When Cherepanov was asked whether he was planning to attend Ranger training camp, "as recently reported in the club publication Blueshirt Bulletin," the Avangard Omsk winger replied, "I do not understand this talk at all! Who has spread this news? Blueshirt Bulletin? Strange. How am I supposed to respond to it? Nobody informed me that I should come to the Rangers camp. And how would this occur? I still have a year on my contract with Avangard. I fully intend to fulfill the conditions of the contract, so in September I plan to start with the team in the KHL, and not go overseas."

Yes, he does have a contract which is understandable why he is staying in Russia and not following fellow Russian Evgeni Grachev to the OHL or another Junior league. But what isn't understandable is why he hasn't seemed to express much interest in the Rangers and NHL besides the day he was drafted. Other players would kill for such an opportunity. Evgeni Malkin left Russia under the cover of darkness and resurfaced in LA days later to the play in the NHL.

On Cherepanov and the Rangers training camp..

"We'd sure like to see that," he said "They're working on that right now. Whether or not it happens remains to be seen. But there's a bit of a political thing to it as well. It's part of a contract thing we have to work through. If we can get him to Traverse City [for the Prospect Tournament], that would be great. We shouldn't be so naive as to suggest he's going to come over here [no matter what]. It might be good enough [for him] that that's where he wants to make his living -- it could be very good money, he's in his homeland, culturally it's very easy. Why torture yourself by coming over here when everything's hunky dory over there?"

Cherepanov on the Rangers and the NHL

"I want to make the situation clear once and for all," he said. "A final decision has been made to remain in Omsk for a year. I have a contract with Avangard and I intend to work through it to the end. Ranger representatives do not allow me to forget about them: they call periodically, they're interested in my affairs and plans. Of course, I want to prove myself in the best league in the world. And I will do so at the first opportunity. Much depends on Bardin's negotiations with the American side. But most likely I will leave for the NHL in a year."

Wow Alexei, dont sound too enthused. Most likely you'll leave for the NHL? Doesn't sound too clear, most people would rather hear something to likes of "I'm looking forward to leaving for the NHL next year", well most players in your situation would say something like that. Maybe this is being blown out of proportion, maybe the language barrier has skewed what you meant to say. It just doesn't seem as though he's had a whole lot of interest in the Rangers organization or the NHL. I could be wrong, there may be other circumstances surrounding his interviews. But what i do know is Cherepanov has a superstars talent, But is he going to be another enigmatic European hockey player? For the Rangers sake as well as the NHL's I sure hope not. The kid broke Bure's KHL record for points by a rookie, he's only 19! Imagine what he could do one day in the NHL, if he ever gets there...

Update

O'Sullivan did not file for arbitration and is a restricted free agent, curious. The Wild who originally trade O'Sullivan are also considered in the running along with the Canadiens and Rangers.

Brendan Shanahan appears to be out of the Rangers plans, rumor has it he is very interested in the Canadiens. Shanny has said before he has always wanted to play with Montreal.

As I suspected Mathieu Schneider is being heavily shopped. Although the Rangers don't have the cap space for him I would be interested to see if they try to make a play for him. The Panthers, Flyers, Senators, Thrashers, Bruins, and Islanders are interested in him.

http://www.fansedge.com/Mike-Richter-New-York-Rangers-NHL-Alumni-T-Shirt_1311885017_PD.html

That's not Photoshopped or anything. A Mike Richter shirt, with a Quebec Nordiques logo. Now I know Richter was so bad in the 1995 first round playoff series for the Rangers against Quebec that one could have argued he was throwing games to help the Nords, but other than that, I don't see how this error could have been made. Oh well. For you NHL fans, I do suggest checking out the NHL Alumni T-Shirts for sale at FansEdge. Other than the Richter one, there are some really cool shirts out there.

One paper concedes that Mr Hair "might have seen something wrong", but says that even so, he should have come up with proof.

