Victor Mancini impresses in first preseason game

Posted on September 23, 2024 by Derek

On the first day of autumn, the Rangers had their first exhibition game against the Bruins up in Boston. They defeated the Bruins 3-2.

A young prospect who impressed was defenseman Victor Mancini. He scored and set up a goal in the win. Originally a fifth round pick in the 2022 NHL Draft, the 22-year-old Mancini spent three years in college playing for the University of Nebraska-Omaha.

After registering four goals and six assists for 10 points in 40 games during 2023-24, he joined the Hartford Wolf Pack near the end of the season. He tallied three assists in seven games. During the Calder Cup Playoffs, he added three helpers in 10 games.

Mancini is listed at six-foot four, 215 pounds. In last night’s preseason match, the right defenseman showed the ability to get into transition and join the rush to create offense. With the Blueshirts trailing early in the first period, he took an Anton Blidh feed up top and beat Bruins goalie Brandon Bussi with a good wrist shot to tie the score.

In a game where the only starting defenseman was Braden Schneider, Mancini played a team high 23:06 for Rangers coach Peter Laviolette. He played with poise and skated well. Late in the first period, he helped set up Filip Chytil on the power play to make it 2-1. Will Cuylle found Chytil open in the right circle for his first of the preseason.

Throughout the contest, Mancini’s name was called often by Sam Rosen on MSG Network. He stood out for the right reasons. He was used in all facets, including the power play and penalty kill. The Rangers had to like what they saw from the Saginaw, Michigan native.

Mancini will enter his first pro season with the Wolf Pack. While there’s cause for optimism, it’s only one game. However, Garden faithful should get another look at Mancini before he gets reassigned. Seeing a younger face make an impression is exciting. That’s what these games are for. The organization knows what the established veterans can do. The regulars will get in a couple of games to prepare for the start of the season. They don’t need much more to get ready.

Chytil Looks Good

In the victory over the Bruins, Chytil looked good. A key to the season, the center must stay healthy. He played with Cuylle and Kaapo Kakko on Sunday night. They’re expected to be his regular line mates when things get rolline on Oct. 9 at Pittsburgh.

The 25-year-old Czech was flying during the match. He’s always possessed excellent speed and skating. Those are his best attributes. With the game tied in the first period, Chytil took a Cuylle pass and ripped a laser for a power-play goal. It was the kind of shot that makes him a scoring threat.

In 2022-23, he set a career high with 22 goals. If he can avoid the injury bug, there’s no reason he can’t improve on that total. He missed most of last season due to a concussion. The Blueshirts are counting on him to produce on the third line.

During the third period, Chytil used his speed to quickly gain the Bruins line and find Alex Belzile for a the game-winner. He had some other end to end rushes that opened some eyes. Most importantly, he absorbed some checks and bounced right back. He must do a better job at avoiding those hits. The next one could spell doom.

Othmann Makes His Presence Felt

A young player to keep an eye on is Brennan Othmann. The 21-year-old 2021 first round pick is looking to make the Opening Night roster. After coming close last year, he made his presence felt against the Bruins. Othmann had a couple of big open ice hits. An aggressive player who isn’t shy about throwing his weight around, he plays with an edge. He also likes to drive to the net.

At the conclusion of the second period, he dropped the gloves with Parker Wotherspoon. Othmann held on. In the third period, he got a scoring chance but was denied by Bruins netminder Michael DiPietro. He’ll need to bury those to give himself an opportunity to make the team.

Garand Gets Win in Relief

In the second half of the game, Dylan Garand came on in place of Louis Domingue (14 saves on 15 shots). He stopped 12 of 13 shots to get the win in relief.

A 2020 fourth round pick, the 22-year-old Garand has spent his first two pro seasons with the Wolf Pack. The Bruins tied the game in the second period when Trevor Kuntar was able to steer in a rebound past Garand. The puck banked off Patrick Brown right to Kuntar, who surprised Garand. He wasn’t set on the play. It was a fluky goal.

Despite that, Garand made some strong saves when the Bruins pressured. He held up well. With Jonathan Quick returning to back up Igor Shesterkin, Garand will have plenty of time to continue to develop in Hartford.

Rangers return to Garden

On Tuesday night, the Rangers return to the Garden. They’ll host the rival Islanders at 33rd and 7th. It’ll be a different lineup for the second of six preseason games.

Maybe we’ll see Brett Berard. He’s also competing for a spot up front. A tenacious player, he’ll be watched closely by Rangers brass. Berard won’t wow anyone. But he likes to outwork opponents. He projects as a bottom six player who can kill penalties.

Zac Jones probably will be in. He’s the frontrunner for sixth defenseman. With Matthew Robertson only playing over eight minutes last night, Jones remains a strong candidate to become a full-time player. It’s his job to lose.

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Rempe Stands Out in Practice

Posted on September 22, 2024 by Derek

On a beautiful Sunday in the Big Apple, the New York Rangers were back to work at team practice this morning.

There were some mini scrimmages on the ice. You had some healthy battles between players. That included Matt Rempe. The 22-year-old forward is looking to earn a starting job in training camp. After impressing coaches and teammates with his energy and enthusiasm last spring, Rempe still must prove himself. He wants to become a regular. Not just a highwire act.

Improved Skating Impresses Laviolette

During the off-season, Rempe worked hard on improving his skating. It was something he highlighted during his exit interview after the Rangers’ postseason elimination last June. He knew that a spot wouldn’t be given to him.

