"Knuckles" Nilan Arrested

Tony Catinella at The Patriot Leger reports that former Ranger enforcer Chris Nilan was arrested on a charge of stealing a bathing suit from a Lord & Taylor store.

On why he stole the bathing suit Nilan said...

“I just wanted to save a few bucks.”

On Nilan's ensuing scuffle with security guards Catinella notes...

"When Braintree Police officers Michael Want and Matthew Crowley arrived, Nilan was still struggling with the security guards even after they knocked him down. The police officers managed to subdue Nilan and place him in handcuffs."

The case was dismissed Thursday in Quincy District Court and Nilan was ordered to pay $100 in court costs and to stay away from the store.

...first the guy steals a bathing suit then he's taken down by Lord & Taylor security guards. Yikes. Knuckles, what happened to you? Oh yeah, probably too many right crosses to the head.

...anyone interested in seeing Nilan doing the perp walk click here.

...hat tip to Rick Carpiniello at The Rangers Report.

Tortorella Talks Power Play

Larry Brooks of the New York Post recently spoke with John Tortorella about the Rangers power play...

"There's no question point-play was our biggest weakness last year. We have to figure it out. We have to find out whether we have a quarterback here. Right now, I'm not sure, but I'm not ruling out [Wade] Redden and I'm not ruling out [Michal] Rozsival, either."

...i really feel Rozsival can be the QB on the power play. Tortorella just has to be on him to shoot. If Rozsival can gain confidence in his shot (he has a cannon) the power play would improve exponentially.

New Rangers Choosing Numbers

Steve Zipay at Blue Notes reports on what jersey numbers the new Ranger imports my be choosing...

"...the next Ranger to wear No. 10 will be Marian Gaborik. Among those who wore 10: Earl Ingarfield, Edger Laprade, Sandy McCarthy, Steven Rice, Bill Fairbairn, Guy LaFleur (1988-89) and Ville Nieminen...Don't believe any Ranger has worn 87. That might be Donald Brashear's choice...If Christopher Higgins keeps his Montreal 21, he'll be in this company: Sergei Zubov, Pete Stemkowski, Ray Ferraro, Bill Moe, George McPhee and Lance Nethery, to name a few...Ales Kotalik wore 12 with the Sabres. That's available. I think. Don Maloney, Andy Hebenton, Bryan Hextall Sr., Eddie Olczyk, Mike Keane, Dixon Ward, Ralph Taylor and Hartford Wolfpack coach Ken Gernander have no more use for it."

...ok eveyone can start ordering their jerseys.

Renney Reason For Rangers Not Signing Shanahan Last Year?

Tom Gulitti at Fire & Ice (Devils blog at The Bergen Record) says former Ranger coach Tom Renney may have been the reason for the Rangers not re-signing Brendan Shanahan last year...

"...word has it the Rangers are interested in bringing back Shanahan after choosing not to re-sign him last summer. Head coach Tom Renney's departure might clear the way for Shanahan's return."

...wow that statement is out of left field. Would have liked Gulitti to expand on it a bit. But I guess he's not a Rangers beat writer so it's not his job.

...also if that's the case, can we bring Renney back.

Rangers Trade Fahey to Avalanche

TSN reports that the Rangers have traded D Brian Fahey to the Colorado Avalanche for Nigel Williams.

Williams was Colorado's second selection in 2006. He had 21 points in 70 games for the Lake Erie Monsters last season.

...wasn't Fahey fighting for the final defensive spot on the Rangers last training camp. Now he's traded without ever getting a chance. What the heck happened down in Hartford?

Dawes, Ortmeyer Find New Homes

TSN reports that former Ranger Nigel Dawes was claimed off of waivers by the Calgary Flames. Dawes, a restricted free agent, was reportedly looking for a one-way deal for less than $1 million, but was instead put on waivers by the Coyotes. His arbitration case with the Flames will be heard next Wednesday, if the Flames don't sign him before then.

