New York Rangers Trade Rumors

NHL's early-season jaunts in CBA doubt
February 5
New York Post
 
"The Premiere Games in Europe that have opened the NHL season the past five years could be a casualty of collective bargaining, though sources within the league and the NHLPA have told Slap Shots the sides are attempting to strike an agreement under which the matches would be scheduled. The uncertainty over whether the 2012-13 season will begin on time given the Sept. 15 expiration date of the CBA has at least for the time being prevented scheduling of the games, with the parties as yet unable to agree on the parameters regarding revenue allocations and risk should the matches be canceled. Regardless of whether the issue is settled in a timely manner, the Rangers will not open the season in"
Rangers trade Christensen to Wild for Wellman
February 4
New York Post
 
"Erik Christensen will get the opportunity to revive his NHL career in Minnesota after being traded to the Wild by the Rangers on Friday for 24-year-old forward Casey Wellman, who was immediately assigned to the AHL Whale. The move opens a Rangers roster spot for the return of defenseman Steve Eminger, who is set to come off injured reserve after having missed the past 19 games with a separated shoulder he sustained in Phoenix on Dec. 17. Though Eminger said he believes he is "very close," coach John Tortorella said he has gotten a "yes" from trainer Jim Ramsay on his availability for Sunday afternoon's Atlantic Division showdown against Philadelphia. Tortorella, however, said he has not"
Source: Rangers on Smyth's radar
February 3
New York Post
 
"If general manager Glen Sather is interested in reuniting with Ryan Smyth by acquiring Edmonton's veteran left wing to bolster the Rangers' attack, the feeling may well be a reciprocal one, The Post has learned. A well-placed source told The Post that Smyth, who was drafted sixth overall in 1994 by Sather and then played the first five years under his direction while he was general manager of the Oilers, would give serious consideration to waiving his no-move clause in order to pursue a Cup on Broadway. The Eastern Conference-leading Rangers, who have scored 17 goals in their last nine games and have been limited to two goals or fewer in 20 of their 49 matches, are seeking to add both"
No NHL team claims Avery, could head to Russia
January 1
New York Post
 
"Sean Avery's NHL career is likely at an end after the 31-year-old winger passed through waivers yesterday for the third time since the beginning of October. Avery, who recorded three goals with a plus-two rating while getting minimal ice time in 15 games for the Rangers between Nov. 5 and Dec. 10 after his recall from the AHL Whale and before being scratched from nine straight games prior to being placed on waivers on Friday, is awaiting reassignment to the Rangers farm club in Connecticut."
Avery vows to play again after waived by Rangers
December 31
New York Post
 
"Sean Avery, placed on waivers by the Rangers at noon Friday, told The Post this afternoon that he "guarantee[s]" that a club claiming him "won't ever be sorry." "I have a lot to prove, and I have a lot of game left after not being allowed to play my game for the last four years," Avery told The Post before returning to New York from Florida, where he was given notice of the move this morning. "I guarantee that I'll play my a-- off and give everything I have for the team that will give me the chance I wasn't getting [by coach John Tortorella]. That team will be getting a guy who has a lot to prove. "The GM and coach willing to look past some of the things that are out there about me, I can"
Ducks' Ryan knows he might be the one to go
November 30
Orange County Register
 
"Bobby Ryan is fully aware that he is front and center in the trade rumor mill as the Ducks try to keep their season from going down the drain. As speculation intensifies that he could be included in a possible blockbuster deal, the perennial 30-goal scorer said that he would not be shocked if the Ducks were to move him. "I wouldn't be surprised," Ryan told the Register on Tuesday. "That's all I'll say about that." The Ducks are 6-13-4 and have lost 16 of their past 18 games to fall to 14th place in the Western Conference. A trade of Ryan, who has 112 goals in three-plus seasons, would present a major shake-up for a disappointing, stagnant team."
Rangers won't free Zuccarello
November 14
New York Post
 
"There is no out-clause in Mats Zuccarello's contract that would require the Rangers to allow the 24-year-old winger to leave for Europe if he is still a member of the AHL Whale by a certain date, the Norwegian's representatives and general manager Glen Sather told The Post late last week. And though Craig Oster, one of the winger's agents at Newport Sports, told The Post the subject is likely to be raised with management within the next few weeks if Zuccarello remains in Hartford under his $67,500 AHL contract, Sather doesn't seem to have much interest in obliging. "Why would we agree to anything like that?" is how Sather phrased it in an email response to the Post's inquiry whether the"
Rangers' Rupp out 4-6 weeks after surgery; Stralman cleared: report
November 10
New York Post
 