“My balance is way better on my skates.” Rempe told Remy Mastey in a piece that appeared in The Hockey News on Saturday, Sep. 21. ” I think my stride is a lot better. I’m carrying speed better. All my edgework, agility, all those types of stuff. We did a lot of single edgework and a lot of skating stuff, balance. My hands, I worked a lot on my stick handling to be able to protect pucks down low, make plays. I want to showcase that.”

In Matt Rempe’s Increased Speed Noticeable To Start Training Camp,” The Hockey News, Sep. 21, 2024.

It was during Sunday’s practice that Rempe stood out. He won some puck battles by utilizing his improved skating. That included getting the better of Adam Fox in front of the net. During a sequence, he stood in front of Igor Shesterkin. When play was over, Fox and Shesterkin each gave Rempe a slash. That earned him a penalty shot. He showed off a nice move which was stopped by Shesterkin.

So far, so good. Rangers coach Peter Laviolette likes what he sees.

“He came in excellent shape,” Laviolette told reporters. “He trained hard this summer. He trained hard on the ice, he trained hard off the ice. He tried to work on all aspects of his game to come back and give himself the best chance. There’s no question he is in very good shape.”

“I want to prove to be an every day player. That’s my goal,” Rempe said when asked what his specific goals are for the season. “I want to be a very effective bottom six player who’s gonna play every night. Be the most physical player on the ice and be great defensively. Chip in a few goals. And be a really hard line to play against and also bring the element of grit.”

If Rempe can bring all of that to the table, then he should become a more trusted player under Laviolette. At times, he didn’t use him during the postseason. That was mostly by design. However, it also was due to Rempe not being the best skater. That’s why he’s come in with something to prove.

Preseason Begins

At 5 PM, the Rangers will visit the Bruins in their first preseason game. On a busy football weekend, some players will be looking to turn some heads.

The camp roster has already been cut down to 48. Nobody of significance was sent down. There’ll be about a week for a few players to make an impression. Then, things will get interesting. Of note, Brett Berard and Brennan Othmann are looking to give the Blueshirts a reason to keep them around.

The first exhibition match can be seen on MSG Network.

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Reilly Smith gets the first crack on Rangers’ top line

Posted on September 21, 2024 by Derek

A new season means some new faces. While team president and general manager Chris Drury couldn’t make too many moves over summer due to the salary cap, he was able to add a quality player. In acquiring Reilly Smith from the Penguins in exchange for a 2027 second round pick and a fifth in 2025, Drury was able to get a proven top nine forward who should help improve the roster.

The 33-year-old right wing is a solid veteran who can play in all three zones. Best known for his time in Vegas where he helped lead the Golden Knights win a Stanley Cup, Smith is coming off a down season with the Pens. After posting four goals and 10 assists for 14 points in the 2023 postseason, he became a cap casualty – getting dealt to Pittsburgh for a 2024 third round pick. It just didn’t work out. Smith still finished with 13 goals, 27 assists, and 40 points in 76 games. However, his goals dropped from 26 to 13.

Smith to Play Key Role

It’s no secret that the top line struggled last season. Despite plenty of success that included winning the Presidents’ Trophy and coming within two games of reaching the Stanley Cup Finals, the Rangers never got consistent production from Mika Zibanejad and Chris Kreider at even strength. When the Panthers focused on shutting down Artemi Panarin last spring, that spelled doom. Neither player was able to produce at the level needed to advance.

Rangers coach Peter Laviolette tried different combinations. After Jack Roslovic fizzled against the Cats, he mixed and matched. Even Filip Chytil was used. Nothing materialized. With Kaapo Kakko still unable to establish himself on the first line, the Blueshirts decided to get Smith from the Penguins. While he isn’t going to blow anyone away, he knows how to play the game. A heady player who is a good complement on a scoring line, Smith will play a key role on Broadway.

At the start of training camp, Laviolette had Smith skating with Zibanejad and Kreider in practice. If they can find early chemistry, that should bode well. A good player at even strength who also excels defensively, Smith can be that steady presence for that line.

Good Shorthanded

Over his 13-year NHL career, Smith is a good shorthanded player. He’ll be featured on the penalty kill. An area he’s quite familiar with. It was with Vegas that he did his best work.

In six seasons as a Golden Knight, he scored 12 shorthanded goals. That included four in 2022-23, which tied him with Kreider for the second most in the league that season. The Rangers had a strong penalty killing unit in 2023-24. After subtracting key penalty killer Barclay Goodrow, they added a quality defensive forward in Smith, who can help replace what Goodrow brought shorthanded. He could find himself paired up with Vincent Trocheck while down a man.

Something To Prove

Entering his first year as a Blueshirt, Smith has something to prove. He wants to erase last season. Getting traded inside the division should serve as a motivator. The Rangers will see the Penguins on Opening Night. They’ll visit the Steel City on Oct. 9. Wouldn’t it be a great way to start if Smith scored against his former team?

In 2024-25, they’ll face the Pens four times. That includes Sidney Crosby paying a visit to Madison Square Garden on Dec. 6. The season series concludes with two big matchups in February. The Rangers will host the Penguins on Feb. 7. They’ll visit Pittsburgh on Feb. 23. Those dates are probably circled on Smith’s calendar.

One other factor is that Smith is in the final year of his contract. He is set to earn $5 million. In parting with two draft picks, the Rangers did it with the knowledge that the Penguins would pick up part of the remaining year. The cap charge is only $3.75 million. They saved $1.25 million. A big help for a team that spends to the ceiling.