...would like to see Dawes finally live up to his potential. Maybe he'll summons a little (no pun intended) Theo Fleury magic up in Calgary.

TSN is also reporting that another former Ranger, Jed Ortmeyer, has been signed by the San Jose Sharks to a one-year contract.

...to see Jed comeback from the pulmonary embolism you've really got to root for him to make an impact with the Sharks. Man I loved that Ortmeyer-Moore-Hollweg line.

Re-Signing Helps Callahan's Confidence

Andrew Gross at Ranger Rants sat down with Ryan Callahan after signing his new two-year deal with the Rangers...

"It shows they have confidence in me," Callahan said. "It helps my confidence. If they think I'm deserving of all that cash, it's a confidence boost for me."

Callahan also spoke about Donald Brashear, Marian Gaborik and whether the Rangers are a better team this year than last.

...would love to see Callahan get an 'A' this year. Tortorella seems like a big Callahan fan so don't be surprised if he's named an assistant captain before the season.

Get Ready for Tough Torts

Stan Fischler at MSG.com takes a look at what a full season with John Tortorella behind the bench will mean to the Rangers...

"What we know already is that whether it's a top-level talent such as Marian Gaborik or a fourth-liner like Donald Brashear, the bar already has been set and there will be no lowering of it; FOR ANYBODY."

Fischler notes the tone at the recent Rangers Development Camp and has this quote from Rangers 2009 first round pick Chris Kreider...

"It was the toughest camp I've ever been in. It was very grueling. Everyone was pushed to the limit."

...i'm really looking forward to a full season with Torts. I know he turned a lot of Ranger fans off last year with his suspension in the playoffs, but I love that fire. I think it's something this team has lacked since the late 90s.

Doctors Not to Blame for Cherepanov's Death

ESPN.com reports Avangard Omsk doctors are not to blame for the death of Ranger prospect Alexei Cherepanov, who collapsed during a Continental Hockey League game last year in Russia.

The federal Investigative Committee said doctors with the team had no reason to suspect the 19-year-old Cherepanov suffered from a chronic heart problem and did not prescribe the medicine he was taking. Team doctors will not face a criminal investigation.

...on a purely selfish hockey level, while Grachev softens the blow, Cherepanov's death set the Rangers back big time when it comes to having a big time winger in their system.

...and obviously my prayers are with the Cherepanov family.

Thursday Headlines

Daily News - Rangers and Islanders both open with Penguins

New York Post - TORTORELLA: YOUTH WILL SERVE RANGERS

The Bergen Record - Notable openers for Devils, Rangers

Sullivan to Join Rangers as Assistant Coach

Steve Zipay at Blue Notes reports that the deal for John Tortorella's former Tampa assistant coach, Mike Sullivan, to join the Rangers is complete and is expected to be announced Thursday.

Zipay adds that Sullivan had been under contract with the Lightning through June 30, and Rangers brass were told not to comment.

If you remember, Tampa threatened to file tampering charges against the Rangers for improper contact with Sullivan when the Rangers were in negotiations with John Tortorella in February. See here.

...this was obviously expected. Also expect Schoenfeld to go back to his position as Assistant GM of the Rangers and GM of Hartford.

Rangers 2009-2010 Regular Season Schedule Released

NHL.com has released the New York Rangers 2009-2010 schedule.

The Rangers will open the season in Pittsburgh to help the Penguins raise their Stanley Cup banner on October 2nd, with the home opener on October 3rd against Ottawa.

Other notable games are a return to where the 2008-09 season ended in Washington on October 8th, Marian Gaborik's home coming in Minnesota on October 30th and John Tavares' first visit to MSG on December 16th.

NHL.com has dates to circle including two Ranger games (Pens banner raising and Gaborik's homecoming).

FYI - Winter Classic is at Fenway with the Bruins hosting the Flyers.

...wonder if Ranger players will get any motivation from being in Pittsburgh for the banner raising?