RAMIZ RAJA IN THE NATION

The star of the show definitely was umpire Darrell Hair, but as a villain of the piece... Players from the sub-continent universally feel that he is biased... Pakistan... were in their right to protest... Will it be the end of the road for [Hair]? If it is, it would not be a day too soon. But it is indeed sad that it has taken such a huge incident to remove a distasteful bully from the scene.

SARFRAZ NAWAZ IN DIN

It was inappropriate to protest after more than one hour and if they had decided not to field, then why did they come? ... Bob Woolmer is an English person and he has favoured [England] to send the team back into the ground.

IMRAN KHAN IN THE NATION

Hair is one of those characters when he wears the white umpire's coat, he metamorphoses into a mini Hitler... During my career I have seen such umpires who go out of their way to make their authority felt. They are umpiring fundamentalists. Such characters court controversy.

AQIB JAVED IN DIN

Technically as per [the] International Cricket Council's rules Pakistan has lost the match.

SHAHED SADULLAH IN THE NEWS

The dice has been too heavily loaded in favour of one side against the other... Hair excelled himself, even by his own unfathomable standards... It is seriously time to examine the possibility of taking this man to a court of law... Enough is enough. The Darrell Hair problem now has to be addressed and it does not look as if there is much hope that ICC will do so.

KHALID HUSSAIN IN THE NEWS

It took a ball tampering allegation from the infamous Darrell Hair to add drama to an otherwise dead rubber.

INTIKHAB ALAM IN THE DAILY TIMES

[Current Pakistan captain] Inzamam should have taken the decision of leaving the ground at that very moment when the umpires decided to change the ball or either he should have kept on playing because Pakistan were in the winning position... Umpire Darrell Hair must have seen something wrong but he should have come up with proof.

ALEX BROWN IN THE SYDNEY MORNING HERALD

The 76-Test career of the Australian cricket umpire Darrell Hair is under threat following Pakistan's refusal to play future matches in which he is officiating.

Although Jagr has left for Russia and Avery is heading to Dallas, the new team has promise and just may be better than it was when Marian Hossa ended the Rangers Cup dreams a few months ago. The young players like Marc Staal, Brandon Dubinsky, Nigel Dawes and Ryan Callahan are no longer rookies hoping to stay on the roster. The front office and Rangers fans a like have high hopes for this group that also includes Artem Anisimov and Lauri Korpikoski who spent last season with the Wolfpack. Personally, in my opinion, Brandon Dubinsky has the most potential of all the Rangers young guns. I just hope that without Jagr at his hip he doesn't forget everything he learned from him.

Some may say that Markus Naslund is washed up after two poor seasons in Vancouver, but I disagree. Naslund was playing in a Devils like system with the Canucks after Crawford left and his production decreased. He also didn't have a highly talented center like Scott Gomez or Chris Drury to play alongside. I fully expect Naslund to solidly contribute to the team. Hopefully he won't have that meet and greet period that slows his play because he has played for Renney in the past. Im not expecting him to score over 40 goals and return to his prime, but if he could notch 25 or more he would fulfill his role in my eyes. Canucks fans are heartbroken that he is no longer in Vancouver, there must be a reason.

I personally have extremely high expectations for Nikolai Zherdev, very very high. It would be a true shame if he doesn't realize his full potential as a hockey player. He has the most upside of any new acquisition to the team and maybe even more than Staal or Dubinsky. Zherdev has the talent to be a perennial all-star, but he also has the attitude that can forever hide that talent. It's known that he did not enjoy playing for Ken Hitchcock, maybe Renney will help him develop.

The defence on paper is stronger than it was last season. Girardi and Staal have a full season under their belts and they now have the power play threat they've desperately needed in Wade Redden. He may be overpaid but a change in scenery will do him good and he can elevate his play. Rozsival is better suited to be number 2 or 3 defenceman (even though his contract is as if he is a true number 1) and with Mara re-signing it gives the blue line great depth. Although currently there is no open spot for Sanguinetti, it may be best for the moment. It removes any added pressure that may be put on him to perform and if he does make the team, it only adds to the defences great depth. There is no true bruiser on defence, but that is a mindset that every d-man should adopt. Mara and Staal are both big bodied players they should try to incorporate that into their game more this season.