Any time a player is playing for a contract, it usually can give them a boost. Smith knows that he has a good opportunity in the Big Apple. There’s a lot riding on the line. For the Blueshirts, it’s one last kick at the can with the current group. There’s a lot of pressure to end a Cup drought that’s lasted 30 years. For Smith, it’s the expectations. He needs to have a good season. His future depends on it. That’s why it has the potential to work out.

Chytil Reunited with Kakko

As expected, the pratice lines included a familiar duo. Chytil and Kakko together. It was during the 2022 playoffs that they worked well along with Alexis Lafreniere. The Kid Line was a factor in the Rangers’ run to the Conference Finals. Since then, Lafreniere has graduated to play with Artemi Panarin and Vincent Trocheck. He produced a career best season with 28 goals and 29 assists for 57 points.

Kakko needs a good season. He is on a one-year deal. It’s now or never for the former 2019 second overall pick. Having a player he knows well should benefit him. Chytil possesses the game-breaking speed. He and Kakko are effective on the forecheck. They’re likely to be penciled in with the gritty Will Cuylle to form a good third line. Health will play a role. They need both Chytil and Kakko to avoid the injury bug. How that line performs will be a key to the season.

Preseason Action in Boston

Believe it or not, the Rangers play their first preason game tomorrow in Boston against the Bruins. It’ll be a chance for the coaches to get a first look at some players. Several won’t be with the big club when the season starts. They’ll looking to make a good first impression.

Game time is 5 EST. MSG will air it.

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Devils re-sign Mercer

Posted on September 21, 2024 by Derek

On Friday, the Devils re-signed Dawson Mercer. They reached agreement on a three-year deal worth a $4 million cap hit through 2026-27.

A 2018 first round pick, Mercer has proven to be a versatile forward for the Devils. Originally drafted as a center, he’s also shifted over to play the right wing. A reliable player who can be used on the power play and penalty kill, the 22-year-old is featured in the top nine. He can play on any line.

Following a strong second season that saw him establish career highs in goals (27), assists (29), points (56), plus-minus (22), even strength points (24-20-44), and game-winning goals (6), Mercer struggled with consistency in 2023-24. A slow start didn’t help. He still finished last season with 20 goals with 16 coming at even strength. However, he only had 33 points and posted a disappointing minus-26 rating in 82 games.

Mercer is a key Devil who must rebound. The talent is there. A good skater with scoring instincts, he has the potential to become more consistent. He also is a player who can make the right read defensively. In his first three seasons, he has two shorthanded goals. He should continue to develop overall.

In what amounted to a busy summer, Devils team president and general manager Tom Fitzgerald made some good additions to a roster that missed the playoffs last season. That included overhauling both the blue line and net. They’re hoping that key defensemen Brett Pesce and Brenden Dillon can upgrade the defense. Jacob Markstrom is the new starting goalie. With Jake Allen backing up, it could be a good tandem.

The Devils also made some smart moves to solidify their forward depth. By adding the gritty Paul Cotter, they became tougher. If there was an area they lacked during a disappointing 2023-24, it was in that department. They were easy to play against. Cotter is a physical player who finishes checks and can chip in offensively. He should become a fan favorite.

Tomas Tatar returns after a year away. Known as Tuna, he fit in well on the 2022-23 roster. After struggling last season, Tatar is looking to bounce back in New Jersey. He had success in his first stint, scoring 20 goals and tallying 28 assists with a plus-41 rating. While there’s no guarantee for a repeat, he’ll be playing with players he’s familiar with. That should help.

Stefan Noesen is also in his second tour of duty with the red and black. A secondary scorer who likes to make a living in front of the net, he should be an asset on the second power play. He had good success with the Hurricanes the past two seasons. He should be good for double digits in goals and 30 points.

The Devils are taking a look at Kevin Labanc. A player who once put up 56 points (17-39-56) in San Jose, the Brooklyn native is looking for a fresh start. He didn’t fit into the Sharks’ rebuild. A shifty skater with playmaking capability, Labanc is someone to keep an eye on in training camp.

Preseason gets underway on Sunday night. The Devils host the Islanders tomorrow at 7 EST. It’ll be shown on MSGSN.

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Hockey Is Back

Posted on September 18, 2024 by Derek

As football rolls into Week 3 in the middle of September, we’re closing in on training camp for NHL teams. Believe it or not, hockey is back.

After a long hiatus during the hot summer, players are starting to report to practice facilities for workouts. Rookie tournaments are wrapping up. Several teams have signed players to pro tryouts (PTO). The Devils will get a closer look at Kevin Labanc, Michael Hutchinson, Andy Welinski, and Jakub Zboril. All agreed to PTO’s. The biggest name is Max Pacioretty. He’ll look to earn a roster spot in Toronto.

On Monday, the Rangers released their training camp roster. Camp opens up on Wednesday, Sep. 18. The first day of on-ice session is Thursday, Sep. 19.

https://x.com/NYRangers/status/1835751567838044580

Kids To Watch

Rather than detailing every camp invite, including fringe veterans who are likely destined for Hartford, let’s highlight the kids to watch instead.

Up front, there really aren’t many prospects who’ll contend for the Opening Night roster. However, Brennan Othmann and Brett Berard are the most obvious candidates. Each had a good first pro season with the Hartford Wolf Pack. Berard led the Pack with 25 goals last season. He added 23 assists. His 48 points ranked third in team scoring, placing him right behind Othmann, who recorded 21 goals with 28 assists for 49 points. Each had some success in the Calder Cup Playoffs.