"Rangers forward Mike Rupp will be out 4-6 weeks after successful arthroscopic surgery on his knee Wednesday, NorthJersey.com reports. Rupp has missed the prior six games with what was a meniscus tear."
Rangers trade for Capitals prospect Bouchard
November 9
New York Post
 
"If a team is going to take a flyer on a young player who has yet to make it, best that it be on a player with skill. This is pretty much what the Rangers did yesterday in acquiring 23-year-old winger Francois Bouchard from the Capitals in exchange for 21-year-old defenseman Tomas Kundratek, a 2008 third-rounder. Bouchard will go to the AHL Whale from Hershey while Kundratek makes the opposite journey. Bouchard was selected 35th overall by the Caps in the 2006 Entry Draft, 15 picks ahead of Boston's Milan Lucic and 19 before the Rangers tabbed Artem Anisimov."
Hernia surgery for Rangers' Wolski
November 8
New York Post
 
"It is not the hot tub calling Wojtek Wolski, but rather the surgeon's operating room. The Rangers' winger, called out earlier in the season by coach John Tortorella for the length of time it was taking him to get back from a groin issue that first developed in training camp, will undergo surgery today to repair a sports hernia. The procedure will be performed by Dr. William Meyers at Core Performance Physicians in Philadelphia. It is expected Wolski will be out for the next month."
Rangers target Anton Stralman
November 4
Bergen Record
 
"The Rangers and free agent defenseman Anton Stralman, 25, agreed to terms on a one-year deal worth a reported $900,000, though the team is not confirming the deal and the player is believed to still be in Sweden. "I know they're talking to him," coach John Tortorella said. The 6-foot-1, 180-pound Stralman, who did not make the Devils after coming to training camp on a tryout, has played 212 NHL games for the Maple Leafs and Blue Jackets with 11 goals and 63 assists. Offense and power-play work are his strong points, but he's struggled defending."
Avery won't play in Rangers' next game
November 3
New York Post
 
"Sean Avery returned from exile to his first practice back with the Rangers on Wednesday, but he will not be making his season debut in their next game. Citing the team's stellar play in Monday's 5-2 win over San Jose and Avery's limited time on the ice over the past few days, having cleared re-entry waivers on Tuesday, coach John Tortorella said he will be using the same lineup from Monday in Thursday's game against Anaheim at Madison Square Garden. As much as Avery wants to play, he said he couldn't argue with the logic."
Torts endorses Avery's return
November 1
New York Post
 
"John Tortorella yesterday endorsed the Rangers' move to reinstate Sean Avery, the coach stating before last night's 5-2 Garden victory over the Sharks, "It's the right decision." Of course after the game, Tortorella would not guarantee Avery a spot in the lineup Thursday against the Ducks even if he is on the roster, saying, "I don't know what the lineup is going to be next game . . . I'm going to force-feed anything." Tortorella confirmed that the decision to recall Avery -- or at least to make the effort -- was tied to Mike Rupp's ailing left knee that seems likely to sideline the winger for an indefinite period."
Isles may block Avery return
November 1
New York Post
 
"The stage is set for Sean Avery's return to the Rangers this afternoon via re-entry, but The Post has been told Islanders' general manager Garth Snow has been coy concerning the possibility of claiming the winger on waivers."
Rangers hope to have Avery back Thursday
October 31
NHL.com
 
"Sean Avery could be back with the Rangers in time for Thursday's home game against the Anaheim Ducks, and coach John Tortorella can't wait to have him. The Rangers put Avery on re-entry waivers Monday at noon, less than a month after he was banished to the Connecticut Whale of the AHL before the season. Avery will stay on waivers for 24 hours, giving every team in the League a chance to claim him. If he goes unclaimed, he'll replace the injured Michael Rupp, whose long-term health is in question due to a nagging knee injury, on the Rangers' fourth line. "Rupper has a lot to do with this. We're concerned about that," Tortorella said. "This is the right decision. It's the right hockey"
Rangers to recall Avery
October 31
New York Post
 