This team is new. It will take awhile to get use to the loss of Jagr, who Rangers fans should be forever thankful for what he as done for the organization, but they have real potential and that's all one can hope for at the end of free agency.

Although the defensive core does not have any real serious bangers in it, its much stronger than last season. Surely Girardi and Staal will have another year of full season experience that will surely improve there play, especially Staal. The Rangers are looking for Staal's offensive game to evolve and he also has the potential to be a hard hitting defenceman with that big frame of his.

Although the Redden and Rozsival contracts are bloated and too long, Mara and Kalinin are signed to one year deals. This leaves open the opportunity for Sanguinetti, Sauer, Potter and Del Zotto to get playing time two seasons from now.

Mara was the best option out there at this point in free agency, and they didn't overpay him. Not a bad signing.

It appears Jaromir Jagr's days in the National Hockey League are over.

The Russian hockey team Avangard Omsk announced it has signed the former New York Rangers star and Jagr's agent, Pat Brisson, confirmed the move Friday afternoon.

It seems that it was always either the New York Rangers or Russia for Jaromir Jagr. When the Rangers signed Markus Naslund, it was clear that his best alternative was to make a boatload of money and be closer to his family in Russia. Like I've said all along, Jagr was going to Russia, he may have always been going to Russia. Aparantley there wasn't a whole lot of discussion between Jagr and Sather. Word is they never even got to real contract discussions. So long Jagr. You single handedly brought the Rangers back to legitamacy with your MVP worthy season after the lockout. For that you will always be remembered.

The Gomez/Drury Era Has Begun..

Les Capitals sont-ils chiches?

6 ans et 39 millions pour Wade Redden avec les Rangers de New York.  Est-ce que Glen Sather est tombé sur la tête?
Redden est un bon défenseur mais ce n'est pas un Zdeno Chara.

Revenons à Chicago, donner 56,8 millions pour 8 ans à Brian Campbell!!! Certes Campbell est un bon défenseur mais c'est exagéré lui donné 7 millions par année.
D'après moi il y a des équipes trop riches dans la LNH et certaines deviendront bientôt trop pauvres.

Est-ce que le lock-out a vraiment donné quelque chose?

Qui paiera pour ça au bout du compte pour ces folies de millions?  Encore l'amateur de hockey.

I am not going to dwell on any futility that has happened during Markus Naslund's tenure with the Canucks. I want to remember all the wonderful things Markus has done in Vancouver as a Canucks for the 12 seasons and 8 years of Captaincy he has given us.

First and foremost, that was the trade of the decade. Pat Quinn unloaded Alex Stojanov to Pittsburgh for Markus. It was a even trade across the board, or so we thought at the time, but Markus Naslund turned out to be a blooming superstar right here in Vancouver. Developing under the tutelage of some of the older vets and coming into his own. It was a beginning of a beautiful love affair with Naslund and the city.

I will never forget the emergence of the West Coast Express (Naslund, Bertuzzi, Cassels/Morrison). I will never forget how dominant they were around the league. Their point totals were outstanding as a unit. Naslund led that charge. It was a beautiful thing to watch. Great few years there for sure.

I want to remember the years Vancouver has won division titles with Markus Naslund as our captain. I believe we won three. The Canucks were always considered contenders because of certain players on the team, but Naslund name was always in the fold.

I look back and think about Naslund's love for the city. How much he has made it his home and at times during the off-season, I'd see Markus doing a jog with a friend at Kits beach as he nodded and smiled at the fans greeting him during his run.

I remember seeing Markus Naslund and his family at Osaka Restaurant on more than one occasion. I came soon to realize that it was one of his favourite restaurants. He loves his Japanese food. I also remember Markus' visits to BC Children's hospital, Canucks' Hospice, Ronald McDonald House and many other charitable organizations to which he has lent his celebrity.