If either makes an impression in camp, then they’ll get strong consideration. Othmann is considered the prospect with the higher ceiling. A former 2021 first round pick, he pushed for a spot last year. However, with no experience, he was sent down to Hartford. Othmann made a brief cameo with the Rangers. However, after a solid NHL debut, he barely was used by coach Peter Laviolette in two more games. It was better for his development to go back down. We’ll see if he can make some noise in his second go-round.

Berard spent three years at Providence College. A 2020 fifth round pick, he’s a hard-working player who plays with tenacity. When he represented Team USA at the World Junior Championships, he played a checking role, which included penalty killing duties. The 22-year-old will battle Othmann for a spot in the top nine. If either can crack the roster, it could come at the expense of Kaapo Kakko. Kakko was brought back for one more year. If he struggles early, perhaps Othmann or Berard can make him expendable. Kakko is penciled in as the right wing on the third line.

Rempe Time

Around this time a year ago, few knew about Matt Rempe. A sixth round pick in 2020, the Calgary native surprised many in his second camp. His ability to stand out in preseason opened some eyes.

After spending part of the season honing his skills in Hartford, he was recalled by the Rangers for the outdoor game against the Islanders on Feb. 18. No stranger to brawling, Rempe got his welcome to the NHL moment during his first shift. Islanders’ enforcer Matt Martin challenged him. The two squared off at center ice before almost 80,000 fans at Met Life Stadium. He finished with five hits along with his first NHL fight in what amounted to a thrilling come from behind 6-5 Rangers’ victory over their crosstown rivals.

From that moment on, the larger than life Rempe became a fixture on the fourth line. He continued to battle all comers. When he wasn’t throwing his weight around, he parked himself in front of opposing goalies to make their job miserable. It was during a match against the Flyers that he got a piece of a shot for his first career NHL goal, which proved to be the winner in a 2-1 victory. It was a special moment.

Pretty soon, the Garden was serenading him with “Rem-pe, Rem-pe!” chants. He became a fan favorite. It was his engaging personality that was easy to admire. Somehow, he went from a longshot to making the national, to quote Kevin Weekes. He garnered all kinds of attention around the league.

Even when he made mistakes against the Devils that earned him a major and game misconduct, Rempe was there to answer questions. He also was accountable for his actions. On Apr. 3, he participated in a line brawl at MSG. Rempe squared off with Kurtis MacDermid at center ice. It was an entertaining bout between two warriors. MacDermid had called out Rempe for not answering the bell due to an elbowing major on Mar. 11. In the rematch between the Hudson rivals, he earned some respect from MacDermid.

Following posting a goal and assist with 71 penalty minutes and 50 hits in 17 regular season games, Rempe scored in his postseason debut to highlight a 4-1 win over the Capitals in Game 1 of the first round. The Blueshirts followed that up with two more goals in rapid fashion to pull away for the victory. During the Rangers’ run to the Eastern Conference Final, Rempe got in 11 playoff games. He proved that he learned from some of his past mistakes that included a four-game suspension.

It’s the energy and enthusiasm he provides that’s galvanized coaches and teammates on and off the ice. When he had his ice time reduced by Laviolette, Rempe never complained. Instead, he understood and was extremely supportive. That approach is why he’s already become one of the team’s most popular players. It’s pretty telling when he plays on an established team that features Artemi Panarin, Adam Fox, Igor Shesterkin, Chris Kreider, and Mika Zibanejad.

What can Rempe do for an encore? For starters, nothing is guaranteed. It was his decision to work with former Oilers enforcer Georges Laraque in the off-season. He wants to become a better skater and smarter fighter. Rempe doesn’t want to be known as a novelty. He expects to earn a regular spot as a Blueshirt. Given his instincts and understanding of the game, he is serious.

Rempe should get some competition from Adam Edstrom and veteran Adam Erne, who agreed to a PTO. Sam Carrick and Jimmy Vesey should comprise two-thirds of the checking line. The puck is on Rempe’s stick.

Jones’ Time to Shine

In 2023-24, Zac Jones was used mostly as the Rangers’ seventh defenseman. A good skating left defenseman who never was known for his overall game, he took a step in the right direction. The 23-year-old former UMass product proved that he was fully capable of coming into the lineup and supplying steady defense.

A 2019 third round pick, it wasn’t certain if Jones would stick with the Rangers. There was always the possibility that he could’ve been traded. Instead, he made some nice improvements to gain the trust of the coaching staff. When Fox or Jacob Trouba went down, it was Jones who fit in seamlessly.

It resulted in a breakthrough season. Although he only got into 31 games last season, Jones drew the praise from Laviolette. His ability to transition from defense to offense made him a strong possession player. He posted career highs in goals (2), assists(7), and points (9).

Unlike 2023-24, Jones doesn’t have Erik Gustafsson blocking him. The veteran blue liner was a good Ranger, providing offense at even strength and on the power play. When he wasn’t re-signed, that opened the door for Jones. Entering camp, the sixth defenseman role is his to lose.

Robertson Hoping to Make Team

Matthew Robertson is hoping to change the mind of the organization. He should get a long look at a supporting role. He’s still behind Jones and veteran Chad Ruhwedel.

Can the 2019 second round pick finally make a lasting impression? At 23, he’s still yet to debut in the NHL. Robertson’s coming in with a different mindset. It’ll be interesting to see if he can make the roster. With competition from seasoned vets Connor Mackey and Ben Harpur, he’ll have to prove he belongs.

