Rumors: NYR Scouts at Det/LA Game; O'Reilly Update; Zuccarello's Reps in NY; Bringing in Lindberg & Fasth (Updated)
Update, 9:53 a.m.:
So much for no O'Reilly to Rangers updates as Katie Strang at ESPN.com reports that Newport Sports, who represent both Zuccarello and O'Reilly, are in New York for their yearly trip and it's entirely conceivable both players could come up in discussions today should the crew meet with GM Glen Sather and Rangers brass.
Original Post:
Extra East scouts not usually in LA for DET-LAK: BUF WPG MTL PIT TOR PHI NYR
— Dennis Bernstein (@DennisTFP) February 28, 2013
...Datsyuk? Yeah right. Actually, D Carlo Colaiacovo is expected to return from a shoulder injury Sunday, which would put nine defensemen on the Red Wings roster. Rangers could be looking to sure up the blueline. Maybe a guy like Jonathan Ericsson, who's been in the league, has playoff experience and can play a physical game? However, he has one more year on his contract that pays him $3.25 million per.
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Meanwhile, Larry Brooks at the New York Post says that there is no update on the Rangers possible interest in Colorado's Ryan O'Reilly. However, Adam Dater at the Denver Post reports that the Rangers had scouts at the Colorado/Sharks game Tuesday night.
...as I've said, O'Reilly is a great talent, but I'm not convinced he's what this tam needs right now. No need to give up on young homegrown talent for a defensive, second line center.
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Yesterday, Adam posted about Glen Sather possibly reaching out to Mats Zuccarello regarding a return to the Rangers once his KHL season has commenced.
Now, Pat Leonard of the Daily News is reporting that Zuccarello's representatives will be in New York today and available to speak with Rangers management.
...wow, could this really happen? Even after reading Sather's quote yesterday about his interest, I really didn't believe it was a possibility. But now with Zuccarello's reps in town, this actually might get serious.
...while I've made no secret of my doubts about Zuccarello's ability to succeed in the NHL, I do have to admit he gave the Rangers a huge boost on the power play towards the end of last year before breaking his wrist, doing what else, blocking a shot. So he could be an interesting option for the Rangers once his KHL season ends in April. Hell, he can't make the power play worse.
...if he does return, I've got to give him big props for sucking up his pride and re-joining a franchise that in many people's estimation didn't give him a fair chance. Assuming Zuccarello wouldn't re-sign a two-way contract, which might be a non-starter for Slats.
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In other European import news, Larry Brooks at the New York Post notes that Sather also said the Rangers would look at bringing over prospects Oscar Lindberg and Jesper Fasth once their Swedish Elite League seasons end.
Lindberg has 16g, 23a in 52 games, while Fasth has 18g,16a in 44 games.
...not really sure what Sather's plan would be with these two. The scouting reports from Europe on Lindberg and Fasth have been excellent, but I'm always skeptical about young European players making the jump directly to the NHL. If they're brought to North America, I'd much rather see them gaining valuable experience during the Whale's stretch run and hopefully the playoffs, rather than learning on the job while the Rangers are more than likely fighting for one of the final playoff spots.
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I say give him a shot, he seems to have good vision on the ice in the offensive zone which could desperately help the PP move the puck around...I'd rather have Zucc quarterbacking this PP then Richards at this point.
@TheNYRBlog Don't see how #nyr would benefit for a trade for O'Reilly, a second-liner with limited upside. Stepan's got more potential.
I like MZA's offensive ability, IF he could ever sustain it. But let me get this straight, for the past week everyone have been complaining about the Rangers lack of toughness, so you want to bring in a 3' 2" smurf to take care of it? I'm starting to get sea sick with all the swings on here!
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Why are we talking defensemen? The Rangers problem is lack of scoring. Unless we are talking about a PP quarterback on the blue-line but it doesn't seem that way.
@TheNYRBlog Zucca also said to Norwegia media a while ago: "It's Rangers or no one" about NHL.
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If the Kings were willing to move Rob Scuderi, I think he'd be a perfect fit. Gritty, Cup winner and Ny native. FA at season's end. Could solidify the D for the rest of the season. But doubt he gets moved.
@TheNYRBlog the SEL has produced some great players over the past few years so I'm all for it but they would need some grooming regardless.
What we need is a new coach honestly...I really like Torts a lot and think he is great. But he has lost getting the message through to the team and they are not playing his style of hockey and thats why we keep losing all these games are are already in danger of missing the playoffs or having a hugr uphill battle. We need a new voice in the locker room and someone that can light a fire under their asses and start actually skating again. I cant believe how slow we ook compared to other teams. They really needto watch their own games cus thy look like they could give two craps out there and as a huge fan its really bothering me how effortless our games as a TEAM are...Cally cant do it all I just wana punch richards in the face for how lazy he is and how little he moves his face...They coast in on the forecheck...Coasting around everywhere they go, no one is skating hard at all other than cally and Henrik let in one soft goal big whoop he and cally are THE only two on this team that look like they care right now.
Seriously I don't think this team could afford more trades. We have so many good players. They just need to find their feet
@TheNYRBlog i think #nyr was scouting for LA Scuderi,Stoll,and Penner & for DET Cleary,Abdelkader((perfect ranger),and Ericsson..My opinion
@TheNYRBlog Yeah those 2 teams have players all over them that i would want on the rangers
