Battle Of Hudson

Yesterday, the U.S. Hockey Hall Of Fame announced its newest inductees. All deserving. Devils general manager Lou Lamoriello will be joining Mike Modano and Ed Olczyk in Minnesota for the ceremony this Fall.

The architect of three Stanley Cups after a successful two decades spent as a coach and athletic director of Providence College, Lamoriello finally will be honored for his great achievments. He’s one of the best executives in sports, who turned the Devils into winners. Without him, there probably isn’t a legacy for the former Kansas City Scouts and Colorado Rockies. Who knows if they would’ve survived.

“It’s an honor, especially going in with these two players I had. Eddie Olczyk I had in a sports festival when he was 16. I was a young coach then. And Mike Modano was on the 1996 World Cup team,” Lamoriello said. “That was a great series for American hockey.”

Even after winning the first Cup in ’95, New Jersey nearly lost their team to Nashville. Fortunately, that didn’t happen. Instead, they’ve been the most successful franchise in the metro area since Lamoriello took over. That included their first ever playoff appearance under Jim Schoenfeld. One of the biggest memories before the infamous “doughnut incident” was John MacLean’s overtime goal that beat Chicago goalie Darren Pang, sending them to the postseason. After pulling two upsets in the divisional rounds, they nearly made it a third before falling to Boston.

Lamoriello’s most memorable move was trading down in the 1990 Entry Draft to select a goalie named Martin Brodeur. Calgary chose Trevor Kidd. He also made another deal that sent defenseman Tom Kurvers to Toronto for a No.1 pick that turned into Scott Niedermayer. Topping it all off, when star forward Brendan Shanahan signed with St. Louis, Lamoriello was intent on receiving defenseman Scott Stevens as compensation. Rather than accept Curtis Joseph and Rod Brind’Amour, he got his wish. The rest is history.

Joining Lamoriello are Modano and Olczyk. After being taken No.1 overall in ’88, he went on to become the all-time leading American scorer playing in 21 seasons. He spent the first 20 starring for the Minnesota North Stars and Dallas Stars where he still holds franchise records across the board. His 561 goals and 1,374 points pace American-born players. That includes leading the Stars to their only Cup in ’99 and just falling short of repeating in a gut wrenching six-game series loss to the Devils. It was No.9 who extended it back to Dallas when he scored in triple overtime despite an injury.

Modano also has the most playoff points for U.S. born players with 145. An eight-time All-Star who was an integral part of the 1996 Team USA championship in the first World Cup Of Hockey, he should have a place in the Hockey Hall Of Fame. Hopefully, he’ll get the call next year.

Olczyk had a distinguished NHL career finishing with 342 goals, 352 assists and 794 points over 1,031 contests. That included playing for his hometown Chicago Blackhawks who drafted him third overall in 1984. He had been a member of the USA Olympic team where as a 17-year old teenager he was part of the Diaper Line in Sarajevo.

After spending three seasons with Chicago, he played four with another Original Six Toronto. His best years were as Leaf where he had seasons of 42 goals and 75 points, 38 goals and 90 points, and 32 goals and 88 points. During ’90-91, he was dealt to Winnipeg where he spent parts of three seasons as a Jet continuing to score.

Olczyk was acquired by the Rangers in ’92-93 for Tie Domi and Kris King. Unfortunately, a bad thumb limited him to 37 games and just eight points (3-5-8). Instead, he became part of the Black Aces. A popular group of Blueshirts who made practice fun and kept spirit up when things got challenging. He’d spend one more year on Broadway before returning to Winnipeg for two years.

Eventually, he moved onto Pittsburgh and then returned for one last go round in his hometown with the Hawks. A popular figure who always had great insight, Olczyk made a smooth transition to the broadcast booth where he’s called games for Pittsburgh and now Chicago. Most notably, he’s the lead analyst on NBC Network alongside Doc Emrick and reporter Pierre McGuire.

He also coached Sidney Crosby and the Penguins during his rookie year. Even though it didn’t work out, you have to think his influence helped Crosby’s development. Olczyk’s doing great as an announcer. One of the most personable guys in our business.

Congrats to all three new U.S. Hockey Hall Of Fame members.