Lafreniere Looking for Extension

Alexis Lafreniere is no longer a question mark. The former 2020 top pick had a breakout season. Playing with Panarin and Vincent Trocheck in 2023-24, he set personal bests in goals (28), assists (29), and points (57). He followed that up by continuing to perform in the postseason. Lafreniere produced, scoring eight goals and adding six helpers for 14 points. Along with Trocheck, they were the best players against the eventual Stanley Cup champion Panthers in the Conference Finals.

With the Red Wings signing Lucas Raymond to an eight-year contract north of $64 million, that should be a good comparable. Raymond earned it by putting up new career highs in goals (31), assists (41), and points (72). If Lafreniere can score at least 30 goals and reach 70 points, he’ll have a strong case for a similar deal. His season will be worth watching.

Igor On The Clock

Imagine the quandry the Rangers could find themselves in if both Lafreniere and Shesterkin have big seasons. Unlike Lafreniere, Shesterkin is entering the final year of a deal that pays him a bargain price of $5.67 million.

Considered one of the game’s best goalies, the 28-year old is coming off a huge postseason. It was his brilliant play between the pipes that carried the Rangers to the Eastern Conference Final. After a strong finish to the regular season, he posted a 2.34 goals-against-average (GAA) and .926 save percentage in the postseason. Shesterkin made plenty of clutch saves against the Panthers to give the Rangers a chance. Goals were at a premium.

What if he can put together a second Vezina season? His attention will be turned to what happens with key Bruins’ restricted free agent Jeremy Swayman. He’s looking for a significant raise. The difference is that he’s only completed three full seasons. He’s 25. Shesterkin blows the candles out on his 29th birthday on Dec. 30.

Crosby Stays in Pittsburgh

In league news, Sidney Crosby is staying put in Pittsburgh. The 37-year old Penguins captain agreed to a two-year contract extension on Monday. Similar to what he’s being paid through 2024-25, Crosby will earn an $8.7 million cap hit.

One of the game’s greatest players, No. 87 is the true definition of a superstar. It would’ve been easy for Crosby to play out the final year of his contract. Especially with the Pens having missed the playoffs the past two seasons. Instead, he stayed loyal to the Steel City. There’s something to be said about loyalty in sports. Many great players don’t spend their entire career with one team. Now, there’s a chance that Crosby could.

Crosby has played in 1,272 games. With 592 goals, he’s eight away from 600. That’s despite missing significant time. Crosby has 1,004 assists and 1,596 points. Barring something unforeseen, he will achieve two milestones this season. The 600-goal mark and 1,600 points. It speaks volumes about how special a player he is.

In 2023-24, he continued to defy logic by scoring 42 times while adding 52 assists for 94 points. Crosby did everything possible to try to carry the Penguins into the playoffs. They fell a little bit short.

Crosby admitted that he actually watched the playoffs. His reason was that he wanted to learn from the teams that made it. His drive and determination are what define him. As special as Connor McDavid is, Crosby still is the face of the league. You can’t spell NHL without Crosby.

It’s great for the league that he decided to remain with a Penguin. Could anyone really have pictured him in another jersey?

Preseason On Tap

Once camp gets rolling, preseason is on tap. The Rangers begin with the Bruins on Sunday, Sep. 22 at 5 EST. It’s kinda crazy to schedule it during Week 3 of a busy NFL weekend. But that’s what they did. I doubt I’ll be around to watch. Next Tuesday, they’ll host the Islanders at 7 EST. That’s more reasonable.

With an exciting baseball season wrapping up, the Yankees and Mets both look like they’ll play in October. You know Met fans will be locked in on what happens the final week. They’re tied with the Diamondbacks for the second wildcard. That’s two in front of the fading Braves. But Atlanta will be playing the Mets for a big three-game series. The Yankees look to have a good hold on the AL East. Aaron Judge remains at 53 home runs.

Once things develop, I’ll have more on the competition. My fantasy hockey draft is Friday night. See you soon.

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Caufield to honor Gaudreau by wearing his number

Posted on September 9, 2024 by Derek

It’s been an emotional rollercoaster for the hockey world. Ever since the tragic deaths of Johnny Gaudreau and Matthew Gaudreau, there have been so many tributes from both players and fans.

A candlelight vigil was held last Wednesday, Sep. 4 at Front Street Plaza outside Nationwide Arena in Columbus. The Blue Jackets streamed the event live on YouTube.

On Monday at 12 PM, a memorial service will be held for family and close friends of John and Matthew Gaudreau. They will be live streaming the event on their official site. It’ll take place inside the arena.

Flames Remember Johnny Hockey

The Calgary Flames held a candlelight vigil on Sept. 4 outside Scotiabank Saddledome. They also live streamed the event on their social media channels. Similar to the Blue Jackets, a digital candle was available on the Flames app.

Flames captain Mikael Backlund made an emotional speech about former teammate Johnny Gaudreau. It was very well done. He remembered how Gaudreau prepared for games and how he was off the ice. To hear him tell it, Johnny Hockey kept things very loose. Something an emotional Backlund said he’s working on. It certainly was hard to watch.

The Flames will hold a memorial service for the family of Johnny and Matthew at 10 AM on Monday, Sep. 9.

Caufield Will Change Jersey to Number 13

How much does Johnny Gaudreau mean to USA Hockey? Plenty. In an announcement, Cole Caufield revealed that he will change his jersey to number 13 for the 2024-25 season.