"The Rangers are bringing back Sean Avery. Because nine games deep into a season in which the Rangers have won three times (3-3-3) while unable to reproduce the Black-and-Blueshirt identity that defined last season, management has decided to commute Avery's sentence and bring him out of AHL exile. Unless something unforeseen develops, Avery, who was assigned to the AHL Whale after clearing waivers on Oct. 5, will be placed on re-entry waivers at noon Monday that expire at noon Tuesday."
Rangers face issues down the middle
October 26
New York Post
 columnist Larry Brooks
"This must be home because those coins in my pocket aren't loonies. Speaking of whom, no, John Tortorella (we kid), did not bench Marian Gaborik in the third period of Monday's 2-1 victory in Winnipeg that allowed the Blueshirts to complete their magical mystery tour with a 3-1 record in Canada and a 3-2-2 record overall. The truth, as explained by the Rangers coach when queried well after the match had ended, is that Gaborik played only 3:03 on four shifts in the third because the Rangers spent so much time hemmed in their own end. That limited the opportunity to get the sniper ice because it was necessary to allot more time to checking-oriented players."
Rangers' Lundqvist says skate issue is 'all taken care of'
October 24
New York Post
 
"Henrik Lundqvist practiced Sunday in Edmonton without any ill effects from the left foot pain he experienced because of a skate issue that forced him out of Saturday night's 2-0 defeat to the Oilers at 8:26 of the third period. "It's all taken care of," the Rangers goaltender said. "I'm on my second pair of skates this season, I changed them after we came back from Europe, and there was just a problem there that built up a little bit. "By the third period, I was thinking so much about my foot, my skate and the pain that I just couldn't focus on the puck, and if I'm not doing that I can't play my game, so that's why I came out.""
Rangers reopen talks with defenseman Mara, place Staal on injured list
October 6
New York Post
 
"Facing the prospect of perhaps playing the first month of the season without Marc Staal, the Rangers have reopened discussions with 32-year-old free agent defenseman Paul Mara, The Post has learned. If a contract agreement is reached, the idea would be for Mara, who played 156 games for the Rangers from late in 2006-07 through 2008-09, to join the club in New York on Monday after it returns from Europe. Mara would then have a full week of practice with the team before its next game, a week from Saturday against the Islanders at the Coliseum."
Avery: Fighting Flyer took homophobic shot at me
September 27
New York Post
 
"The NHL will be under the gun to take action against Wayne Simmonds following an early first-period incident in a preseason game here last night in which the Flyers' winger appears to have called Sean Avery a homophobic epithet. Avery confirmed after the match that he was called the ugly slur by Simmonds following a scrum in which the Rangers' winger punched the Flyer in the face while both were down on the ice. Though Simmonds implied Avery had provoked him through words of his own, the Flyer did not deny the charge, stating repeatedly that he could not remember exactly what words were exchanged early in Philadelphia's 4-3 victory. A year ago, then Islanders defenseman James Wisniewski"
Rangers will invade Europe without Staal
September 26
New York Post
 
"When the Rangers leave for Europe following tonight's preseason game in Philadelphia, defenseman Marc Staal won't be with them. Rangers coach John Tortorella confirmed after yesterday's practice that Staal, who is dealing with post-concussion symptoms, will miss the beginning of the trip. But he also said Staal could join the team before the trip is over, and wouldn't rule him out of being in the lineup for the Rangers' regular-season opener on Oct. 7 against the Kings in Stockholm, Sweden. "Once he feels better, and we feel like he can get into all the things we want him to do to get ready for the regular season, he'll come out," Tortorella said."
Richards, Gaborik developing chemistry for Rangers
September 24
New York Post
 
"It was just the Rangers' first exhibition game, only the first time Brad Richards and Marian Gaborik played together against what coach John Tortorella likes to call, "different colors," but there's little doubt that the elite dispatcher and world-class sniper are going to combine to present a world of trouble for opponents. Richards will carry the puck. Gaborik will look for seams and to jump into openings. The left wing on the first line — a true blue first line the club has lacked since Tortorella arrived two-thirds of the way through 2008-09 — will be a complementary piece, whether it's Wojtek Wolski or a forward to named later. "When Richie has the puck, he's always looking. We"
Richards: Groin pull not alarming
September 22
New York Post
 