The Rangers added more depth to the organization yesterday, signing Brandon Segal. Ironically, he turned 29 today and joins his fifth team if you count that he was drafted by Nashville.

Segal never played for the Predators but had brief stints with the Kings, Stars and Lightning. In ’11-12, he got into 10 games for Tampa Bay putting up zero points and four penalty minutes. In other words, he’s ticketed for Connecticut. For his NHL career, Segal has 11 goals and 11 assists over 102 games.

Devils add Barch: Last week, the Devils added some toughness by signing veteran Krys Barch. The 32-year old has played in six seasons for the Stars and most recently the Panthers. In his first four years with Dallas, he had four consecutive 100-plus penalty minutes. However, his role decreased and he was dealt to Florida where he put up two goals and three assists along with 91 PIM over 41 games.

Unfortunately, his only year in Sunrise is best known for an alleged racial slur during an incident with the Habs’ P.K. Subban. He was ejected and suspended one game. He joins his third team with the Devils inking him to a two-year contract. An upgrade over departed Eric Boulton and possible AHLer Cam Janssen. 

Larry Robinson has been a fixture for two decades with the Devils. Whether it’s been as an assistant helping turn Scott Stevens and Scott Niedermayer into Hall Of Fame defensemen or taking over for Robbie Ftorek to lead the red and black to a second Stanley Cup in 2000, Big Bird’s always been well received in the area. Wanting to be closer to home, he’ll try to help San Jose figure the winning part out.

The one year I got to see one of the game’s great defensemen up close in ’00-01, Robinson epitomized class. Even if I was a blip on the radar screen interning for Stan Fischler over at Devils practice, he answered one of my questions at their old facility. That’s just who he is. A personable coach who cares a great deal about the game we love. He loves his players and it showed when he had to step down during a second stint post-lockout. One of the saddest days for New Jersey because they let a great man down.

Despite that, Lou Lamoriello brought Robinson back as an assistant where he worked wonders with their no-name defense alongside Pete DeBoer. As Hasan alluded to all year, nobody would ever think a blueline of Greene, Volchenkov, Fayne, Salvador, Zidlicky, Harrold, Larsson and Tallinder would ever be able to get through the East falling just short against the Robinson’s former team the Kings.

That’s the magic of the laid back coach who knows a thing or two about being a great defenseman. His plus-minus has been well documented. Throughout a Hall Of Fame career that included six Cups with Montreal, he was a plus-730. An NHL record that still stands along with a remarkable plus-120 during 1976-77. One of only two players to ever eclipse plus-100 in a season. Robinson considers his first Cup as a head coach as his favorite moment.

“Considering how long I played hockey and how many Cups I got to win as a defenseman with Montreal, it was my first Stanley Cup win as a head coach that is actually my greatest day in hockey.”

The Devils lose a quality man who’s led whereever he’s been. A calming influence who’s been a staple of their success. Their search for a new assistant started yesterday. Whoever replaces him will have big shoes to fill.

Glen Sather made another quiet move last night. The Rangers President and GM signed veteran center Jeff Halpern to a one-year deal. He’ll earn $700,000 for 2012-13.

The 36-year old Halpern is a solid depth signing who can aid the Blueshirts on faceoffs. A weak area even with Brian Boyle and Brad Richards. He’s been around for over a decade starting out in Washington before moving onto Dallas, Tampa Bay, Los Angeles and Montreal. Last year, the Jewish player returned home to the nation’s capital for one more go round. In 69 games, he tallied four goals and 12 assists for 16 points. Most notably, he won 58.4 percent of his draws going 365 and 260. Exactly why he’s here.

Ironically, he and future teammate Brad Richards were traded for each other a few years ago in a blockbuster that sent Richards to the Stars. Now, Halpern will be asked to play on the same roster in a familiar checking role. During the Caps’ run which included a grueling seven-game second round loss to the Rangers, he got into two games registering no points with four penalty minutes. It looks like he’ll replace John Mitchell, who signed with Colorado last week.

While it’s hardly the kind of move that’ll excite the masses, it’s still another solid addition that should improve our depth. Halpern is more than capable of anchoring the fourth line and also can kill penalties if needed. He’s a classic overachiever having never been drafted. Signed by his hometown club in 1999, Halpern’s turned in a nice career playing in 861 games with 358 points (146-212-358) and 607 PIM. He’ll bring a good work ethic and fit right in under John Tortorella.

