Is there a trade in the works for the Rangers?

Take a look at the Rangers projected roster for 2008-2009.  The top 3 lines and the defense are pretty much set, but there seem to be too many forwards.

Zherdev-Gomez-Naslund
Prucha-Drury-Dawes
Callahan-Dubinsky-Sjostrom
Voros-Fritsche/Rissmiller-[Anisimov?]
Hollweg/[Byers?]-Betts-Orr/[Moore?]

Redden-Staal
Rozsival-Girardi
Mara-Kalinin-[Sanguinetti?]

By my calculations the Rangers have an excess of 3 NHL forwards plus 3 more NHL-caliber forwards currently in Hartford.  Because of this, it might be a good idea to make a salary-clearing trade for draft picks.   It’s safe to say that the Rangers still have interest in signing a proven goal-scorer either during the off-season or before the trade deadline next year.  If the Rangers can add some cap space to the $3.3 million they currently have, they would be in the running to make a play for a top-quality winger.

 

Update: Forgot about Kalinin. Thanks to the commenter “Jagr”.

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Rangers sign Wade Redden and Michal Rozsival

The Rangers signed Wade Redden, formerly of the Ottawa Senators, to a 6 year contract worth about $6.5 million per year. Redden is 31 years old, and had 6 goals and 32 assists last season while logging an average of 22:12 of ice time per game. The Rangers hope Redden will be the Power Play quarterback they’ve been missing.

In other news, the Rangers will be bringing back MIchal Rozsival for 4 more years at $5 million per year.

The Rangers now figure to (finally) have a solid core of defensemen, and will (finally) have some depth at the position. My guess is that Redden, Rozsival, Staal, Tyutin, and Girardi will form the core, and that Bobby Sanguinetti will get the call up to the big show. Christian Backman is also on the roster and should see some ice time (unfortunately).

In other other news, the Rangers added some more size up front with the signing of 6’4″ 220 lb. Patrick Rissmiller away from the San Jose Sharks.

I should also note that the Rangers re-signed backup goaltender Stephen Valiquette. The terms have yet to be disclosed.

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Rangers extend contract of Matt Zaba

Sweet!

Now go about your business and wait for some actual news.

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Avery on his way out. Rangers talk to Brian Campbell.

The Rangers and Sean Avery are still negotiating, but it doesn’t look good.  John Dellapina reports that the Rangers are ready to let Avery go to free agency.  Those of you who have read this blog in the past know where we stand on Avery.  If you don’t know, read The Case for Avery.  If you don’t want to read that, here’s a summary.  We like him. 

Avery wants about $4 million per season.  The Rangers want to pay about $2.75 million.  For the Rangers to let Avery go to free agency over this difference is ridiculous.  For crying out loud, the Rangers are going to pay Christian Backman more money next season than they are offering Avery!  WTF?

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In happier news, the Rangers have been given permission to negotiate with Sharks Defenseman Brian Campbell, who is exactly the Power Play quarterback the Rangers were missing this season.

Larry Brooks has a full article up on the Post website.  Read it here.

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