Battle Of Hudson

In an organizational move to bolster Hartford, the Rangers announced the signing of Jeremy Williams. The 26 year-old forward joins his third Original Six after spending the first two parts of his career with Toronto and Detroit.

The original Leafs’ ’03 seventh rounder signed with the Red Wings last year, spending his time at AHL affiliate Grand Rapids. In 77 games, Williams established new career marks in goals (32), points (63) and shots (210). His 32 markers placed eighth in the ‘A’ while also notching 14 power play goals (T-4th). Solid pickup for the Wolf Pack who lost Corey Locke and P.A. Parenteau.

Williams has taken part in 31 career NHL games all with Toronto, posting nine goals and two assists for 11 points. In ’08-09, the Regina, Saskatoon native played in 11 contests, registering career bests in goals (5), assists (2) and points (7).

Twenty four hours removed from a predictable disappointment of a clown for the other Garden tenant, the Rangers took care of some business by getting Dan Girardi re-signed and swapping Aaron Voros for Steve Eminger.

From most indications, it looks like Glen Sather got Girardi at fair value with it rumored to be two years, $4 million. Not bad considering there’d been talk that the 26 year-old who made the team as an undrafted free agent in ’06-07 was said to be seeking three million-per-year. Instead of going to arbitration, the overachiever from Welland, Ontario returns for two more seasons at a friendly price.

UPDATE: Per Larry Brooks of the NY Post, Girardi received four years at $3.325 million-per-season. So much for the more affordable rumor. It’s definitely overpayment but more in line with what he wanted. How that impacts unsigned Marc Staal remains to be seen. The cost just went up thanks to San Jose signing Chicago blueliner Niklas Hjalmarsson to a four-year, $14 million offersheet which leaves the Hawks seven days to match. That development certainly isn’t positive for the Rangers, who must get Staal done.

In the mean time, Slats has done admirably getting Girardi re-signed along with Vinny Prospal and Erik Christensen while also signing Wisconsin duo Derek Stepan and Ryan McDonagh. If only he didn’t break the bank for one-dimensional pugilist Derek Boogard. Well, you can’t have everything when you got a senile GM running the asylum. Hopefully, Martin Biron doesn’t bomb as Henrik Lundqvist’s backup and Boogard protects teammates and maybe miraculously scores a goal.

As much criticism as Girardi received for not standing up for Marian Gaborik in the Daniel Carcillo humiliation, he did learn stepping in for Artem Anisimov against the hated Flyers where this time the culprit was clown Scott Hartnell. Is Danny G perfect? No. Consistency is still an issue for the soon to be fifth year NHLer. He’s had good moments where he not only plays steady in his end but also contributes offensively. However, there have also been bad ones where he doesn’t get it done and isn’t a factor.

Perhaps that’s to be expected from a guy who wasn’t drafted. Still, this is a top four D who logs big minutes. Whether he’s being used in a shutdown role alongside Staal or working with promising Mike Del Zotto, Girardi’s been a good team player. He also isn’t afraid to mix it up as his 180 blocked shots (6th in NHL) and 178 hits (T-12th among D) demonstrate. Not only does Danny G sacrifice his body but No.5’s been durable playing in 280 consecutive games. There were quite a few where he took his lumps and returned. If he can improve on the six goals and 18 helpers produced last season, that would be nice. It’s a matter of consistency. He’ll certainly be one of the club’s leaders. Time to step up.

After getting one order of business done, Slats wasn’t finished, sending the popular Voros along with prospect Ryan Hillier to Anaheim for Eminger. The 26 year-old from Woodbridge, Ontario is a former first round pick (’02-12th overall) who’s bounced around the league. Originally a Cap, he’s moved four different times over two years going from Philly to Tampa to Florida and then Anaheim where he performed decently- registering four goals and 12 assists with 30 PIM while registering 99 blocks in 63 contests in ’09-10.

Truth be told, Eminger isn’t bad. He can skate and move the puck effectively while also being capable of offense. By moving Voros who earned a ton of respect from teammates and fans alike this past season, Sather fills a void. It’s essentially an even swap with Eminger making $1.5 million to Voros’ $1.4. Voros’ days were numbered once the Ranger Team President/GM committed to Boogard and re-signed Brandon Prust. With Sean Avery also back and possibly Dane Byers or Dale Weise competiting for a spot, it made sense to move Voros, who hopefully will get a better opportunity with the Ducks.

Acquiring Eminger, who’s a righty shot means that he’ll be in competition with sophomore Matt Gilroy for the sixth slot on the blueline. Figure Gilroy to have the upper hand but he better not take it fore granted. Now, all Slats must do is get Staal under contract. As long as he can, the Wade Redden Era Error should finally end. Here’s hoping.

It’s way late or early depending on your schedule in what’s become the hottest, most uncomfortable week of the summer. With temps climbing into triple digits and unforgiving humidity, it ain’t easy. Especially for summer activities and sleep. Wherever you are, hope you’re keeping cool.