Having added Halpern, Arron Asham, Micheal Haley and Taylor Pyatt, Sather is doing alright. While none will ever stand out, they’re all hard working character guys who will help offset the losses of Brandon Prust and Ruslan Fedotenko. Assuming Brian Boyle centers the third line and is joined by Brandon Dubinsky if he stays, the team should be fine. It’s just a matter of what Slats does regarding adding another scorer to offset the injury that’ll keep Marian Gaborik out at least till December.

Maybe someone surprises in camp or is recalled during the season like Carl Hagelin. You can’t predict what will happen. Hagelin became an integral part of our team. Hopefully, he’s here to stay. Here’s a look at the current roster by position:

G Lundqvist
G Biron

D Girardi
D McDonagh
D Staal
D Del Zotto*
D Stralman*
D Bickel
D Sauer

C Richards
C Stepan
C Boyle
C Halpern
C Haley

LW Dubinsky
LW Anisimov
LW Hagelin
LW Kreider
LW Pyatt

RW Gaborik
RW Callahan
RW Rupp
RW Asham
RW Kolarik

*Del Zotto and Stralman are restricted free agents

Note: That doesn’t include prospects who will get a look in camp such as Erixon, McIlrath, Miller, Thomas, Yogan, Bourque, Lindberg, Jean, etc.

As I sit here in Richmondtown on a wonderful Monday July afternoon, at least the heat wave has taken a break. If only the much debated Rick Nash would take a dive into the ocean once and for all.

It’s not so much that I don’t like him. He’s a star power forward who can help any team. The continued wonder is when Columbus GM Scott Howson will find a deal that’ll send Nash to a new team. Since the trade deadline when temps were more icy, the Blue Jackets franchise scoring leader has remained in limbo, stuck in the Siberia of the NHL. Since its inception, the Jackets have only made the playoffs once, getting unceremoniously swept out by Detroit a few years ago. At the time, there was hope they could be on the rise with then Calder winner Steve Mason creating a buzz. Unfortunately, he’s been more Andrew Raycroft than Martin Brodeur.

In a strong division that boasts recent Cup champs Chicago and Detroit along with division winner St. Louis and Nashville, Columbus is stuck in the Central basement. A place they’ll struggle to climb out of for years unless something miraculous happens. Maybe the Wings come down post-Lidstrom but the odds are against it with Pavel Datsyuk, Henrik Zetterberg, Jimmy Howard and Niklas Kronwall still around.

With seemingly no one to help the 28-year old Nash, it makes sense to move him. The Blue Jackets can get a good return for the four-time All-Star and former Rocket Richard winner who’s dying to play on a contender. How could you blame him? Imagine being selected first overall 10 years ago and a decade later, still having never won in the postseason literally. It’s maddening. His career is being wasted. The good news is Nash still has a few prime years left. You know he’ll be hungry to prove himself whereever he goes. His list of teams remains at six including the Rangers, who remain the frontrunner due to a plethora of forward depth. Exactly what Howson’s looking for.

Does Glen Sather like Nash enough that he’ll give up Derek Stepan as a centerpiece in the package? If it’s true that Slats won’t part with Ryan McDonagh, Chris Kreider or Stepan, it makes pulling off a trade unrealistic. McDonagh should be untouchable due to a future that could include a Norris. Kreider is off limits following an encouraging debut in a postseason that saw the Blueshirts go the deepest they have in 15 years.

The dilemma is Stepan, who avoided a sophomore jinx by posting 51 points (17-34-51), four power play goals, four game-winners and a plus-14 rating over 82 games. Six more points than he had his rookie season. The disappointing aspect was his postseason where he notched nine points, including his only goal in four playoff series. Perhaps the 22-year old wore down. He’s not the strongest (6-0 190) and was easily knocked off the puck at crucial times. Stepan needs to beef up and improve in the faceoff circle. He’s the team’s second line center. An important part of their future. If they part with him, that creates a hole.

