Author Archives: Derek

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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.

Rangers take calculated risk on new long-term contract with Brady Skjei

Posted on July 28, 2018 by Derek

In what’s been a quiet summer, the Rangers took care of some business earlier today by re-signing defenseman Brady Skjei to a six year contract worth an average of $5.25 million per season. They decided to skip bridging him by … Continue reading →

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Devils re-sign Coleman and Noesen

Posted on July 17, 2018 by Derek

Today, the Devils announced the re-signings of restricted free agents Blake Coleman and Stefan Noesen. Two pleasant surprises who contributed to the team’s surprising return to the playoffs, both were revelations under second-year coach John Hynes. Used primarily in checking … Continue reading →

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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 →

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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 →

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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 →

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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 →

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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 →

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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 →

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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 →

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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 →

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