Update, 4:48 p.m.:
Andrew Gross reports Sather says price to acquire another veteran backup was pretty high. Thinks backup will only play 1 or 2 games rest of the season.

Original Post:
Jim Cerney at newyorkrangers.com reports that Marty Biron suffered a broken collarbone during practice today and is out indefinitely.

Cam Talbot is being recalled from CT Whale.

...well that sucks.

...i didn't expect Biron to get too much action the rest of the way, but now the Rangers will be forced to throw Hank out there every night. Time for Hank to prove he is a goalie who can put a team on his back and get them to the playoffs and beyond.

...tough break for Biron, whose play made his signing the biggest of the offseason.

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Today the Rangers acquired John Mitchell from the Toronto Maple Leafs for a 7th round pick.

Mitchell, who is currently with Toronto's AHL team and will be assigned to the CT Whale, has 2g, 1a in 23 games with the Maple Leafs this season and 20g 35a in 159 games. An interesting stat about Mitchell is that he has 3g, 2a in 4 games against the Rangers (thanks CraiginCanada).

Andrew Gross reports that Mitchell's 2010-11 NHL salary/salary cap hit is $725,000.

Here's a fun little video of Mitchell taking on none other than Brandon Prust back in 2003 when they were both in Juniors (h/t to reader Phil B.)...



...depth guy who maybe helpful down the road. Whatever.

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Trade deadline day is by far my favorite day of the year. And as has been the case since I started this blog back in 2007, I will be posting every trade and rumor out there as well as any Rangers news in this one post that will be updated throughout the day and into the evening. Today and July 1st are the only two days that I blog about teams other than the Rangers. It's just too fun a day to leave anything out. And of course if you guys see something I haven't posted, please leave it in the comments section or e-mail me at ( This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. ). And here we go...

Update, 4:15 p.m.:
Despite the lack of fireworks, still had so much fun doing the deadline tracker, which you guys seem to like as well as I've already had almost 7,000 hits on the blog today. For that I am ridiculously thankful.

Update, 4:12 p.m.:
Sather to hold conference call later this afternoon. (Cerny)

Update, 3:43 p.m.:
Big win for the Rangers today by doing absolutely nothing.

Update, 3:40 p.m.:
Devils get Steckel plus a 2nd round pick for Arnott. (ESPN)

Update, 3:35 p.m.:
Disregard Sestito move to Rangers, apparently he's headed to Flyers. Misprint by TSN.

...here I was thinking Sestito was the missing piece and I find out it's a misprint and he's headed to the Flyers.

Update, 3:31 p.m.
Rangers had no choice but to wait until July 1st when Dallas refused to come down on trade demands. (Brooks)

...good for you Glen. Would have been a riot outside Garden if he would have given up pieces of the Rangers core.

Update, 3:29 p.m.:
Newbury, Zuccarello, McDonagh put on AHL roster for a day to be eligible for minor-league playoffs. (Daily News)

Update, 3:26 p.m.:
TSN trade tracker says Rangers get F Tom Sestito from Blue Jackets for Greg Moore and Michael Chaput.

Update, 3:24 p.m.:
Canucks gets Max Lapierre from ANA for Joel Perreault and a 3rd round pick. (McKenzie)

Update, 3:22 p.m.:
Lightning trades Fredrik Modin to Calgary Flames for 7th round pick. (ESPN)

Update, 3:19 p.m.:
Florida trades Chris Higgins to Canucks for Evan Oberg and a 3rd round pick. (McKenzie)

Update, 3:15 p.m.:
Newbury, Zuccarello, McDonagh were all on AHL transactions wire which was a possible sign Rangers came close on Richards as sending them down would have opened up cap space. (Daily News)

Update, 3:14 p.m.:
Devils trade Jason Arnott to Capitals. (ESPN)

Update, 3:09 p.m.:
Rangers give up a 7th round pick for Mitchell. (Dreger)

Update, 3:06 p.m.:
Richards' agent confirms no trade and that Stars didn't ask them to waive NMC. (ESPN)

Update, 3:03 p.m.:
And the Rangers get......John Mitchell from the Maple Leafs. (McKenzie)

...who the F is John Mitchell.

Update, 3:00 p.m.:
Trade deadline has come and gone and still no Richards. Trades normally trickle in after 3pm so stay tuned.