All those aforementioned reasons listed fuel why I am so angry at the way the media has portrayed Naslund's decision to leave Vancouver, and sign with the Rangers. First off, how quickly we forget the good Markus has given and done for the organization, the city and his teammates. All because he openly has said he wants to go to a contender and wanted to play a more offensive type game than what he has been playing the last couple of years in Vancouver, he's now ungrateful? Give me a break. Naslund gave his all here in Vancouver and the media, and some fans, have pissed on it and like human nature dictates, it was never enough.

I am calling Don Taylor out for his comments about Naslund on Connected. Shut up, Donnie, if that was an attempt to get more ratings for Connected by bashing Naslund, you've truly lost your touch as a broadcaster. You used to be so good, but it's clear in the last few years, your skill has diminished. It's typical Vancouver media to bash the players that leave the city via free agency and also via trades.
The Vancouver media and their credo of "Build them up to Tear them Down" has happened to the longest serving Canuck in recent memory. Naslund was here through the lean years and was happy to be hear during those lean years. Watching his role with the club grow and the love the city was showing grow. Despite what you hear from the media in Vancouver and the many bandwagon fans there are in this city (Far too many for my liking) Markus Naslund was well loved player in the community. I'm sick and tired of the Vancouver media and the fairweather fans treating our star players like it was all their fault for all the wrongs of the team.
Markus Naslund deserves a better send off than what the media has given him. Markus deserves a big thank you for what he has done for the organization and in the community. You ask Trevor Linden just how much of a class act Markus Naslund is, and he'll be one of the first to say how much.

Markus' legacy in Vancouver:

1) Leading goal scorer in club history (346)

2) Leading points getting in club history (756)

3) 12 years in a Canucks uniform

4) 8 years as Canucks captain

5) Only winner in Canucks history of the Lester B. Pearson Award.

A class act through and through, even during the "lean" times in Vancouver. Markus I wish you the best of luck in NYC and I can't wait to see you flourish again with that wrist shot of yours.

The Broad.

I was browsing the NHL sites and came across a jersey I've never seen before. That lead me to the OHL's Belleville Bulls site. How illin' are those uniforms? I love them. Needed to point those bad boys out.

Ray Shero has been a busy man. He signed both SATAN and Fedotnko for a year with the Pens, Montreal locked in Laraque, the Sharks scored big time defensively with Rob Blake from the Kings, and Jarkko Ruutu signed with Ottawa. Whoa. Wait, wait, wait. Ruutu in Ottawa? Gahhhhh. 

And finally, the Rangers signed Wade Redden, Markus Naslund (yeah, um, the one from Vancouver!) along with our very own Dmitri Kalinin. SABRE STEALERS! Who's next, Max Afinogenov?! Awww. I'll miss you, Kalinin.

I can't keep up. I must say, I was not at all excited about free agency but this is CRAZY FUN!

Naslund, the longtime Vancouver Canucks captain, agreed to terms Thursday with New York on an US$8-million, two-year deal. (http://www.sportsnet.ca/hockey/2008/07/03/naslund_rangers/)

Today I have mixed feelings with what is going on in Canuck Land. Markus Naslund has signed with the New York Rangers. Our captain has traded his jersey for one on the east coast. The long time Canuck was traded here to Vancouver from Pittsburgh. He had his best year in 2002 with 104 points. But after the lock out, and the Moore Bertuzzi incident, Naslund has been on a decline. After Marc Crawford (run and gun offence) was fired and Alain Vigneault (a more defensive minded coach) was hired. Naslund could not fit into the system and seem to struggle. Although he struggled I want to mentioned that I continued to believe in the Captain and would say struggled with him as a fan of his. Going around and listening to Canuck fans and Canuck blogs and forums. I could only see disappointment and mummers of trading the captain. It crossed my mind but would revert back to knowing that any struggling athlete could turn it all around. Naslund was a straight shooter and always told the truth. Even when they as a team choked he could admit that. Although he may have not been a Trevor Linden, we cannot compare. There is only one Trevor Linden. And Naslund was a diffrent type of player and person.