This past weekend, Columbus Dispatch’s Aaron Portzline appeared on WFAN with Marc Malusis to discuss the Nash Saga. It was an interesting interview with the Jackets beat writer hinting that a package of Stepan, Brandon Dubinsky and a pick could get it done. He’s been closest to the situation. So, take it for what it’s worth. The only question is is that really what Howson wants. Two NHLers who can improve the Jackets along with a No.1. What about asking for one of our top prospects such as J.T. Miller or Christian Thomas? The Ranger organization regards Miller (’11 first round) higher than Thomas. Is Columbus interested in Mike Del Zotto? Personally, I wouldn’t move him because you can’t replace him.

If it could be a deal involving Dubinsky, Artem Anisimov and Tim Erixon, I’d pull the trigger. But I doubt Howson would. He’d be nuts. That wouldn’t get it done. I also would like to retain Dubinsky, who’s our most versatile forward that is capable of teaming with Brian Boyle on a checking line. At last check, Dubinsky’s a better player than Brandon Prust who’s due for a bounce back. Anisimov I’m 50/50 on. I still like his skill set and believe he needs to be used as a top six forward. Otherwise, he’s being wasted. John Tortorella didn’t handle Anisimov right in the playoffs. Don’t forget he’s also younger than Dubinsky and cheaper.

If they get Nash, Dubinsky’s certainly the likely candidate to go. If the teams can’t agree on the other piece, then a prospect and No.1 should be included. There’s no way he comes for only one roster player. It has to be fair compensation. That’s one area that bugs me. Some of our fans have this impression that because Nash had an off year (59 points), we shouldn’t have to pay up. It doesn’t work that way. Rick’s 30 goals would’ve placed second behind Marian Gaborik, who we’ll be lucky to see by December. His 59 points on a horrible roster aren’t bad. If he came here, they would improve along with disappointing power play numbers which suggest that the losing’s getting to him.

Nash is an outstanding player. Not a superstar who can carry you. But capable of getting hot and scoring big goals. As Portzline also noted with Malusis, he’s dangerous shorthanded due to his reach and breakaway speed. An area that is always a welcome addition. Prust was our best penalty killer. For his career, Nash has 14 shorthanded goals, including five in his best season. Ironically the year Columbus made the playoffs. He put up 40 goals and 79 points along with a plus-11. Oddly enough, he hasn’t been much of a plus player. In 674 career games, Nash has 289 goals with 258 assists totaling 547 points along with a minus-71 rating. Part of it is the team. It’s hard to gauge.

For his career, Nash has hit double digits in power play goals four times, posting 11 in ’05-06 and 10 each in ’07-08 and ’09-10. His career best came all the way back in his second year when he had 19. He’s set up more for teammates. Not surprising given the attention he gets. He’s reached 40 goals twice and registered 30-or-more in seven of nine seasons, including the last five. Outside of ’05-06 when he missed 28 games, Nash has been durable playing in at least 74 the other eight campaigns. This past year was the first time he played in all 82.

Given everything I’ve laid out, is Nash the right fit for Manhattan? Outside of potential cost and cap hit ($7.8 million), he can help bolster our offense. Just his size and shot alone should aid the power play. I guess it comes down to how loyal Sather is to a core he’s hesitant to break up. Is Nash worth it? Only if he can fit in and win a Cup.

Pro’s:

-proven finisher who’s scored 30+ 7 of 9 years
-4-time All-Star
-Olympic gold medal
-Rocket Richard
-5 seasons 30 assists-or-more
-adds size, shot, skill and speed
-should be hungry
-is 28 and has prime years left

Con’s:

-can he handle big stage
-only four career playoff games
-contract could hinder Rangers maneuverability
-cost likely would create another hole down middle
-is he good enough overall to play for Tortorella
-must finish more PPG

There’s a pretty good argument for acquiring Nash, whose other suitors include the Flyers, Red Wings and Maple Leafs. Maybe the Bruins and Penguins too. Eventually, something has to give. Would you make the deal? Who for and why?

It’s been an interesting week already with Zach Parise and butt buddy Ryan Suter choosing to sign identical contracts with perennial contender Minnesota. I have my own thoughts on that but will hold off for now. While there continues to be plenty of discussion on the Fourth Of July fireworks rippling through the NHL, Islander GM Garth Snow has quietly gone about his business trying to improve the Islanders.