Update, 2:58 p.m.:
Brad Richards via text at 2:55 p.m. ET , ''nothing going on.'' (ESPN)

Update, 2:50 p.m.:
May not be enough time to get deal done for Richards. (McKenzie)

Update, 2:39 p.m.:
Richards talks aren't dead with Rangers and Stars but unlikely. (Kypreos)

While Brooks says he can't imagine Richards would balk at waiving no trade to Rangers.

Update, 2:32 p.m.:
Richards still in play for Rangers. (Brooks)

Update, 2:28 p.m.:
Penner traded from Oilers to Kings for Colton Teubert, a 1st-round draft pick in 2011 & a conditional pick goes to Oilers in return. (The Hockey News)

...almost as big as Gretzky trade. Joking, but still a nice trade for LA.

Update, 2:26 p.m.:
Source tells @nydailynews the NHL trade landscape "dead" 40 minutes before deadline.

And Theo Fleury is bored.

Update, 2:24 p.m.:
Richards still hasn't been asked to waive his NTC, according to his agent. (Newsday)

Update, 2:18 p.m.:
All quiet on the Rangers front. (Newsday)

...thanks Captain Obvious.

Update, 2:09 p.m.:
Blues trade Brad Winchester to Ducks for a 3rd round pick. (McKenzie)

Update, 1:58 p.m.:
Ottawa trades Chris Campoli and a conditional 7th round pick to Blackhawks for Ryan Potulny and conditional 2nd round pick. (McKenzie)

Update, 1:46 p.m.:
Florida has traded D Bryan Allen to Carolina for F Sergei Samsonov. (The FAN 590)

Update, 1:43 p.m.:
Rangers dangling Michael Del Zotto for top line player. (TFP)

Update, 1:31 p.m.:
Torts post practice presser courtesy of Jesse Spector...



Update, 1:26 p.m.:
Stars still haven't contacted Richards camp. (ESPN)

Update, 1:22 p.m.:
Minor league deal: Oilers trade Shawn Bell to Colorado for Kevin Montgomery. (Dreger)

Update, 1:19 p.m.:
Marty Reasoner is staying in Florida. (Miami Herald)

Update, 1:15 p.m.:
McCabe on the Rangers style of play (Daily News)...

"It's aggressive, in your face, hard-working, like I said yesterday, meat-and-potatoes hockey," he said. "I like it. Up-tempo, you work hard, block shots and guys do the little things. That's what you need to do in this league to win."

Update, 1:04 p.m.:
Staal did not finish practice today. (@thenyrangers)

...not good for chances he's playing tomorrow.

Update, 12:59 p.m.:
Former Rangers prospect Dane Byers also going to Phoenix as part of Upshall deal. (ESPN)

Update, 12:55 p.m.:
Scott Upshall & Sami Lepisto traded from Coyotes to Blue Jackets for Rostislav Klesla. (Sportsnet)

Update, 12:49 p.m.:
Sounding less and less likely that Brad Richards is going anywhere. Richards told media this morning that he has not waived his no-movement clause nor has he been asked to do so. "I'm a Dallas Star." (NHL.com)

Update, 12:44 p.m.:
Richards "very encouraged" with recovery from concussion. Not likely to travel to Phoenix. (John Giannone)

...of course he's not travelling to Phoenix the Rangers are playing at MSG tomorrow.

Update, 12:26 p.m.:
Marian Gaborik not on the ice for Rangers practice. (@thenyrangers)

...maybe he's about to get traded. ;)

Update, 12:20 p.m.:
Rangers have not inquired about Jason Arnott. (Brooks)

Update, 12:15 p.m.:
Today's Rangers lines at practice courtesy of Jesse Spector:

Dubinsky-Anisimov-Callahan
Wolski-Stepan-Zuccarello
Prospal-Christensen-Boyle
Fedotenko/Avery-Newbury-Prust

Update, 12:12 p.m.:
Jason Jaffray, D.J. King, Nathan Lawson, Pascal Leclaire, Ty Conklin and Tim Sapleton all clear waivers. (Sporting News)

Update, 12:09 p.m.:
Brett Carson claimed by Flames, Curtis McElhinney to Senators, Robbie Schremp claimed by Thrashers. (The Hockey News)

Update, 12:06 p.m.:
Marc Staal and Ruslan Fedotenko are both on the ice for practice. (Daily News)

Update, 12:01 p.m.:
Atlanta signs Mark Stuart to three-year contract extension worth $5.1 million. (NHL on NBC)

Update, 11:59 a.m.:
Detroit signs G Jimmy Howard to two-year $2.25 million per extension. (ESPN)

Update, 11:57 a.m.:
Florida trades Dennis Wideman to Caps for Jake Hauswirth and a 3rd round pick. (The Hockey News)

Update, 11:46 a.m.:
Canadiens pushing for Penner. (Eric Engels)

Update, 11:39 a.m.:
Blue Jackets believed to have interest in Isles D-man Radek Martinek. (The Hockey News)

Update, 11:32 a.m.:
Richards skated for the fifth straight day this morning. (ESPN)

...you figure he might not be ready for another week. So Rangers could be giving up a boat load for just 15 games if he leaves in the offseason. Doesn't sound like it's worth it to me.