"Brad Richards, who did not skate yesterday after leaving the ice early on Tuesday with a slight groin pull, said that the issue is, "nothing alarming, that's for sure." Richards, who said he likely will skate today but is unsure whether he would be able to play in tomorrow night's preseason match against the Devils in Newark, said that he's dealt with the issue before. "I've had a few surgeries there, so at this time of year it's a little bit of a battle," he said. "I just want to stay on top of it. "I felt better [Wednesday] than [Tuesday], but I felt it was more prudent not to skate.""
Rangers sitting Staal until concussion symptoms subside
September 21
New York Post
 
"Marc Staal, the Rangers' stalwart blueliner and one of their alternate captains, will not be in the lineup tonight when the team plays its first preseason game against the Devils in Albany. But the Rangers are hoping he will be back in two weeks when the games count. Staal, 24, -- who is entering his fifth year with the Rangers, and who makes up half of the Rangers' top defensive pair with Dan Girardi -- suffered a concussion after being hit by his older brother Eric on Feb. 22. He still is feeling the effects of the concussion, and the Rangers have been treading on the side of caution. Who can blame them? Penguins superstar Sidney Crosby suffered a concussion on Jan. 1 last season, and"
Lundqvist plans to set goals
September 20
New York Post
 
"After meeting and indeed surpassing last season's publicly stated personal objective of 10 shutouts with a career-high and NHL-leading 11 whitewashes, Henrik Lundqvist will establish his personal objectives for 2011-12 after talking it over with assistant coach and goaltending instructor Benoit Allaire. "I'll sit down with Benny before the season starts and do that," The King said yesterday after his second straight sharp scrimmage performance. "You want to have goals where you push yourself,but at the same time you want to have goals that you can achieve also. "Last year was fun trying to reach something, but you don't want to put too much pressure on yourself.""
Staal's setback hurts Rangers
September 20
New York Post
 
"The Rangers' search for a defenseman will become more serious following yesterday's setback that kept Marc Staal off the ice with re-occurring post-concussion symptoms. After coach John Tortorella reported on Sunday that Staal had been "progressing nicely" after experiencing headaches as late as late last week, the coach said yesterday the first-pair defenseman "just didn't feel good," upon reporting to the rink in the morning and as such was kept off the ice. "It's an ongoing, fluid situation," Tortorella said of Staal, whose continuing issues seven months after being concussed on a hit from his older brother Eric have alarm bells ringing within the organization. "This is the process"
Rangers name Callahan 26th captain in team history
September 13
New York Post
 
"And a Blueblood shall lead them. Ryan Callahan, the personification of the Black-and-Blueshirt mentality that identified the 2010-11 Rangers, was named the Rangers' 26th captain Monday morning by coach John Tortorella. Marc Staal and Brad Richards will be the alternate captains for the Rangers, who open training camp on Friday. Callahan, who succeeds the retired Chris Drury, won the club's Players' Player Award last year as voted by his teammates in a season in which he recorded 48 points (23-25) in 60 games, establishing career-bests in points, goals and assists."
Bryan McCabe still waits for deal, while Modano and Selanne decisions imminent
September 12
ESPN.com
 
"Camps around the NHL open later this week and unsigned veteran blueliner Bryan McCabe could possibly still sitting at home. The 36-year-old unrestricted free agent is hanging out at his South Florida home still pondering his future. "There have been discussions with several teams," his agent, Ian Pulver, told ESPN.com on Monday. "Bryan is still considering his options." McCabe had 28 points (7-21) in 67 games with Florida and the New York Rangers last season. He's no longer the offensive force he once was, but he's a solid two-way player and also a popular player in the room."
NHL policy change on substance abuse?
August 18
Toronto Sun
 
"The recent off-ice deaths of two NHL players could spark a change in how the league conducts its substance abuse and behavioural program. Commenting on the passing of New York Ranger Derek Boogaard and Winnipeg Jet Rick Rypien at the league's research and developmnt camp in Toronto, commissioner Gary Bettman told a wire service that he will soon approach the Players Association to study the current policy. Boogaard passed away in May after a mishap with alcohol and a painkiller drug. Rypien, who reportedly suffered from depression, died Monday and police will only say the circumstances were not suspicious. Both men had been in the program, which has helped many players with varied"
NHL set to formally announce Flyers-Rangers Winter Classic at Citizens Bank Park
August 17
Philly.com
 