In one of the toughest divisions, the Isles know they got their work cut out this offseason. Before July 1 hit, it was a foregone conclusion that key scorer P.A. Parenteau wouldn’t be back. Snow was always going to have trouble replacing his scoring. He decided to take a chance on former Sabre Brad Boyes, agreeing on a one-year $1 million deal. The 30-year old Boyes once scored 43 goals with St. Louis in ’07-08. Since totaling 66 goals and 137 points back-to-back seasons with the Blues, his numbers have fallen off dramatically.

Boyes was traded to the Sabres for an ’11 second round pick last year. He was supposed to help Buffalo in the playoffs. After 5-9-14 in 21 games, he scored only once during a first round loss to Philadelphia. Much was expected from the former Toronto No.1 pick in 2000. Buffalo was hoping he’d return to the success he had in St. Louis. Instead, he went through the worst year of his career scoring just eight goals with 15 assists for a total of 23 points in 65 games. Boyes drew the ire of our resident Sabre blogger Brian Sanborn and many others in Western New York.

What happened? Well, a knee injury cost him 13 games during the first half. Perhaps he never fully recovered. It would be a better explanation than a capable scorer falling flat. Now, he’ll be asked to join John Tavares on the Islanders’ power play. Whether he wins a first line spot alongside JT91 and Matt Moulson remains to be seen. Parenteau became one of their best playmakers. For his career, Boyes has 158 goals and 214 assists for 372 points in 558 games. If there is one concern it’s a drop off in power play production.

Boyes Got The Power?

            GP         PPG          PPA         PPP
’07-08  82          11             8              19
’08-09  82          16             19            35
’09-10  82           2              8              10
’10-11  83           6              7              13
’11-12  65           2              6               8

Note: Boyes played in 83 games during ’10-11 due to the Blues trade to Buffalo.

Either he’s not the same player or he’s due for a bounce back. For one year, Snow’s hoping to catch lightning in a bottle.

Boyes wasn’t Snow’s only free agent move. He also signed tough defenseman Matt Carkner for three years, $4.5 million and added pugilist Eric Boulton for the league minimum. Beefing up the blueline is never bad. Especially with ex-Sen Carkner who can also double up front if necessary. He’s one of the league’s toughest fighters. As we saw in the first round against the Rangers, he can fly off the handle like with Brian Boyle, earning a one-game suspension. No question Rangers/Islanders will be at a wild level with Carkner and Boulton added. Boulton basically fights but can sometimes lose his head. A reason Hasan and other Devil fans were happy he was bought out. With the Rangers adding Arron Asham and former Islander Micheal Haley to Mike Rupp, there’s sure to be a lot of fisticuffs.

Carkner is serviceable. He can play bottom pair and help out a blueline that includes vet acquisition Lubomir Visnovsky. With a D that features captain Mark Streit, Andrew MacDonald, Travis Hamonic along with rookie hopefuls Calvin de Haan, Matt Donovan and Aaron Ness, Carkner won’t necessarily have to play all 82. A lot hinges on the development of the kids while Visnovsky, Streit, MacDonald and Hamonic will comprise of the top four.

The 35-year old Visnovsky will be asked to help anchor the back end with Streit. There’s no denying the Slovak’s puck skills. He’s an offensive blueliner who possesses a healthy shot that can boost the power play. Though it is odd how he went from amassing a career best 68 points (18-50-68) in ’10-11 with Anaheim to only 27 (6-21-27) this past season. He missed time with a finger injury but returned to play in 68 games. Much of Lubomir’s ’10-11 success came on the man-advantage, posting 31 power play points (5-26-31). Snow got him for a 2012 second round pick. Despite being in the league 11 years, he’s only made the postseason three times. Twice with LA and once with Anaheim. Visnovsky is 0-4-4 in 18 playoff games.

On paper, it looks solid. Visnovsky can log important minutes along with Streit, MacDonald and Hamonic. The hope is that two rookies will impress enough in camp to make the roster. At the very least, the Isles should start with Carkner in their top six. How long he stays there is anyone’s guess. Mark Eaton, Milan Jurcina and Steve Staios are all unrestricted. Of the three, Eaton would be the most logical. A vet shot blocker who had brings leadership.

