Author Archives: Derek

Unknown's avatar

About Derek

Derek is a creative writer who enjoys taking photographs, working on poetry, and covering hockey. A free spirit who loves the outdoors, a diverse selection of music, and writing, he's a former St. John's University alumni with a degree in Sports Management. Derek covers the Rangers for Battle of Hudson and is a contributor to The Hockey Writers. His appreciation of art and nature are his true passions.

A good bridge deal for Vesey to prove himself

Posted on July 17, 2018 by Derek

Today, the Rangers announced the re-signing of restricted free agent Jimmy Vesey. One of four players who filed for salary arbitration, he took a very fair bridge deal worth a reported average of $2.275 million through 2020. In his first … Continue reading →

Posted in Battle News, NYRangers | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , | Leave a comment

The reaction to Cody McLeod re-signing

Posted on July 12, 2018 by Derek

I never would’ve expected it. However, Cody McLeod will return to the Rangers in ’18-19. The veteran fourth liner re-signed for a year at $750,000. The 34-year old spent most of his career with Colorado before playing parts of the … Continue reading →

Posted in Battle News, NYRangers | Tagged , , , | Leave a comment

Summer of calm for Hudson rivals, Rangers and Devils

Posted on July 11, 2018 by Derek

It’s now been over a week since all the fireworks 🎇 were fired on the first day of free agency. Following John Tavares’ impactful decision to go home like Dorothy to Kansas Toronto, leaving a gaping hole for the Islanders … Continue reading →

Posted in Column, Devils, NYRangers | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , | Leave a comment

Are the Rangers in or out on the Karlsson trade?

Posted on July 6, 2018 by Derek

Last night, rumors swirled that Ottawa and Tampa Bay had agreed in principle to a trade involving Erik Karlsson. Of course, it was refuted by reliable TSN source Elliotte Friedman. https://twitter.com/friedgehnic/status/1015064226325413888?s=21 Quite honestly, I’ve had enough of the Karlsson stuff. … Continue reading →

Posted in Column, Devils, NYRangers | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , | 2 Comments

Happy Fourth of July!

Posted on July 4, 2018 by Derek

On Independence Day, I wanted to wish everyone a Happy Fourth of July! I hope everyone is enjoying their holiday with friends and family. It’s America’s 242nd Birthday. Hard to believe that way back in 1776, the American Revolution resulted … Continue reading →

Posted in Battle News | Tagged , , , , , , | Leave a comment

Islanders bring back Matt Martin, sign Lehner

Posted on July 3, 2018 by Derek

The Islanders are moving on from the devastation of John Tavares leaving for the Maple Leafs. They’re doing it in odd fashion, by loading up on third and fourth liners. After agreeing to a four-year deal with former Leaf Leo … Continue reading →

Posted in Battle News, July 1 Frenzy | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , | Leave a comment

Rangers re-sign Namestnikov, add defenseman Claesson

Posted on July 2, 2018 by Derek

Day One of free agency is in the books. It went as expected if you’re a Ranger fan. They didn’t do much. Committed to a rebuild, it appears there will be no quick fixes or overpaid stars coming to Broadway. … Continue reading →

Posted in Battle News, July 1 Frenzy, NYRangers | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , | Leave a comment

Tavares says goodbye to Islanders, chooses the hometown Maple Leafs

Posted on July 1, 2018 by Derek

Not everyday you can live a childhood dream pic.twitter.com/YUTKdfMALl — John Tavares (@91Tavares) July 1, 2018 John Tavares is going home. It sounds like it was a difficult decision for him to make. Shortly after Russia pulled a huge upset … Continue reading →

Posted in Battle News, July 1 Frenzy | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , | Leave a comment

Stastny agrees to sign with Vegas, clarification on O’Reilly

Posted on July 1, 2018 by Derek

It’s officially Canada Day. Happy Canada Day to all those who celebrate up north. The July 1 frenzy doesn’t officially get started until high noon. However, that doesn’t mean teams haven’t reached agreements with players. The biggest name today is … Continue reading →

Posted in Devils, July 1 Frenzy | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , | Leave a comment

Flyers bring back JVR, Tavares still silent as Canada Day hits

Posted on July 1, 2018 by Derek

The biggest news still hasn’t come yet. It looks like John Tavares will not be accepting the Islanders’ eight-year max contract offer. Midnight is about to hit and still nothing on his decision. Maybe it’s gonna be a wait for … Continue reading →

Posted in July 1 Frenzy | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , | Leave a comment