nash is going with, has been confirmed. So yea
Nash now confirmed. I have mixed feelings. I want him to stay with the team but if he's gonna be playing pro hockey and stay in shape.. Ok
I would be just as disappointed in Hagelin as I was Nash but I guess if everyone starts going over, we just have to accept it being what it is. Are people really attacking you for your opinion on this, Kevin? Maybe you should send them the definition of the word OPINION lol.
curious to why you don't mention hank as well with him supposedly heading to frolunda? I'm pretty sure he was one of the first names to be mentioned of heading to Europe to play.
@AdamMelillo Hank has already said he won't look to go to Europe unless this goes on for a long time. (I remember seeing him saying if it went into November but don't quote me on that.)
@angelzeyes2521 @AdamMelillo Hanks has said numerous times he's not thinking about going to Europe.
oh well in that case..this list can suck it....
http://thehockeyhouse.net/chicago-blackhawks/nhl-player-lockout-tracker/
@AdamMelillo One of the first names because he's one of the (if not) biggest stars. I feel like he has too much invested in the NYC metro area to bounce (new family, photo ops, meetings, more photo ops, more meetings). He's also the cement that holds the bricks of the team together. Hank, Callahan, Richards...
It would be great if they could all stick together and have meaningful practice, but I doubt their intensity will be where it needs to be playing against one another. I don't have a problem with players going overseas to get some real game experience, you just can't simulate that intensity. Maybe they should start their own Swedish Elite League team so they can all play together!
I see both sides to the argument, and while I would like to see both stay here and think it matters, no one really knows for sure. Have to remember, the NHLPA are pushing hard on these guys to sign. The more players earning $ the easier it will be to put pressure on the owners.
@TheNYRBlog Easy Jeffrey. You are not Hagelin. Certainly not Nash. If I were a player, I would want to PLAY! Locked out? Work elsewhere.
@cwgatti He's probably just jealous no European teams are calling him. lol. And u know I had to use that quote to help my argument out.
@TheNYRBlog He hasn't even been a Ranger yet. Even with players going to Europe,I think the NYR bond will still be strong in the locker room
@TheNYRBlog ... To play in NHL games. It seems like his personality wil mesh well. And I'd be more scared of Nash being rusty by not playing
@TheNYRBlog I'm ok with Nash overseas, he needs to keep his legs fresh and keep him playing, drills will not gain the chemistry needed..
@MTopper319 Just a difference of opinion. We all want what's best for the Rangers. Not always going to agree on how to do it.
@TheNYRBlog true, I always appreciate your opinions though and your outlook though. I just figured I'd share mine as well.