Update, 11:30 a.m.:
Scott Gomez will not be traded today. (TFP)

Update, 11:27 a.m.:
Leafs bust out boardroom cam for deadline day. (Maple Leafs website)

Update, 11:15 a.m.:
Ducks interest in Islanders C Zenon Konopka believed to be very serious. (OC Register)

Update, 11:05 a.m.:
No market for Tomas Vokoun right now. (Spector's Hockey)

...this is shocking. How can a team like Washington not be interested?

Update, 10:59 a.m.:
Thrashers D Zach Bogosian will only be moved if GM Rick Dudley is "bowled over." (NHL.com)

Update, 10:51 a.m.:
4-5 teams in chase for Jason Arnott. (ESPN)

Update, 10:41 a.m.:
Florida trades former Ranger Dvorak to Atlanta for Bergfors and another former Ranger Rissmiller. (McKenzie)

...long live the Czech Mates line.

Update, 10:38 a.m.:
If Rangers can't get Richards, they may change to focus to Oilers winger Dustin Penner. Penner, who has a $4.25 million cap hit next season, has 21 goals this season. (Daily News)

...that's a lot of money to have against the cap this summer when Redden's $ comes back on and the Rangers have lots of RFAs to pay.

Update, 10:30 a.m.:
Spector's Hockey wonders Nieuwendyk is setting the price ridiculously high regarding Richards trade is because he knows no one will pay it?

...interesting theory.

Update, 10:21 a.m.:
Less than 50/50 on Rangers getting Richards now. Price too high. (Brooks)

...stand strong Glen.

Update, 10:13 a.m.:
Bruins, Ducks complete minor deal. (TSN)

Update, 10:10 a.m.:
Justin Williams signs a four year extension worth $14.6M with Kings. (McKenzie)

Update, 10:08 a.m.:
Rangers could push some bonus money to next year to open up space for Richards. (Brooks)

Update, 9:58 a.m.:
Avalanche aren't trading Paul Stastny, but John-Michael Liles is in play. (USA Today)

Update, 9:55 a.m.:
Thrashers are close on a 3-year deal with Mark Stuart and there is interest in Ron Hainsey. (USA Today)

Update, 9:53 a.m.:
Buzzkill alert: Just a reminder that Richards suffered a concussion a week ago. Only started skating again the last few days.

Update, 9:51 a.m.:
Nieuwendyk willing to take it down to the wire with Richards to see if Rangers blink. (Newsday)

Updated, 9:48 a.m.:
Garth Snow taking calls on Martinek and Konopka. Ducks and Canucks believed to be most interested in Konopka. (Dreger)

Update, 9:42 a.m.:
Sabres inquiring about Avs Liles. (TFP)

...hard charging Sabres, who got Boyes last night, could put a real scare into Rangers playoff hopes with Liles.

Update, 9:37 a.m.:
Good news injury wise for Chris Higgins increases trade value. (USA Today)

...when did he have trade value?

Update, 9:35 a.m.:
Rangers feel price it too high for Richards right now. (ESPN)

...we all do.

Update, 9:32 a.m.:
You know where I say "where do I sign" below regarding the Richards offer. Scratch that just realized I missed the word prospect.

Update, 9:25 a.m.:
Leafs not getting John-Michael Liles from Avs. (ESPN)

Update, 9:21 a.m.:
Now Stars not moving Richards? (NHL)

Update, 9:19 a.m.:
Jason Armot (NJD) says he's willing to waive NMC for team in playoffs. (Fire & Ice)

Update, 9:16 a.m.:
Richards only willing to waive his no move clause for one team. (Dreger)

Update, 9:12 a.m.:
Anisimov, #1 and prospect are now asking price for Richards. (Brooks)

...where do I sign.