The Montreal Canadiens forward made the announcement on Instagram. He is switching to No. 13 to honor Gaudreau.

“I wore 13 at a point in my career because of Johnny and now I will be wearing it again to honor him. He paved the way for smaller players and proved we had a future in the game at the highest level. I will be forever grateful to him for inspiring me and others.

Rest in Peace, Johnny Hockey.”

It’s a classy gesture. What Caufield said about Gaudreau is true. Johnny was so creative on the ice. His unique blend of speed, skill, and hockey IQ made him an exciting star. He had great hands. A game that once favored bigger and stronger players has trended towards smaller and faster players. Teams are no longer afraid to draft undersized players. It’s a different era.

Saying Goodbye Is Never Easy

It’s never easy to say goodbye. Having attended wakes, I believe in being there to support our friends and family. As difficult as it may be, all we can do is come and lend a helping hand.

When they hold the memorial services in Columbus and Calgary, there won’t be a dry eye. It’s still hard to believe Johnny and Matthew are gone. Honoring who they were is the best way to handle such a tragedy. Having heard enough stories, it sounds like both Gaudreau brothers were a pleasure to be around. God bless the family.

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Draisaitl signs record extension to stay in Edmonton

Posted on September 3, 2024 by Derek

Three days into September, a huge signing was made. The Edmonton Oilers and Leon Draisaitl agreed to a record extension earlier today.

The 28-year-old former Hart winner signed an eight-year contract extension worth $112 million. He was entering the final year of a deal that pays him $8.5 million.

By coming to terms with the Oilers, Draisaitl will become the league’s highest paid player next year. He’ll make $14 million per year, starting in 2025-26. By the time the contract concludes, Draisaitl will be 37.

It’s always a risk when a team signs a star player long-term into their mid 30s. We’ll see how it goes. The bigger storyline is how much teammate Connor McDavid will get. The game’s best player still has two years remaining on a contract that averages out to $12.5 million on the cap.

McDavid followed up a 32-goal, 100-assist, 132-point season by leading the postseason in scoring with a remarkable 42 points (8-34-42) to win the Conn Smythe. He nearly led a historic comeback. The Oilers came back from a 3-0 series deficit before losing the Stanley Cup to the Panthers in Game 7.

A three-time Hart winner and five-time Art Ross recipient, the 27-year-old McDavid has won almost everything. A Cup would cement his legacy as one of the all-time greats. He needs 18 points to reach 1,000 for his career. In just 645 games, he’s posted 335 goals and 647 assists for 982 points.

If Draisaitl can get $14 million, how much do you think McDavid will get? If he puts up over 150 points like he did in 2022-23, the Oilers could have to start with a higher number than they would like. Sixteen million might not get it done. Imagine McDavid approaching $18 million. It’ll depend on both the player and the cap.

The Oilers are entering a crucial year. After coming so close to winning a championship last June, expectations are through the roof. Featuring a roster that includes McDavid and Draisaitl as the big headliners, they also boast a strong nucleus. Zach Hyman, Ryan-Nugent Hopkins, Evander Kane, Evan Bouchard, Mattias Ekholm, Darnell Nurse, and Stuart Skinner all help make up a deep team.

With key additions Jeff Skinner and Viktor Arvidsson, that should improve their scoring. As if they need any more offense. They also were able to keep Adam Henrique, Mattias Janmark, Corey Perry, Connor Brown, and Derek Ryan. They let both Dylan Holloway and Philip Broberg go to the St. Louis Blues. Each signed offer sheets that the Oilers didn’t match. Edmonton is hoping acquiring former Canuck Vasily Podkolzin can help offset the loss of Holloway.

On paper, they look pretty formidable. They’ll likely need a better season from Nurse. He has a $9.25 million cap hit. They can’t afford for him to be a liability.

With Draisaitl getting his raise, next in line is Bouchard. One of the game’s best offensive defensemen, he is making $3.9 million in 2024-25. He’ll become a restricted free agent next summer. The Oilers are going to have to pay a hefty price. Think between $9 and 10 million.

Training camps are over two weeks away. There are still key players unsigned. Most notably, the Red Wings’ Moritz Seider and Lucas Raymond. That’ll be interesting to watch.

Hockey is around the corner. It’s hard to believe.

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Hockey World Mourns the losses of Johnny Gaudreau and Matthew Gaudreau

Posted on August 31, 2024 by Derek

On Thursday night, a horrible tragedy stunned the hockey world. Columbus Blue Jackets’ star forward Johnny Gaudreau and brother Matthew Gaudreau were killed by a drunk driver in Oldmans Township, New Jersey.

Johnny was 31 and Matthew 29. Each left behind families, including their parents. Johnny is survived by his wife Meredith, daughter Noa, and son Johnny, Jr. Matthew is survived by his wife. She was pregnant with their first child.

I’ve been struggling to find the right words. It’s unfathomable that both Gaudreau brothers died due to the gross negligence of a drunk driver. It’s truly sickening. They were mowed down on their bikes by a selfish person who acted irresponsibly. They deserve to rot in jail.

Our thoughts are with the Gaudreau family. What they’re going through is unimaginable. It was supposed to be a big weekend. They were going to celebrate sister Katie’s wedding in Gloucester, NJ. Instead, her wedding was postponed.

It’s a very sad time for the hockey world. Many tributes have poured in from former teammates of Johnny. He and Matthew were inseparable. Having seen some of the videos, it’s incredibly upsetting. It’s hard to believe.