Now that Markus has signed with the rangers, Canuck land is in total chaos? Fans are worried because now that Naslund is gone the city is in a uproar. The fans who wanted to drive him out are looking to Gillis to lynch him for letting a proven scorer go. It looks to be that former Agent Mike Gillis turned General Manager hasn't done much but put up a pipe dream deal (20 million for 2 years) for Mats Sundin. In which Sundin has turned down for the time being. The only signings to show in the offseason are players that fit only the 3rd and 4th liners(Hordichuck, Wellwood, R. Johnson, Bolduc, Baumgartner, Sanford). Out of the bunch that Gillis has signed, Sanford seems like the only real signing we needed to backup Luongo. Wellwood was a great addition thanks to the blunder of the leafs giving up on the young center. But the rest I feel we could let guys from the farm to fill. The feel I get from a lot of Canuck fans is that Gillis hasn't done much to improve this team. With the Sundin blunder, it may have been a bold move but a costly one.

So where are we going now? After the debacle of the Canucks losing to the Oilers last season to put the final nail in the coffin for our playoff hopes. I was irrate and at a loss for words for the first time. I was almost going to abandon ship for good. But with new changes good or bad, players leaving I feel we must be faithful to watch what will happen and not be so quick to judge. The Canucks have a lot of cap space these days. If I am correct it is around 20 million dollars. Remember a team isn't built with one player. But a core group of guys willing to play for each other. Sudin wouldn't have been the fix. Luongo can only stop so many pucks and the Sedins... well they are the Sedins, hate'em or love'em but I feel they are solid players with potential to be a force, remember... 

"THE SHIFT". http://canucks.nhl.tv/team/console?type=fvod&id=5846

20 million can get us a few players with skill and grit. Free Agents are out there. But lets not jump the gun here Canuck fans. The season hasn't started. Championship cannot be lost in the offseason. We have a great prospects coming up thanks to Nonis who didn't trade for quick fixes. We have loss some star power. But regardless there is a lot of hockey to be played.

Naslund... thanks for all the great moments. I wished you stayed to finish off your career as a Canuck. But goodluck to you in NY. (I have a reason now to buy a Rangers jersey)

The Oilers are only in the hunt for Jagr because Marian Hossa took possible glory over a bloated contract with a team that has very little promise. Oiler's GM Kevin Lowe is desperate to bring a star onto his club, even if it means grossly overpaying an aged Jagr. In my opinion the Oilers have no shot at signing him, the only advantage they have over the Rangers and Penguins is they have extra money to throw around and can offer him a larger contract. But even if Jagr doesn't wish to sign with the Penguins and cannot reach a deal with the Rangers, he has a $35M offer from Omsk-Avangard. An offer that is surely more attractive then spending a season in the basement with the Oilers.

I always envisioned the Rangers handing over the reigns to Gomez and Drury at some point, with Jagr heading off into the sunset. But times have changed, situations have been altered and the Rangers need a scoring winger desperately. Jagr is perfect to fill that void. This summer I figured that the Rangers would let Jagr walk if they signed Marian Hossa because he would have given the Rangers enough offense and would compliment Scott Gomez nicely. Now though, with Hossa signed the Rangers have a large group of young somewhat unproven wingers who are going to be relied on more than should be at their age. It's a recipe for disaster, Sather needs to sign Jagr to add some stability.

This past July first was a much different experience compared to last year.  I would safely say that the majority of people in Buffalo, NY were asking themselves how they could manage to root for a team that willingly/unwillingly let the teams two largest stars to walk for nothing.  Chris Drury more or less said 'thanks, but no thanks' to the offer and played for his childhood team the New York Rangers.  Daniel Briere wasn't even offered anything, and went to the highest bidder (Philadelphia).  This year we had no major Unrestricted Free Agents, aside from Michael Ryan, Nolan Pratt and Dimtri Kalinin.  I can honestly say I did not loose any sleep over loosing any of those players.