Here’s the current Islander roster including key restricted Matt Martin:

G Evgeni Nabokov
G Rick DiPietro
G Kevin Poulin

D Mark Streit
D Andrew MacDonald
D Lubomir Visnovsky
D Travis Hamonic
D Matt Carkner

C John Tavares
C Frans Nielsen
C Marty Reasoner
C Jesse Joensuu

LW Matt Moulson
LW Josh Bailey
LW Nino Niederreiter
LW Eric Boulton

RW Kyle Okposo
RW Michael Grabner
RW Brad Boyes
RW Matt Martin

Okay. Show of hands. How many of you can picture Jaromir Jagr in a Dallas Stars jersey? It’s about as daunting as No.68 starring for the Philadelphia Flyers like he had this year. All this time later, I still have trouble seeing Jagr in anything other than Pittsburgh Penguin colors. That’s where he made his career, teaming up with Super Mario to win consecutive Stanley Cups on which the Pens were founded.

Surprised? Don’t be. I am a throwback hockey fan who loves when players stay with one organization like legend Martin Brodeur across the Hudson. I wasn’t the only excited Ranger fan who was happy that Marty re-signed with the only team he knows. I’d echoed it throughout that it wouldn’t be right for Mar—-ttttttaaaaayyyyy to wind up on another roster. It’d be like Lidstrom ending his career elsewhere or Sakic. I caught the tail end of Mike Modano’s career on NHL Network last night and there was that odd image of him wearing the Winged Wheel for his hometown. It never should’ve happened.

Certain players belong to one city. Remember when Mike Richter nearly left for Florida? An ugly thought all these years later about our Richy. It’s the same for Eric Lindros, who was exiled out of Philadelphia to Broadway. Sure. The Big E wore our red, white and blue with pride before the predictable ending. He had us in first. To me, Lindros will always be the Flyers. I was glad he took part in the Legends Game at The Winter Classic, making amends with Bobby Clarke and Ed Snider. Grudges should never last. Life’s too short. Try telling Axl Rose. One can dream. Pavel Bure is finally entering the Hockey Hall Of Fame. Will the Canucks follow suit and honor the Russian Rocket?

You can see where this is headed. Jaromir Jagr should have been a Pen for life. But financial dire straits along with Mario Lemieux’s return doomed that. But it was all Jagr’s fault. That’s what Pittsburgh fans will take to their graves. It had nothing to do with ownership or how much they were losing. When it became apparent that No.68’s time was up in the Steel City, he wanted New York City. But instead, they sent him to Washington. A place he never liked and predictably fizzled bad enough that we stole Jagr for Anson Carter.

Is Jagr a headcase? I wouldn’t go that far. But he’s in his own world. One that still occasionally shows off the lethal skills that have made him one of the greatest players. Sure. He’s getting up there having reached the 40-Club along with Brodeur, Teemu Selanne and Ray Whitney. All still on top of their craft that they’ll probably all be back. Please one more year Teemu. Hockey needs you.

After three years away, Jagr proved that he can still play in the NHL, tallying 19 goals and 35 assists while teaming with Claude Giroux and Scott Hartnell on one of the game’s best lines. If only the Flyers wanted him back. I’d have loved to see a sequel for that line even if No.68 ran out of gas in a second round defeat to the Devils. The lost point on some who critiqued how much Dallas gave him- the same $4.5 million Brodeur and Whitney received- is that Jagr still knows how to play the game. He’s a presence, using his 6-3, 240 frame to ward off defenders and then able to find teammates. Jagr got the last laugh against the Pens. The one goal he scored was highlight reel, making us wonder if it was ’99 instead of ’12.

Don’t forget Jagr and Whitney are teaming up with another new Star Derek Roy, who could form a dynamic line behind Jamie Benn, Loui Eriksson and Michael Ryder. They also have gritty captain Brenden Morrow. The Stars subtracted Mike Ribeiro, Sheldon Souray and popular Steve Ott. Are the new look Stars better? The jury is out. They’re a bit older but more skilled. Will they miss Ott’s energy?

Regardless, Jagr moves to Dallas where he’ll share his fifth NHL home with J.R. Ewing and Jerry Jones. It’s gonna take some getting used to. Hell. When Lindros played there, it was funny seeing that No.88 in Stars green, gold and white. Now, we get to watch No.68 as the oddity. He’ll make it interesting because that’s who he is. A relaxed vet who brings presence and humor to the room. Jagr and JR. Now that would be a home run if they ran a commercial together with Jerry in the middle.