We all know who Johnny Gaudreau was. He was a phenomenal hockey player who led Boston College to the Frozen Four in 2013-14. Younger brother Matthew was on that team along with Kevin Hayes. They were led by Gaudreau, who totaled 36 goals and 44 assists for 80 points to win the Hobey Baker Award as college’s top hockey player.

Selected in the fourth round by the Calgary Flames in 2011, Gaudreau made headlines by leading Team USA to the gold medal at the 2013 World Junior Championships. He led the tournament with seven goals and added two assists for nine points.

Nicknamed Johnny Hockey, the five-foot nine, 165-pound Gaudreau could do things with the puck that electrified fans. His game-breaking speed, along with his incredible skill, made him a star. After scoring on his first shot in his NHL debut, Gaudreau posted 24 goals with 40 assists for 64 points in 2014-15. He finished third for the Calder Trophy. At 21, he led the Flames to the second round of the playoffs, finishing with four goals and five assists.

Gaudreau spent the first nine years of his career with the Flames. An All-Star and Lady Byng winner, he averaged over a point-per-game. In 602 games as a Calgary Flame, he had 210 goals and 399 assists for a total of 609 points. That included two fourth place finishes for the Hart Trophy. In his final season with the Flames, he established career highs in goals (40), assists (75), and points (115) while playing with Elias Lindholm and Matthew Tkachuk on a lethal top line.

Following a disappointing finish to the season, Gaudreau became an unrestricted free agent in 2022. After much consideration, he chose to sign with the Columbus Blue Jackets. He decided to settle down with his wife in Columbus.

Although the Blue Jackets didn’t have much team success in his first year, Gaudreau still led them in scoring with 21 goals and 53 assists for 74 points in 80 games. He followed that up by again, pacing the Jackets with 60 points (12-48-60) in 2023-24.

A young team with a bright future that includes former first round picks, Kent Johnson and Adam Fantilli, the Blue Jackets look set up to improve. They took center Cayden Lindstrom with the fourth pick in June. Losing a great player like Gaudreau really hurts. He was a locker room leader and, from all accounts, a quality person.

It isn’t the first time tragedy has struck Columbus. It was three years ago that goalie Matiss Kivlenieks died after being accidentally hit by a fireworks mortar in the chest in Michigan. It is very hard to believe they are dealing with another tragedy.

As someone who followed Gaudreau’s career since his memorable performance for Team USA in 2013, he was a magician with the puck. A terrific passer, Johnny Hockey, frequently set up teammates for goals. However, he also had a good shot. When he wasn’t beating goalies from distance, he’d fool them by using his slick hands to score on a wrap-around. He was a unique hockey player with tremendous talent. I really enjoyed watching him play.

His brother Matthew played in the American Hockey League (AHL) with Bridgeport in the New York Islanders organization. After spending four years at Boston College, he spent seven seasons in the minors. He last played for Worcester on the East Coast Hockey League (ECHL) in 2021-22.

Some of the best tributes to Johnny have been at The Saddledome in Calgary. Many fans left flowers. The hockey community is one big family. On the ice, we might be rivals. But off it, we aren’t. Our hearts are broken.

JOHNNY GAUDREAU (Aug. 13, 1993 – Aug. 29, 2024)

MATTHEW GAUDREAU (Dec. 5,1994 – Aug. 29, 2024)

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Sam Rosen to hang up the mic after 2024-25 season

Posted on August 18, 2024 by Derek

For four decades, Sam Rosen has been the voice of the New York Rangers. The longest active broadcaster in the NHL will hang up the mic after the 2024-25 season.

He made the announcement last Tuesday. Originally a studio host for pregame on MSG Network, Rosen took over play-by-play duties for mentor Jim Gordon in 1984.

A lifelong dream was fulfilled. Originally born in Germany to Polish parents as Sam Rosenblum, his family moved to Brooklyn, New York, when he was two years old. Growing up in New York City, he became a fan of the Rangers. Rosen frequently took the subway to games at the old Madison Square Garden on 49th and 50th Street at Eighth Avenue.

He attended Stuyvesant High School and City College of New York, where he was a catcher on the baseball teams.

Following a broadcasting stint at UPI Audio, Rosen joined MSG Networks in 1977. He served as the Rangers pregame studio host and part-time radio announcer in 1982. Two years later, he replaced the legendary Gordon on MSG.

Originally, Rosen teamed with Phil Esposito for two seasons. However, when Esposito moved upstairs to take over as the Rangers general manager, that opened the door for a new color commentator. Former Rangers goalie John Davidson replaced Esposito in the booth.

For two decades, Sam and JD became fixtures in living rooms. They were the voices of the Blueshirts. During the Rangers’ run to their first Stanley Cup in 54 years, Rosen and Davidson were there every step of the way. That included the memorable Stanley Cup clinching Game 7 on June 14, 1994.

Following an icing, Rosen was on the call for the final faceoff that Craig MacTavish won from Pavel Bure to finally give the franchise its first Cup since 1940. His call is fondly remembered by fans.

“The waiting is over! The New York Rangers are the Stanley Cup champions! And this one will last a lifetime!”

Perhaps the best part was that Rosen got to call his favorite team, finally winning a championship to end a long drought. That had to be emotional.

After teaming with Davidson for 20 seasons, with 2005-06 being the last, Rosen got a new partner. Joe Micheletti took over upstairs. A veteran analyst who’d worked with Howie Rose on Islanders telecasts, he’s been with Rosen nearly as long. This fall will mark their 19th and final season together. Micheletti raved about working with Rosen.