Today, it will be Thursday which means three days have passed since Ilya Kovalchuk was supposed to sign. Instead, all we’ve gotten is smoke screen after smoke screen with the 27 year-old Russian superstar and his agent Jay Grossman playing a game similar to the biggest ego of them all known as LeBron. As fraudulent as he is with butt buddy ESPN sucking up along the way, at least we’ll know where he winds up tonight.

Unfortunately, the same cannot be said for Kovalchuk who apparently is hesitant to re-sign with the Devils as was reported by NY Post’s Mark Everson. For some reason, seven years $60 million from a team who traded for him at the deadline and improved already this July hasn’t been enough to reel him in. While he’s left the Garden State hanging, the former Thrasher has pulled the Kings back to the table. There’s also stiff competition back home with the KHL’s SKA St. Petersburg chasing him. However, the likelihood that he leaves the NHL for them doesn’t make sense. Especially with ex-Shark goalie Evgeni Nabokov signing there for four years, $24 million.

On the subject, what a shame that such a quality netminder ran out of alternatives- opting to return home for what looks to be the end of his career. The soon to be 35 year-old played for one team in the league, helping backstop the Sharks into one of the league’s elite clubs. Sure. They never quite got over the hump but it wasn’t all Nabby’s fault. Joe Thornton is the bigger symbol of San Jose’s playoff ineptitude. In Year One, Dany Heatley didn’t exactly distinguish himself during the second season. Was Nabokov part of the problem? Yes and no. While he didn’t always fulfill postseason expectations, this time he got the Sharks to their first Conference Final since 2004.

A former ’94 ninth round pick (219th overall), Nabby established himself as one of the better goalies in the sport. Among the accolades are a Calder, All-Rookie Team, two All-Star selections and one First All-Star Team in ’07-08 when Martin Brodeur edged him for the Vezina. The career San Jose leader in almost every goalie category took part in 563 games, posting a 293-178-37 record with a 2.39 GAA, .912 save percentage and 50 shutouts. Including a splending rookie year that saw him win 32 games, Nabokov won 30-or-more half a dozen times, including 40-plus the past three seasons.

Sadly, he wasn’t rewarded by any club with the Sharks opting to go in another direction by signing Antero Niittymaki. Even the goalie starved Caps passed, instead opting to stick with the kids. Amazingly, a durable goalie who’s proven is out of the NHL. No matter how you slice it, that’s a loss for the league. Just imagine if one of the best snipers joins him. We’d lose a very exciting player who can bring fans out of the seats. How would that look?

With even talk that Kovalchuk wants the cap strapped Rangers, all I can do is shake my head. If he really wants to win and play in the best league, either the Devils or Kings are much better fits. Each should be in the mix for the Cup. Coming to a rebuilding club like ours under intense media scrutiny would be a huge mistake. If he knows what’s good for him, he’ll wake up before it’s too late. We already said Dac Vee Daniyah to Nabokov. Make the right decision Ilya.

While our Devil blogger’s mind wanders aimlessly over the whole Kovalchuk circus, the Rangers were able to add another quality prospect to their system. Earlier today, Ryan McDonagh signed his first NHL contract, officially joining the club that traded for him last summer as an important aspect of the Scott Gomez salary dump to Montreal.

At 21, the former Habs’ 2007 first round pick (12th overall) is expected to compete for a spot on the Blueshirts’ blueline this Fall. He played three years at Wisconsin teaming with familiar Ranger teammate Derek Stepan, who also recently turned pro. Listed at 6-1, 222 pounds, the St. Paul native decided to forego his senior year and a chance to captain the Badgers, who lost to Boston College for the NCAA title this past Spring. Now, the solid puckmoving defenseman looks to make the tough adjustment from college to the pros.

“I have so many people to thank,” an ecstatic McDonagh said. “I obviously couldn’t be here today if it weren’t for my parents and all the coaches I had growing up. It’s just a credit to my family and all my coaches who helped me develop as a player to get where I am today.“

One of the factors in Ryan turning pro was how he fared at Ranger prospect camp where he excelled.

“The camp went really well, and it got better every day. “I just felt great after the camp and felt like this was definitely a spot for me. And they felt the same way as well. It worked great. It was perfect.”

Going through it with Stepan is an added bonus.

“Derek and I are great buddies, obviously,” he noted. “We are best of friends. We have been playing together at Wisconsin, and we played against each other growing up. Obviously, he was pretty supportive and everything. I bounced a lot of questions off of him, but he wasn’t really drilling me too much in terms of asking what I was thinking. He kind of just left that for myself, which was good. Obviously to have seen him make the decision is exciting for both of us to be doing this at the same time.”