"THERE IS a curious afternoon contest currently penciled in for Monday, Jan. 2 on the Flyers' schedule. Technically, without a peep from the NHL since the league's matrix was released on June 23, it's just one of 82 games on the Flyers' slate. That is all expected to change next week when the NHL will finally - formally and officially - announce Citizens Bank Park as the home of the 2012 Winter Classic between the Flyers and New York Rangers, a league source told the Daily News. It will be by far the latest announcement of the summer compared to the previous four Winter Classic setups, each of which were announced in July."
This can't end well for Avery
August 7
New York Post
 columnist Larry Brooks
"It is one thing to be charged with a crime and quite another to be guilty of it, but this much is clear: Sean Avery most certainly did not need Laurel Canyon on Friday night, whatever it was that actually occurred when the police came knocking on his door. This isn't about Avery's standing on the Rangers, which is no more or less tenuous now than it has been throughout the offseason, and this isn't even about Avery's standing within the NHL, a league that historically has differentiated between conduct in and out of the arena when it comes to crime and punishment. But being arrested for battery on a police officer, even if the charge is dismissed along the way, does not help Avery be taken"
Sean Avery, the controversial winger of the New York Rangers, arrested for shoving a Los Angeles cop
August 6
New York Daily News
 
"Sean Avery was arrested early Friday in Los Angeles , accused of battery of a peace officer, continuing what has been a busy and increasingly tumultuous offseason for the Rangers winger. According to the Los Angeles Sheriff's Department , at 12:30 a.m., the LAPD responded to a noise complaint stemming from a party at Avery's house in the Hollywood Hills . Avery came to the door and allegedly shoved the officer, slamming the door. Upon reopening the door, Avery was arrested and taken to be booked. He spent more than five hours in custody before posting $20,000 bail. He did not respond to questions from a TMZ cameraman as he got into the backseat of a black coupe and headed home."
Rangers' Sean Avery Arrested in California
August 6
NBC Sports
 
"New York Ranger Sean Avery was arrested and charged with battery on a police office earlier Friday, according to a Los Angeles Police Department spokesman. Avery was having a party at his home in the Hollywood Hills a little after midnight, according to police. It was the second time officers had come to the residence after getting complaints of loud music. When officers came to the house, Avery argued with police and attempted to go back inside his house, pushing an officer out of the way. Avery then slammed the door and refused to come out. Officers continued to talk to the 31-year-old, asking him to come out, but he refused and additional officers were called to the location. Avery"
Avery arrested after cop altercation: report
August 5
CBC Sports
 
"Sean Avery of the New York Rangers was arrested early Friday morning after an incident at his home in Los Angeles, the website TMZ.com is reporting. According to the report, police were responding to a noise complaint at Avery's Hollywood Hills address when the player shoved an officer and slammed the door on the police. Avery reportedly co-operated after the initial brushoff and was subsequently booked for battery on a peace officer and is being held on $20,000 US bail. The noise was coming from a party being held at the home, according to the report. Avery, 31, has become one of the most polarizing players in NHL history in recent years. He participated in a league-mandated counselling"
Rangers ink Callahan to 3-year deal
July 28
New York Post
 
"The Rangers averted an arbitration hearing with forward Ryan Callahan today, agreeing to a three-year deal worth nearly $13 million. The sides were to face the arbitrator tomorrow in Toronto. Callahan, 26, went 23-25-48 in 60 games last season, before suffering a broken ankle just before the playoffs. Agent Steve Bartlett credited newly promoted Rangers assistant GM Jeff Gorton with getting the deal done."
No progress to report on Callahan deal
July 27
Bergen Record
 
"The Rangers and Brandon Dubinsky went to the last minute last Thursday before reaching an accord for a new, four-year, $16.8 million deal. It seems that if Ryan Callahan is to avoid Thursday's arbitration hearing, it, too, will be with a last-minute deal. Callahan's agent, Steve Bartlett reported today there has not been much progress between the sides with the clock ticking towards Thursday. Essentially, Bartlett said he has submitted his proposal to the Rangers but added there has not been a lot of back and forth. The sides have exchanged briefs that are needed to prepare for an arbitration hearing. Bartlett said he he is "waiting for some response" regarding his proposal on a new deal"
Rangers ink defenseman Steve Eminger, concentrate on re-signing Ryan Callahan
July 26
New York Daily News
 