Update, 7:36 a.m.:
Senators signed D Chris Phillips to three-year extension last night. (ESPN)

Update, 7:34 a.m.:
@DarrenDreger reports one source says if the terms don't change, Richards isn't going anywhere.

Update, 7:31 a.m.:
Brad Richards in late Dec.: "[People} assume that because I'm not signed, I'm going to be traded. That's not necessarily how it all works." (Cotsonika)

Update, 7:29 a.m.:
@ElliotteFriedman says the Rangers are a team looking to add today.

Update, 7:27 a.m.:
Look for Panthers to move Marty Reasoner and Radek Dvorak today. (LeBrun)

Original Post:
The first trade actually took place last night as the Blues traded Brad Boyes to BUF for 2nd round pick in 2011. (McKenzie)

For all the trades that have already taken place, and there have been a lot, head over to TSN's trade tracker.

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It took eight years, but Hugh Jessiman, the Rangers 12th overall pick in the 2003, finally made his NHL debut last night with the Florida Panthers in their 2-1 loss to the Devils.

Jessiman had no points, skating 12 shifts for 09:31 of ice time.

Jessiman had the dubious distinction of being the only player picked in the first round of 2003 Draft not to play in the NHL. The Rangers drafted Jessiman ahead of players such as Zach Parise, Ryan Getzlaf, Mike Richards and Ryan Kesler.

H/T to Greg Wyshynski at Puck Daddy.

Here's post game video of Jessiman...



...one thing I didn't realize about Jessiman that Wyshynski points out is a bad ankle injury the year after the Rangers draft him that sent his career in the wrong direction.

...either way you've got to feel good for the kid for finally making it to the show. Rangers scouts are probably pretty happy about it as well. What were they thinking?

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Arthur Staple at Newsday reports that sources close to the team said last night that there is some feeling the Rangers would want Richards not just for a stretch run this season, but to have the exclusive negotiating window before July 1 to try and sign him to a long-term contract.

From people Staple's talked to, the Rangers' first-round pick would be in play in a possible deal for Richards, who yesterday skated for the fourth straight day as he still recovers from a concussion, but it's doubtful any of the core players currently on the NHL roster would be seriously discussed.

Having said all that, Staple adds the Stars have won two straight to get them back into the Western Conference top eight and may keep Richards for their own stretch run. Also, Richards' agent, Pat Morris, said in an email last night that Stars GM Joe Nieuwendyk has still not asked Richards to waive his no-trade clause.

Speaking of Richards and extensions, Bruce Garrioch at the Ottawa Sun says he turned down a "fair market" extension from the Stars as he is looking for a long-term deal in the eight-year range. Garrioch also reports that Nieuwendyk wanted two roster players and a draft pick from the Rangers to open the negotiations for Richards.

Meanwhile, Jesse Spector at the Daily News reported last night that talks were "heating up" between the Rangers and Dallas.

Laurie Carr at Beyond the Blueshirts throws fuel on the fire as she reports the CT Whale released Fs Francis Lemieux & Alexandre Imbeault when they were already short up front meaning Kris Newbury might be coming back down opening up a spot on the Rangers roster.

...not really sure how the Rangers expect to get Richards without giving up any core players. That doesn't seem possible. But I guess if there is one GM who could do it, it would be Sather.

...and if the Rangers do end up giving away some of their core they'd better be looking to sign him to a contract this offseason.

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Bergen Record - Rangers fall to the Lightning 2-1

Bergen Record - Rangers notes: Only move for Bryan McCabe

New York Post - Rangers fall to Tampa Bay once more

New York Post - Blueshirts show 'nothing' vs. highly skilled squad

New York Post - McCabe adjusting to new digs

Daily News - Power outage for Rangers as Lightning hand Blueshirts 2-1 loss at Garden

New York Times - Trade Winds Off Ice, Crucial Loss on It

Newsday - Rangers edged by stingy Lightning, 2-1

Newsday - For Bryan McCabe, it's almost home

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Update, 6:22 p.m.:
Here's video courtesy of Jesse Spector at Blueshirts Blog:



Original Post:
Andrew Gross at Ranger Rants has quotes from John Tortorella's post game press conference in which he rips the refs...

"It's a tough one," Tortorella said. "We gave them *&$)#@ all night long and they beat us five on three on a horse*&$)#@ call to start.

"As the game went on, it was one of those games. Both teams were grinding. I just wish the league would stay the hell out of it and let the teams decide it. It's bull*&$)#@. There's too much at stake here.