Now, the two former Badgers will be looking to impress John Tortorella’s staff this Fall. Hopefully, that’ll include top tandem Marc Staal and Dan Girardi, who remain unsigned. With limited cap space, it’s imperative for Glen Sather to get them signed. Just don’t expect anything too soon.

Is Ilya Kovalchuk re-signing with the Devils as has been speculated by everyone’s fave the NY Post? Or did they jump the gun?

Supposedly, the terms are seven years for $60 million, which would make the electrifying 27 year-old Russian star the highest paid Devil in franchise history. It would average a gaudy $8.57 million. If true, it would be the changing of the guard with penny pinching Team President/GM Lou Lamoriello finally throwing the gauntlet to someone other than key cogs Martin Brodeur and Patrik Elias. The Devils would then become Kovy’s team for better or worse even with Zach Parise having a year left at a golden bargain hit ($3.125 M) before being due a significant raise next summer. Zach Attack’s ’10-11 salary is $5 million.

While that’ll be vital to New Jersey’s long-term success, getting Kovalchuk to sign on the dotted line hopefully before the night ends would be huge. The Devils would enter this season as one of the favorites to challenge Atlantic rivals Philly and Pittsburgh to come out of the East along with Washington. Along with re-signing David Clarkson ($2.67 M), acquiring Jason Arnott, signing Johan Hedberg ($1.5 M) and adding blueliners Anton Volchenkov and Henrik Tallinder, the Devs would be stacked. However, Lamoriello would also be forced to unload salary with likely candidates Brian Rolston ($5 M), Dainius Zubrus ($3.4 M) and either Bryce Salvador ($2.9 M) or Colin White ($3 M) possibilities.

If Kovy re-ups, that’s a problem Lou wouldn’t mind because his team should be a serious Cup challenger. The club needs to maximize their chances. Especially with cornerstone Brodeur not getting any younger. The 38 year-old future Hall Of Famer has just two years remaining on his contract. Bolstering the offense and solidifying the D would go a long way to chasing elusive Cup No.4.

The question is when will No.17 finally come to his senses. Unless he’s really considering the Islanders or holding out hope some other team comes out of lurking, the Devils are his best option. They have a roster which is built to win now and the rumored terms are more than fair. What’s taking so long? Only Kovalchuk knows.

On our country’s birthday, some surprising fireworks were delivered by Ilya Kovalchuk. The big Russian sniper said, “Nyet,” to the Kings turning them down.

Credit LA Times’ Helene Elliott who tweeted the update 20 minutes prior. In it, LA GM Dean Lombardi notes:

“We took our best shot to meet his needs and the team’s.“

So, all indications are that Kovalchuk won’t land in Hollywood, leaving little options. A very encouraging development for the Devils, who now look like the frontrunners to keep the biggest free agent who they sacrificed prospects and picks for at last deadline. Unless you believe the rumored Islander offer (10 yrs, $100 million) is legit and enough to sway a player who supposedly wants to win a Cup, it looks he’s New Jersey’s to lose.

Unless some other team comes out of the woodworks, it would seem logical for the man who honors Russian hero Valeri Kharlamov by donning his No.17 to return to Newark for unfinished business. Having upgraded their D with solid additions Anton Volchenkov and Henrik Tallinder along with the reacquisition of ’00 Cup hero Jason Arnott filling the void at center, it’s a perfect opportunity for Kovalchuk to show what he’s all about.

Hopefully, we’ll finally have a final answer to this drama sometime tomorrow.

A couple of days after tendering Brandon Prust, the Rangers wasted little time getting the agitator to agree on a new contract with the two sides settling on a multi-year deal worth $1.6 million. A nice 800 K average for a gritty player who fit in right away after coming over from Calgary in the Olli Jokinen deal which sent Ales Kotalik and Chris Higgins packing last deadline.

Amazingly, Jokinen wound up back in Alberta- reuniting with Darryl Sutter while Prust remains on Broadway where they’ll continue appreciating his lunch pail style. It was the rambunctious energy he played with that nearly rallied the Blueshirts to a fifth consecutive postseason. As it turned out, he could do more than use his fists, which ranked third in the league with 25 majors. Prust also scored and set up important goals down the stretch before Brian Boucher outperformed Henrik Lundqvist in the shootout, ending the Ranger run at four.

Now, Prust gets a new deal and will be expected to play that same role as the energizer who gets the team going while getting underneath opponents’ skin. Kinda sounds like Sean Avery, who no doubt will have to be more consistent next season if the Rangers are to challenge for a playoff spot. Something which won’t come easy with Atlantic powers Philly, Pittsburgh and New Jersey continuing to improve yesterday. The Rangers’ chief rival the Islanders also got better today.

Thanks to the botched Derek Boogard move, Glen Sather has backed himself in a corner, leaving a shade under six million to get Marc Staal and Dan Girardi re-signed. It looks like it could be a while before anything gets done. Not to worry though. We have the 1.65 million slug for four years.