...no Tavares at MSG until December? What's up with that?

Zipay to Host Live Web Chat @ 2pm

Steve Zipay at Blue Notes will be hosting a live web chat today at 2 p.m. To participate click here.

10 Great Gaborik Moments

Newyorkrangers.com takes a look at 10 great moments in Marian Gaborik's hockey career.

This list unfortunately includes his five goal game against the Rangers.

Sather Cleaning Up Mess

Arthur Staple at Newsday says Glen Sather is just about finished cleaning up his own mess...

"In years gone by, an active summer like this has meant false hopes for fans because big names with big contracts have been coming in, talking about a fresh start and a new era for the Rangers, who are owned by Cablevision, which also owns Newsday.

This time it's a real fresh start. More than a dozen new faces in five months, and some of them were even cost-effective additions."

...what do you guys think? Has Sather done a sufficient job cleaning up his mess?

A Shanahan Return to the Rangers?

CSNPhilly's John Boruk reports that sources have said that Brendan Shanahan has decided not to sign with the Flyers, choosing instead to join either the Devils or Rangers.

...please do not tell me we are going to have to go through another summer of Shanahan debates. He's too old, can't keep up in Tortorella's system and will take a spot away from a younger player. Please no.

Rangers Re-Sign Potter

Newyorkrangers.com reports that the Rangers have re-signed defenseman Corey Potter.

Potter, 25, made his NHL debut last season with the Rangers on December 7 against Calgary. He recorded his first NHL point with an assist in his next game on December 27 vs. New Jersey, and finished with two points (one goal and one assist) in five games.

Potter appeared in five games for the Rangers last season, picking up his first NHL goal on April 2 at Carolina.Potter spent most of the season with the Hartford Wolf Pack of the American Hockey League (AHL), registering 10 goals and 22 assists for 32 points, along with 82 penalty minutes in 67 games. He established a career-high in goals and tied his career-high in points. He led all Hartford defensemen in goals, and ranked second among team defensemen in assists and points. Potter recorded nine multi-point efforts during the season, including his first career multi-goal game on February 13 against Lake Erie.

Steve Zipay at Blue Notes presumes with a 10% increase he will make $588,500.

...i really thought Potter was going to get a chance last year, but I guess the organization didn't feel he was a ready for a full time role. He will be fighting with a host of young defensemen for one of the two available spots on the third defensive pair.

Rangers Announce Preseason Schedule

Newyorkrangers.com has announced the Rangers seven-game preseason schedule...

RANGERS' 2009 PRESEASON SCHEDULE
(All times Eastern Standard Time)
Tuesday, Sept. 15, Boston, Madison Square Garden, 7 p.m.
Wednesday, Sept. 16, New Jersey, Prudential Center, 7 p.m.
Friday, Sept. 18, Detroit, Joe Louis Arena, 7:30 p.m.
Saturday, Sept. 19, Boston, TD Banknorth Garden, 4 p.m.
Monday, Sept. 21, Detroit, Madison Square Garden, 7 p.m.
Thursday, Sept. 24, Washington, Madison Square Garden, 7 p.m.
Sunday, Sept. 27, Washington, Verizon Center, 12 p.m.

...a lot less compact than last year when they had to head out to Europe.

...regular season schedule will be announced tomorrow.

Rangers Sign Callahan, Trade Korpikoski

Newyorkrangers.com reports that the Rangers have re-signed Ryan Callahan.

Callahan, 24, established career-highs in games played (81), goals (22), assists (18), points (40), and penalty minutes (45) last season. He also won the Steven McDonald Award, voted by the fans as the player who performs “above and beyond the call of duty.”

Steve Zipay at Blue Notes confirms that its a two year deal that would pay Callahan $2.2 million the first year and $2.4 million the second.

...no shock here, except maybe for the money. Seems a bit high. Zipay even has a quote from Callahan's agent acknowledging the big bump in pay.
_______________________________________________

Newyorkrangers.com also reports that the Rangers have traded Lauri Korpikoski to the Phoenix Coyotes for forward Enver Lisin.

