Now that Arnott Signing Blewup, Who's Available?
With Jason Arnott failing his physical, depth still remains an issue for the Rangers. So, Jeff Klein at the New York Times takes a look at free agents still available...
"The top-scoring free-agent forward remaining is Petr Sykora, 36, who scored 21 goals for the Devils last season. But he is not considered a good fit for a Tortorella team.
The No. 3 scorer is Andrew Brunette, 39, who had 12 goals for the Chicago Blackhawks last season and is a garbage-goal specialist. He is a Tortorella-type grinder, but he said earlier this month he might retire.
That leaves the No. 4 free-agent scorer as the most likely target for the Rangers: Daymond Langkow, who scored 11 goals for the Phoenix Coyotes last season. Langkow, 36, is small at 5 feet 10 inches, but he has 672 points in 1,090 career N.H.L. games."
Sykora signed with Switzerland's SC Burn yesterday.
Meanwhile, Steve Zipay at Newsday gives us a few more names including ex-Ranger Radek Dvorak, 35, (4-17-21 in 73 games for Dallas last year) and Brendan Morrison, 37, (4-7-11 in 39 games).
...in a word, yuck. I would much rather stick with the current line-up than pickup one of these guys just to make a move. I thought Saturday night was a step in the right direction and I'm hoping Sather gives the team another week or so before he makes a panic move like signing an over the hill, injury prone forward.
...having said that, one guy neither Klein nor Zipay mentions is Marco Sturm. I know he had two knee surgeries a few years ago and is coming off a very disappointing season in Vancouver and Florida, but sometimes a takes a year or so before a knee is fully healed. Sturm averaged close to 25 goals a year in San Jose and Boston in his prime. Might be worth a flyer.
...another guy, who we have already mentioned on the blog, is Dominic Moore. But with the passing of his wife, I'm assuming hockey is the furthest thing from his mind.
For a full list of available free agents, click here.
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I like the idea of Sturm. Of course, if guys like Hagelin, Stepan, Boyle, etc., wake up, this all will be a moot point.
Ferreiro looked pretty good out there. Also, Segal didnt look too bad, maybe he might get another call-up if there's an injury.
I'd like to see them swing a trade for Stephen Weiss. He's on the last year of his deal at a $3.1 mil cap hit
@AG_Blue @carrlax11 Actually from what I've heard from Florida fans Weiss' value is decreasing and he's no longer viewed in the same way he once was. A trade isn't out of the question towards the deadline.
@carrlax11 @AG_Blue Agreed. As Kevin states, Dominic Moore makes some sense but his situation is iffy right now due to personal life stuff. Everyone else is underwhelming. Unfortunately I don't think trade market is going to be very open right now.
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Put it this way, there is is no UFA out there worth picking up or that is going to make enough of an impact. I think the only way this team adds secondary scoring and solid depth is through a trade. Depending on how the next few games go, that will determine not if but when Sather pulls the trigger
He's a 60 point guy, 29 years old and adds depth at the center position. I would give up a draft pick and a good prospect for him. It may take more than that to get him but I think I only trade for him If you can resign him. Not worth just a rental.
I assume they want a center and langkow was 66th last year in face offs won with 440 for a 44% avg. Dominic Moore was right behind with 419FO W with a 55% avg. If we don't go with a center I really want them to work out Sturm because if he's healthy he will grind and hussle the boards for an easy 5 minutes a game.
@kj_rangers If Boyle can get to where he was last year and Halpern can pick-up his game, I'm not so sure they even need a center.
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@KevinDeLury I agree but I think Halpern will be off this team soon. He was brought in to win faceoffs and can't do it, he's on the checking line but he hasnt been tough or energetic. That whole line needs a big makeover. Really dislike asham and Halpern
@KevinDeLury @kj_rangers -- Boyle was great on the faceoffs vs. Toronto -- 60%. Stepan needs improvement, maybe not as much as Halpern. Nevertheless, I think a winger is more likely than a center.
I thought Langkow would be a good fit, but then he's probably too small for what the Rangers need. Sturm could probably chip in a few goals, but from what I remember about him he's more of a perimeter player, not exactly Torts' favorite. Jonathan Cheechoo would have been an intriguing option, but I think he got signed to an AHL contract just after the lockout ended. Other than that, they may as well just ask Graves to come out of retirement instead of signing someone else from the scrap heap.
@gravey94 ya just stay the course. None of these guys seem to be the fit that Arnott would have been. Just wait until some of these guys round into shape.
@AG_Blue Yeah, Kostitsyn was another guy that jumped out at me. Got to keep him away from the Manhattan bar scene though: http://www.ontheforecheck.com/2012/5/1/2991808/radulov-kostitsyn-suspended-nashville-goose-loonies
@KevinDeLury -- they both might be playing in the KHL, but either one could be helpful ... looking at our 4th line, one would think it would be easy to find a forward more serviceable than Rupp or Asham ... it would be great if a guy like Kostitsyn could compete for 3rd line minutes ...
@GLENsatherVSglennDANZIG @AG_Blue @KevinDeLury you took the words right out of my mouth...gotta stop thinking about guys that will not do what it takes to EARN ice time! Torts has built up some equity and my guess is that, while he does not have veto power over acquisitions, his voice counts a lot, so no slackers need apply here.
I've read that Dustin Penner and Brendan Morrow are having issues cracking their lineups. Penner ($3.25 million cap hit) and Morrow ($4.1 million cap hit) are UFAs this offseason. Assuming they are healthy, I wonder if they could be had on the cheap.
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@TheWrage I wouldn't mind if Sather tried to acquire Morrow, as a deadline deal, he's had chemistry w/ Richards just hasn't been the same guy since he left. Would give you a good reason to move Gaborik off of the top line since Hagelin isn't doing squat.
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@thenyrblogneill @TheWrage Today is January 29...the trade deadline is April 3...guys like Iginla and Perry may be available, and the NYR play 30 games between now and then...can we let the team play and not sign on for trades 64 days away. BTW, I fully expect the Rangers to get held up in any trade, so if you want to part with Miller, Thomas, McIlrath, and/or Skjei, I'm sure all our friends around the league will be anxious to accommodate us.
@TheWrage @KevinDeLury I hope you're kidding. Del Zotto is playing better then ever and he have not yet reached he's potential. IMO He is one of the Rangers future superstar.