See you soon Jaromir!

Player: Kyle Jean

Height: 6-4

Weight: 212

Hometown: Sault Ste. Marie, Michigan

College Stats: 77 GP 33 goals 25 assists 58 points 99 PIM

Favorite Team: Red Wings

Favorite Show: Entourage

Favorite Superhero: Superman

Favorite Book: Pavel Bure: The Riddle of The Russian Rocket

The newest Ranger is undrafted free agent Kyle Jean. A 22-year old 6-4 forward with some adept hands and skating. He played his first two years of college for Lake Superior State. In his sophomore campaign, Jean posted 12 goals and 12 assists over 39 contests for the Lakers. A notable improvement from the one goal he tallied in his freshman year.

“The (pro) game is different from college hockey because college hockey is more run-and-gun,” the newest Blueshirt said. “Here you have to make more smart plays, and I like that. My approach has been to come in and be a big sponge and learn as much as I can. Other than that I am just taking it day by day.”

He impressed during rookie camp by scoring four goals. Jean also has some nice individual skills as evidenced here on a game-winning shootout versus Western. For a more live speed look, here you go:

Jean Shootout Winner

On Day Three of free agency, Rangers President & GM Glen Sather made a solid move in signing Taylor Pyatt to a two-year $3 million contract. The 30-year old former Islanders’ first round pick won’t blow anyone away but he’ll go through a wall for teammates. He’s a battler who brings needed size to our checking line.

Editor’s Note: I almost forgot that I sorta called the signing on Twitter. So much so that a couple of people quoted me. Not too bad. 😛

Maybe Pyatt didn’t exactly turn out into what scouts envisioned. A power forward. However, he’s carved out a nice career with four previous teams (NYI, Buf, Van, Phx) as an energy guy who can contribute offensively. The Thunder Bay, Ontario native has hit double digits in goalscoring seven of 11 seasons including five straight prior to ’11-12 when he fell just shy with nine. He’s also put up three 30-plus point years including 31 in ’10-11 when he notched 18 goals and six game-winners in the Desert.

While we shouldn’t expect too much offense, one thing Pyatt does well is go to the net. An area the Rangers lack consistently. It can’t just fall on Ryan Callahan and Chris Kreider. Assuming he’s back (well hopefully) Brandon Dubinsky should be a part of it along with Brian Boyle and Artem Anisimov. Pyatt adds size with his 6-4, 228 frame which could be used on the power play.

He may not be as good as Brandon Prust, who was a PK fixture but Pyatt should fit in with Boyle and maybe Dubinsky on a tough third line. That’s my hope if Scott Howson continues his lunacy. With our team losing Ruslan Fedotenko (1-year, $1.75 million) to the hated Flyers, another part of the club’s identity is gone. At least Sather prepared by landing Pyatt and inking pest Arron Asham. Even if I’m not fond of giving Asham two years, he’ll play hard and battle anyone. Plus he can light the lamp occasionally. I’m more curious to see what the organization’s plans for Micheal Haley are. He can do more than fight. Guess it all depends on how everything shakes out.

Our team still hasn’t addressed scoring. Whether it’s due to Slats waiting on Rick Nash or Bobby Ryan, who knows? Either way, they’ll cost probably two roster players, a prospect and pick. Even if Howson comes down to Mike Del Zotto and Dubinsky, do you really want to break up our core for a cap headache? There’s no disputing Nash’s finishing capabilities, which could fill a void with Marian Gaborik out the first two months. I just wonder what the thinking is if they really trade Del Zotto. Even if he still needs work in certain areas, it’s hard to replace a young defenseman who scored double digits in goals and put up over 40 points. I’d only consider parting with Derek Stepan if it was for Ryan.

Meanwhile, Anton Stralman is waiting on Sather. He was a good player for us in the regular season and postseason. Plus he’s young. They would be making a mistake if they didn’t re-sign Stralman. A capable righty shot who can play power play and knows Tort’s system. Get it done.

The club also reached terms with rookie free agent Kyle Jean, who impressed during rookie camp. I’ll have more on this in the next post.