"We took some stupid penalties but Danny Girardi's is not a boarding call. It's just a simple guess. We gave them nothing five on four, nothing and we get beat five on three and it starts with a bad call."

...i'm sorry, I know the refs were bad tonight, but Torts can't blame the loss on them while dismissing the fact that the Rangers had just one shot in the first 19 minutes and the only scoring chances, other than the frantic final minute, were on the pk.

...i'll post video once available.

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The New York Rangers (33-27-4) lost to the Tampa Bay Lightning (37-18-7) by the score of 2-1, this afternoon. For a recap and box score go to Yahoo! Sports and newyorkrangers.com.

...i know the officiating was brutal but you've got to stay out of the box when you're playing against a team with that fire power. And how about being ready to play for an afternoon game. Tampa was.

...o-for-4 on the power play. This McCabe guy sucks. ;) Actually despite the O'fer, I really liked what he brought. Nice to have a bomb back there for once.

...can someone remind me to get that Prust jersey? Man I love that guy.

...in a game where the Rangers desperately needed a spark how does Avery only get four minutes of ice time?

...you would think with the Rangers finally dominating in the face-off circle (65%) they would have more opportunities to score.

...you know your offense is struggling when you create more scoring chances on the penalty kill than at even strength.

...hate to criticize Hank when he only gives up two goals but he's got to have that first one.

...you know what this team needs? Brad Richards. Still not sure I want them to empty their coffers for him though.

...and the enigmatic EC strikes again. After one of his best games as a Ranger, no shots on goal this afternoon.

...i know the second one was borderline at best, but Dubi's got to cut down on the stupid penalties.

...huge game on Tuesday with the hard charging Sabres in town. Will Richards be as well?

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The New York Rangers (33-26-4, 70 pts.) host the Tampa Bay Lightning (36-18-7, 79 pts.) at MSG today starting at 1:00 p.m. For a preview go to Yahoo! Sports.

Rangers Game Notes

TV: MSG; Radio: 1050AM ESPN Radio, XM205

Probable Lines:
Dubinsky-Anisimov-Callahan
Prospal-Christensen-Boyle
Wolski-Stepan-Zuccarello
Avery-Newbury-Prust

McDonagh-Girardi
McCabe-Eminger
Gilroy-Sauer

Goaltenders:
Henrik Lundqvist - 25-20-4, 2.33 gaa, .922 sv%, 8 so.

Dwayne Roloson - 11-6-1, 2.77 gaa, .906 sv%, 4 so  (#s wth Tampa only)

Opponent Notes:
- The Lightning (36-18-7) finished an NHL record-tying 12-game homestand at 7-3-2.

- Tampa Bay is 15-11-3 on the road.

- The Lightning are leading the Southeast Division and are in second place in the East

- Dwayne Roloson has dropped four straight starts against the Rangers - all as a member of the Islanders before he was traded Jan. 1.

- Eric Brewer has yet to collect a point in three games with the Lightning since being acquired from St. Louis.

- Marty St. Louis has points in eight straight games (3g, 8a).

- Simon Gagne scored his first goal since the All-Star break on Friday against New Jersey to give him 10 goals on the season.

- Steven Stamkos has 41g and 37a this season.

- Ryan Malone suffered a significant abdominal area injury on Feb. 8 and is expected to be out from six to eight weeks.

2010-11 Season Series:
Nov. 24 Rangers 3, Lightning 5 at Tampa
Dec. 23 Rangers 3, Lightning 4 (SO) at MSG
Jan. 1 Rangers 1, Lightning 2 (OT) at Tampa
Feb. 27 Rangers vs. Lightning at MSG

Opponent Blog:
Lightning Hockey Blog

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Pierre LeBrun at ESPN.com says that despite Saturday's acquisition of Bryan McCabe, a source told him the Rangers could still swing a deal for Richards, but it would be "tricky" cap-wise.

Jesse Spector at the Daily News says that while Sather is determined to get Richards it will be on his own terms, not surrendering key pieces of the core.

Spector adds that the News has learned that defenseman Matt Gilroy could be part of the package shipped to Dallas, which would help open up the cap space for Richards.

Rangers could also free up $650,000 by putting Alex Frolov on LTIR.

...would hate to literally give up the farm for Richards when they could look to sign him in the off-season. However, if the Rangers do bring Richards in and Gaborik comes back soon they're instantly Stanley Cup contenders in a wide open East in my opinion.

...tough call. Obviously would have to hear what other than Gilroy is sent back to Dallas.

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