I'm not going to lie, I'm not horrible upset at the lack of Free Agent signing this year.  I've read the reports and the vast majority of Free Agent signings turn out to be busts.  Well, I've decided to take a look at the worst signings of the last couple years:

In that infamous 2007:

• Scott Hannon signed a deal for 4.5 million for 4 years, not a horrible year but he was a minus -5 and only scored 2 goals last year.  Ryan Smyth signed a 6.25 million dollar contract, was hurt the entire year and scored 14 goals in a horrible injury-riddled year.  His playoff performance (which was the main reason he was brought in) was sub-par with 5 points in 8 games.
• Scott Gomez went to the NY Rangers for a 7.357 million a year for 6 years.  His first year for the team, he put in the same numbers he did when he played for New Jersey, and his playoff performance was actually good.  However, he was not signed onto NY to play a defensive boring style of hockey, he was brought in to play with Jagr and to set him up to score many goals.  We all understand he under preformed in New Jersey because its a defensive first system, but when you're paid that kind of money, I want more then 70 points.
• Jason Blake signed a 5 year deal averaging 4 million a year to go to Toronto.  You know its bad when a team is considering trading you or buying out your contract in your first year of 5 for a team.  And combine that with a cancer scare and the Toronto Press still is ripping apart your crappy performance.  Nothing against the guy personally, but his performance and goal output (15).
• Danius Zubrus signed to New Jersey Devils.  I loved the guy's effort, no one questions that but the dude can't score.  He just got paid 3.4 million to put in 13 goals in the net.  Come on, you get that for 5 years?

In the forgotten 2006:

• Toronto continuing to be awesome, signed Hal Gill AND Pavel Kubina (5 mil) to large contracts and apparently didn't realize the "Derian Hatcher" rule now applies where you can't be a defensemen in the NHL just because your 6'5'' + and can throw people around.  You actually need 'skill'
• Jay McKee to St Louis Blues for 4 year / 16 mill contract.  I love the guy, he was arguably my favorite Buffalo Sabre, however that is way too much money for him.  Since he has worn the Blue's jersey he has had horrible luck with injuries and his performance.  They have a young defense there, and I'm sure he is teaching Erik Johnson all he needs to know, however they have trainers for that.
• Ottawa signed 'away' Martin Gerber from Carolina.  Everyone assumed that this would get Ottawa to the cup.  Well Ottawa did make it to the cup, except it had nothing to do with Martin Gerber.  He has played 86 games for the Senators in the last 2 years while cashing in 3.7 mill (more then Ryan Miller's salary).
• Boston actually made good moves, signing Zdeno Chara who has played decently (not worth the 7.5 million) and Marc Savard (5 million) who still leads the league in assists almost every year.  However, their success individually has not translated to the team and they still haven't gotten anywhere in the playoffs despite spending almost 13 million a year on just these two players.
• Atlanta signed Steve Rucchin, honestly the guy hasn't been good since he played center for Paul Kariya and Teemu Selanne on the ducks.  That was maybe 7 years ago.
• Tampa Bay signed Marc Denis for 3 years.  I understand he played on a crappy Columbus team.  But he hasn't done anything his entire career and not a fitting replacement for a Nikolai Khabibulan a couple years after a Stanley Cup season.

What I'm getting at here is maybe we'll look back and be like 'phew, im glad we didn't sign Brooks Orpik' or wow 7.1 million for Brian Campbell, and all you really get is that spin-o-rama move every other game?.  It sucks now, but hopefully we'll have a younger, more kick-assier team in the future.  Go Nathan Gerbe, make the team so I can get your jersey already.

Sites used to make this post: hockey reference, nhlnumbers.com

More analysis to follow later, but here were my three reactions in the ten minutes after I heard this:

1. Oh.  My.  God.
2. Actually, this might not be so bad.
3. There has to be more to come.  Wait for the dust to settle before you jump off the roof.

I told myself I wouldn't do it, but I ventured on over to Puck Rakers for "fan" reaction.  I'd made it months without viewing any comments, but I jumped in to find this gem buried in the Portzline analysis of the trade:

Go away Portzline! Do you post anything at all good?! Like ever?!

Yeah, it's that good.

Thanks for stopping by the End of the Bench.  Come back soon.