“You’ve made all of those who work with you better people, and you’ve helped us all reach heights that would not have been achievable without your support,” Micheletti said in a statement. “You have included all of us on your crowded list of friends. For all these reasons and many more, your legacy will last a lifetime.”

In 2016, Rosen was the winner of the Foster Hewitt Memorial Award. He was inducted into the Hockey Hall of Fame for his contributions as a broadcaster. Entering 2024-25, he’s the longest-tenured active broadcaster in the NHL.

Now 77, Rosen indicated that he never thought about his age. However, it was when he turned 75 that he started to consider retirement. When he hangs up the mic, he can spend more time with his family, which includes four grandchildren. He’s hoping for the Rangers to go out on top. That would be the icing on the cake. 

With Rosen set to retire next year, Rangers’ play-by-play radio announcer Kenny Albert is the favorite to replace him. Albert has called games since 1995. He took over for Howie Rose. Albert is the voice of the NHL on TNT.

The Rangers begin the season on Oct. 9 against the Penguins.

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Rangers and Lindgren agree on one year for $4.5 million

Posted on July 30, 2024 by Derek

Three days before salary arbitration, the Rangers and Ryan Lindgren reached an agreement that’ll keep him in New York City for at least another year.

The 26-year-old defenseman re-signed for one year, $4.5 million. In doing so, the onus will be on Lindgren to earn a new contract next summer. If he wants to remain a New York Ranger past the upcoming 2024-25 season, it’ll be up to him.

By agreeing to take a one-year deal for fair market value, the gritty warrior knows that he’ll turn unrestricted next year. If he stays healthy and puts together a good season, Lindgren should be able to dictate the terms in free agency.

A defensive defenseman who brings his hard hat to work, the Burnsville, Minnesota native plays with physical edge and intensity. A staple on the Rangers blue line who’s teamed with Adam Fox on the top pair, Lindgren is a stabilizing force.

Similar to Dan Girardi, he’s played bruised and battered. A fan favorite, the former Bruins 2016 second round pick, remains part of one of the better trades the Rangers made in recent memory. He came over from Boston as part of the Rick Nash deal on Feb. 25, 2018.

At one point, former team president and general manager Jeff Gorton used Ryan Spooner to acquire Ryan Strome. A move that turned the original trade into a steal. Strome served as the second center until two years ago when he left to sign with the Ducks. Strome was a good Ranger who played with Artemi Panarin. He was replaced by Vincent Trocheck.

For five seasons, Lindgren has proven to be one of the Rangers’ most trusted defensemen. While not the most mobile skater, he’s gotten the most of his ability. In 333 career games, he’s totaled 10 goals, 70 assists, and 80 points with a plus-99 rating. In 2023-24, he had three goals and 14 assists for 17 points while posting a plus-22 rating over 76 games. He added 103 blocks and 114 hits while averaging 19:21 of ice time.

In the postseason, Lindgren tallied three assists. None were bigger than his great setup for Chris Kreider’s series clinching goal in the third period of Game 6 against the Hurricanes. It gave Kreider a natural hat trick. The Rangers came from behind to eliminate the Canes in six games, advancing to the Eastern Conference Final.

The Rangers have a lot of players on the roster who’ll be playing for new contracts. That includes Igor Shesterkin, Alexis Lafreniere, K’Andre Miller, Lindgren, Kaapo Kakko, Reilly Smith, Jimmy Vesey, Will Cuylle, Matt Rempe, Zac Jones, Jonathan Quick, and Chad Ruhwedel. If he makes the roster, you can add Adam Edstrom to that list.

Obviously, Shesterkin is front and center. He’s entering the final year of a contract that’s a $5.67 cap hit. A bargain. If he reaches next summer, there’s no telling what he’ll get. Shesterkin is looking to break the bank.

Lafreniere is coming off a career best season that saw him score 28 goals and add 29 assists for 57 points. If he can improve on those totals, 35 goals and 70 points are possible. That would mean a significant long-term extension for the former 2020 top pick. That could come at some point next season.

With team president and general manager Chris Drury making few changes to a roster that reached Game 6 of the Eastern Conference Final, the pressure is on. They’re banking on a healthier Filip Chytil to supply offense to the third line. If he remains a Ranger this fall, Kakko must step up. It’s do or die. A projected third line of Chytil, Kakko, and Cuylle could be counted on to supply secondary scoring.

If Brennan Othmann can force his way onto the roster, he has to play in the top nine. That could impact Kakko if he gets off to a bad start. His future remains uncertain.

In subtracting Barclay Goodrow and replacing him with Sam Carrick, the Rangers look weaker. Goodrow was a trusted veteran checking center who doubled as an effective penalty killer. Carrick will be asked to fill the void. If he can, then the fourth line should be okay. It still includes Vesey and possibly Rempe, who wants to be more than a part-timer. He has the potential to become a regular instead of a sideshow who was barely used by coach Peter Laviolette in the playoffs.

Rempe will compete with Edstrom, Brett Berard, and Jonny Brodzinski, who remains a good option that the coaching staff likes. The 31-year-old earned it last season by filling in admirably.

There’s a lot riding on the line. If they can’t deliver a Stanley Cup next June, then there could be many changes made. It’s all hanging in the balance. With teams being them getting better, it’s going to be even more challenging. The Blueshirts won’t sneak up on anybody next season. They’ll get everyone’s best game.

Wrestling legend Sting had a saying. “With Sting, nothing is for sure.” The same applies to the Rangers.

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