Lisin, 23, skated in 48 games with Phoenix last season, registering 13 goals and eight assists for 21 points, along with 24 penalty minutes. He established career-highs in games played, goals, assists, points, penalty minutes, game-winning goals (two), and shots (105).

Andrew Gross at Ranger Rants says Pheonix GM Don Maloney is a big fan of Korpikoski going back to 2004 when as assistant GM of the Rangers declared the Rangers had hit a "homerun" when they drafted him 19th overall.

Gross adds that the Korpikoski to the KHL rumors might have been the reason for the trade.

...got to say I'm floored by this trade. I was really looking forward to watching Korpikoski fight for the third line center position this camp. I guess this opens the door for Anisimov.

...for those of you not familiar with Lisin (include me in that group) click here to see all his goals from last year.

Ozolinsh to KHL; Malik Waiting

In former terrible Ranger defensemen news, Spector over at Spector's Hockey reports that Sandis Ozolinsh has signed a one year contract with Dinamo Riga of the KHL, while Marek Malik is still waiting to see if he'll be playing in the NHL next season, but doesn't think he'll be back with the Tampa Bay Lightning.

...thought you guys could use a late day chuckle.

Rangers 2009 Draft Review

Leslie Treff at Hockey's Future takes a look at the Rangers 2009 Draft...

"It appears that the Rangers swung for the fences in this draft. From Kreider to Bourque to Mikail Pashnin (who was the No. 1 overall pick in the recent KHL draft), these are high risk/high reward prospects. The team made a solid selection with its second-round pick, as Werek has late first to early second round potential, but all of the other picks were somewhat of a surprise and risky. Only time will tell whether this strategy works out."

Treff then gives extended remarks on each of the Rangers picks.

...from signing Gaborik to the the team's draft picks Sather has taken a lot of risks this summer. Must be easy when you know your job will, apparently, never be on the line.

ESPN Predicts Rangers to Finish 7th

Terry Frei at ESPN makes his predictions for the Eastern Division for the upcoming season...

7. New York Rangers
Now having said that (with apologies for stealing Gary Bettman's pet phrase), one of the most intriguing stories in the league will be tracking Marian Gaborik's work with the Rangers in the midst of Glen Sather's major reconstruction. There is no questioning Gaborik's talent and the fact that the Wild never took complete advantage of it under Jacques Lemaire, but given the Rangers' spotty free-agent track record and Gaborik's medical file, this could turn out to be anything from a brilliant move to a complete disaster with five years of cap effects. If he's finally over those linked hip and groin issues for good, look out. If not, they'll be pining for Scott Gomez. (Just kidding. Kind of.)

...Gaborik's mentality is going to be tested just as much as his hip next season as pretty much every hockey pundit is saying the Rangers fate rests with him.

Dubinsky for Savard?

Larry Brooks at the New York Post proposed this trade in yesterday's paper...

"It would be so tempting, wouldn't it, for the Rangers to offer 23-year-old Brandon Dubinsky and his $698,000 qualifier to the cap-stressed Bruins for 32-year-old, all-world playmaking pivot Marc Savard, who has two years at $5 million remaining on his contract?"

...a young, talented center for an almost out of his prime center. Sounds like a Sather move.

Gaborik Worst 2009 UFA Signing

John Grigg at The Hockey News explores the worst 2009 UFA signings and says the Rangers signing Marian Gaborik is at the top of the list...

1. Marian Gaborik, LW, New York Rangers – five years, $37.5 million
After managing to move one onerous contract out of town (Scott Gomez), GM Glen Sather simply took on another. Gaborik will count for $7.5 million towards the cap (tied for seventh in the league), more than any other player signed this summer. Unfortunately for Rangers fans, you can expect him to not put up numbers worthy of such a cap hit. Gaborik will be a point-per-game player, but expect that to mean 60 points or so on average. He’s electric on the ice, but can’t stay healthy. Even more discouraging, Gaborik demonstrated a me-first attitude while working to get back to the battling-for-the-playoffs Wild when he admitted to not watching Minnesota games and worrying only about his return. A health risk and a seemingly selfish player; not a good mix.

