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.

Trouba deserves more respect from misguided fans due to tough situation

Posted on June 30, 2024 by Derek

When Jacob Trouba was traded to the New York Rangers, he signed a seven-year contract worth $56 million in the summer of 2019. That included a full no-movement clause over the first five years. The cap hit was eight million … Continue reading →

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Emery highlights draft weekend for Rangers

Posted on June 29, 2024 by Derek

On a big NHL Draft weekend for James Dolan, the Rangers selected four players at Sphere in Las Vegas. Dolan’s creation for the first marquee sporting event at the new venue was personally thanked by league commissioner Gary Bettman during … Continue reading →

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Devils trade Schmid and Holtz to Golden Knights for Cotter and a ’25 third round pick

Posted on June 29, 2024 by Derek

Day 2 of the NHL Draft has been hectic. As Hasan mentioned in a previous post, the action has been fast and furious at Sphere in Vegas. After a relatively quiet first night that saw only a few teams move … Continue reading →

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HARD HITS: Rangers Must Avoid the Same Mistakes

Posted on June 22, 2024 by Derek

Show of hands? How many loyal true blue Rangers fans think they can win the Stanley Cup with the current roster? There probably aren’t many people who believe that. In truth, the Rangers had an excellent season. Under coach Peter … Continue reading →

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Oilers look to make history against Panthers

Posted on June 22, 2024 by Derek

By now, it’s been discussed in the sports world. It isn’t only about the hockey being played in late June. It’s whether or not the Edmonton Oilers can make history on Monday night against the Florida Panthers. Once upon a … Continue reading →

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Rangers’ handling of Goodrow business as usual

Posted on June 20, 2024 by Derek

When it comes to sports, the business side can be cruel. Such is how things played out for Barclay Goodrow. With three years left on a six-year contract that pays him a cap hit of $3.64 million, he became a … Continue reading →

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Dedicated Wachter won’t return to Devils telecasts

Posted on June 20, 2024 by Derek

While the Devils made headlines with the acquisition of Jacob Markstrom on Wednesday, there also was a bit of disappointing news. Erika Wachter won’t return to the New Jersey Devils telecasts on MSG Network. In a post on Instagram, she … Continue reading →

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Goodrow gets claimed by Sharks

Posted on June 19, 2024 by Derek

It took only a day for Barclay Goodrow to find a new team. He was claimed by the Sharks today. For Goodrow, it’s a return to San Jose. Originally signed by the Sharks as a 21-year-old rookie free agent, he … Continue reading →

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Well-respected Goodrow is first to go

Posted on June 18, 2024 by Derek

On a hot summer day of 90-degree temperatures in the metro area, the Rangers made their first change of the off-season. They placed Barclay Goodrow on waivers. The 31-year-old forward was deemed expendable due to the $3.64 million cap hit … Continue reading →

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By qualifying Kakko, the Rangers have options

Posted on June 14, 2024 by Derek

It didn’t take long for the Rangers to make a decision on Kaapo Kakko. On Thursday, they re-signed Kakko to the qualifier for one year, $2.4 million. The 23-year-old Kakko posted 13 goals and six assists for 19 points in … Continue reading →

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