- Drew

That would almost be forgivable, however, if Sather's arrogance did not cost the team one of its most dynamic players. Sean Avery, who after earlier today making for some more hilarious blog fodder decided to take his antics to Dallas, signing with the Stars for less than $4 million a season over the next four years. While Avery's stat sheet is, on the surface, solid-but-unspectacular, the Rangers don't have another forward with the same edge on the ice. This past season the Rangers were 33-14-10 with Avery in the lineup and 9-13-3 without him. Obviously, Avery isn't that good, but his impact on ice was undeniable. He was an agitator, a playmaker, and a scorer all in one, a combination the Rangers simply cannot replace on their roster.

Now without Avery and very possibly Jaromir Jagr (our leading scorer - remember him?) the Rangers will have some serious issues in filling their first two lines. Sjostrom! Voros! Rissmiller! Get ready to see these names getting significant minutes next season, barring a surprise signing or trade (and scratch Marian Hossa off that list - he's going to Detroit, a team that obviously needed more scoring). It's looking as if the best case scenario now for the Rangers (if you're still concerned only about next season) is a Jagr return and a Mats Sundin signing, a scenario that doesn't particularly excite me all that much considering the team's current situation. But hey, a possibly declining Wade Redden for six years! Who can complain, right?! Thanks Glen! I do hope you enjoy a good cigar in the luxury box next season, because you've earned it.

Oh well. Thanks for the memories, Sean, and good luck in Dallas. At least you'll be far away from those pesky French-Canadians. And we all know Martin "Fatso" Brodeur won't miss you...

Update: The Rangers made a not-terrible trade getting Nikolai Zherdev from the Blue Jackets along with Dan Fritsche for Fedor Tyutin (who I liked, but was expendable) and future Hall of Famer Christian Backman. Zherdev instantly becomes a top 6 forward on the Rangers and they now have two spots open at the back of the defense while saving a little cap room...like I said, not terrible.

Avery wound up signing for a lousy $3.8M a year, you gave Michael Rozsival $5M a year. Tell me without smirking whose more important and more valuable to the team? That's right you cant, your personal bullshit with Avery is the only reason you wouldn't add the $500K.

I can't say I blame Avery, the situation really was not his fault. He knew what his value was and between the arbitration hearing last summer and Sather's unwillingness to offer him a fair offer, he only had one choice. It was clear to him that Sather did not want him back, even though the rest of the Rangers Faithful did.

Enjoy him Dallas.

Thanks a lot Glenn.

Waiting to see if the team makes any trades, they need to free up some space if they hope to re-sign anyone on offense.

My biggest gripe right now is why in the hell would they re-sign Rozsival for five million a year? I really do not know why they would if they had Redden in their sights. Now the team has a little under $8M in cap, unless Sather makes some moves like TRADE CHRISTIAN BACKMAN, how can the team re-sign Jagr, Avery, Shanahan or anybody else they need to shore up their offense. The money spent on Roszival could have gone to better use. I would rather see Sanguinetti fill his spot and take the lumps and bruises a rookie defenceman is expected to take.

The fact that I'm about to give kudos to Garth Snow and the Fish Stix makes me vomit in my mouth. But i think the Mark Streit signing, was the right one, less money, less years, similar if not better production.

Sather hasnt made one good signing today. Awesome.

Wade Redden Stats

UPDATE

I hate this signing

I keep emphasizing four years cause the guy is 36, simple math tells you that this deal has Rolston signed until he's forty, way to go Lou. I wouldn't have been all that happy if Glenny boy signed him for four years, I'd give him two at the most. Rolston is basically going to be playing in the same system as he was in Minnesota, what do you think the over/under is his total points drops by like 25... ha

F-ing Debbies they make me laugh.

Patrick Rissmiler

Well heres a forward the team doesn't need, awesome, the team's been making a big splash with there signings.

Im coming close to not even paying any sort of attention to what the Rangers do.. so pessimistic at this point.

Im sitting here at my computer borderline sweating from being nervous because I'm starting to think that Sather is going to F--- everything up and everybody who the Rangers could use will be signed.