...this is without a doubt a high risk, high reward signing for the Rangers, but my gut says that it's going to work out for them.

Callahan, Zherdev Arbitration Hearings Set

Steve Zipay at Blue Notes reports that Ryan Callahan’s salary arbitration hearing will be held on Thursday, July 23rd, while Nikolai Zherdev’s will be Friday, July 31st.

...assuming Sather is going to get something done with Callahan before his hearing, as far as Zherdev goes, no way they're going to pay him what the judge rules and he'll end up signing with another team.

Rangers, Byers Agree to Terms

Newyorkrangers.com reports that the Rangers have agreed to terms with restricted free agent forward Dane Byers.

Byers, 23, has skated in 165 career regular season games with the Hartford Wolf Pack of the American Hockey League (AHL), registering 44 goals and 58 assists for 102 points, along with 421 penalty minutes. He established a career-high in goals (23) and plus/minus rating (plus-23) during the 2007-08 season. Byers tied for third on Hartford in goals and finished fourth on the team in plus/minus rating.

Terms were not announced.

...with Sjostrom signing with Calgary, Byers has a legit shot to make the big club on the fourth line.

Development Camp Review

Leslie Treff at Hockey's Future takes a look at the Rangers Development Camp from last week.

She says the standouts on defense were Matt Gilroy, Ilkka Heikkinen, Tomas Tysen Kundratek, and Dowzak, while the top forwards were Ryan Bourque, Chris Chappell, Evgeny Grachev, Luke Pither, Justin Soryal, and Derek Stepan.

Treff adds that the play of Michael Del Zotto was disappointing as he was often beaten to the puck, displayed poor positioning, and did not have good gap control. However, Jess Rubenstein at The Prospect Park says Del Zotto opened eyes at the camp.

...on Del Zotto, I've got to go with Rubenstein's analysis as there's no one who knows Ranger prospects more than he does.

Mara Signs with Canadiens

TSN reports that former Ranger defenseman Paul Mara has signed a one-year deal with the Montreal Canadiens.

Terms were not disclosed.

...Mara really turned into a solid defenseman for the Rangers the last two years and became one of the few players on the team that would actually stick-up for teammate. I wish him good luck in Montreal except when he plays against the Rangers of course.

Sather Worst Actor in a Drama

Adam Proteau at The Hockey News gives out his own unique awards called "The Proteau's Type Awards"...

PROTEAU’S TYPE FOR WORST ACTOR IN A DRAMA:

Runners-Up: Jose Theodore as the No. 1 goalie in Washington; Dany Heatley as a Devoted Team Player in Ottawa; Glen Sather as The Man With A Plan in Manhattan; Marian Gaborik as Someone Willing To Honestly Consider Re-Signing with Minnesota.

...despite my praise of Sather in the previous post you do have to wonder if this guy has a plan sometimes.

Rangers May Have "Won" Free Agency

Michael Farber at Sports Illustrated looks at how teams are faring with free agency and thinks the Rangers might have won already...

"If Gaborik is healthy, the New York Rangers might have "won" free agency because the lowest scoring team in the Eastern Conference (with the Islanders) added a potential 40-goal scorer. The Rangers also foisted Scott Gomez's five remaining years at a $7.35 million annual salary cap hit to Montreal while getting left wing Chris Higgins and two defenseman, Ryan McDonagh and Pavel Valentenko, who should play in the NHL. If a creaky knee or coach John Tortorella's tough love bother Gaborik, however, the Rangers have spun their wheels."

...i've got to give Sather a lot of credit so far this off-season, now if he can only get rid of Redden all will be forgotten.