"The Rangers moved a step closer to completing their offseason business Monday, re-signing unrestricted free agent defenseman Steve Eminger to a one-year, $800,000 contract. Eminger, 27, acquired last summer from Anaheim for Aaron Voros, provides a physical presence on the blue line and a veteran presence as the only Rangers defenseman with 400 games of NHL experience. Eminger had two goals and four assists in 65 games last season. "I'm thankful to the New York Rangers organization for re-signing me," Eminger said in an email to the Daily News. "I'm proud to be a part of this team, as I know they always have been and will continue to be committed to winning. I'm excited for this upcoming"
Rangers re-sign defenseman Steve Eminger
July 25
New York Daily News
 
"With the Rangers continuing to go with a young group on the blue line, they did not have to look far for the veteran presence they wanted to round out their defense rotation. Steve Eminger is coming back to Broadway. The 27-year-old Eminger had two goals, four assists and a minus-5 rating with 22 penalty minutes in 65 games in his first season with the Rangers, playing on both the left and right side depending upon what John Tortorella needed him to do. It is a little bit strange to think of Eminger as a super veteran, given that he is six months older than Dan Girardi, but having previously played with the Capitals, Flyers, Lightning, Panthers and Ducks, Eminger has more "life experience""
Brandon Dubinsky, Rangers agree to terms
July 21
Bergen Record
 
"Brandon Dubinsky had a 9 a.m. arbitration hearing scheduled this morning in Toronto. Instead, he and the Rangers have agreed to terms on a new deal. The Rangers, as per their policy, are not releasing details but the reports are it’s a four-year deal worth $16.8 million with an average salary cap hit of $4.2 million. The reported contract figures are: 2011-12, $3.75 million; 2012-13, $3.75 million; 2013-14, $4.65 million; 2014-15, $4.65 million. The left wing, 25, compiled a career-high 24 goals and 30 assists in 77 games last season as he completed a two-year, $3.7 million deal. His last contract negotiation led to a brief, training camp holdout prior to the 2009-10 season."
Rangers, Dubinsky have arbitration hearing to determine 2011-12 salary
July 21
New York Post
 
"The Rangers have elected to go for a one-year salary award in today's arbitration hearing in Toronto with Brandon Dubinsky, The Post has learned. Sources with knowledge of the briefs submitted on behalf of the 25-year-old winger and on behalf of the club have told The Post that Dubinsky has requested a contract worth $4.6 million while the Rangers have come in at $2.8 million. While the gulf appears exceptionally wide, Elizabeth Neumeier, the arbitrator presiding over the case, is empowered to select any figure between the parties' requests. As such, the disparity in the submissions should not ring any alarm bells, given that they are strategic rather than necessarily reasonable. Both"
Source: Rangers, Dubinsky disagree over term of contract as arbitration approaches
July 20
New York Daily News
 
"Brandon Dubinsky's arbitration hearing is set for Thursday, and a deal does not appear close. A source has told the Daily News that the sticking point is not money, but years on a new contract. "(Dubinsky is) looking for a longer term," the source said. Part of the Rangers' organization since he was drafted in the second round in 2004, Dubinsky has become one of the most important players on Broadway, beyond simply having led the Blueshirts with 24 goals and 30 assists this past season, both career highs. He is a key penalty killer, a skilled faceoff man and an emerging presence in the locker room with his fiery personality and willingness to speak his mind. That frankness also applies to"
Source says Brandon Dubinsky holdup is length of contract; Ryan Callahan's agent remains patient
July 19
New York Daily News
 
"With Brandon Dubinsky's arbitration hearing set for Thursday, a deal does not appear close, and a source has told the Daily News that the sticking point in negotiations is not money, but years for a new contract. "(Dubinsky is) looking for a longer term," the source said. Part of the Rangers' organization since they drafted him in the second round in 2004, Dubinsky has become one of the most important players on Broadway, beyond simply having led the Blueshirts with 24 goals and 30 assists this past season, both career highs. Dubinsky is a key penalty killer, a skilled faceoff man and an emerging presence in the locker room with his fiery personality and willingness to speak his mind."
Is Wojtek Wolski the eventual odd man out in New York?
July 18
Pro Hockey Talk
 
"The New York Rangers' offseason was dominated by the signing of Brad Richards. Richards was signed to a mammoth nine-year, $60 million contract to help solve their problem of not having a true playmaker to set up Marian Gaborik and lead their offense. With Richards in place, Chris Drury bought out and made a free agent, and Brian Boyle locked up to a three-year deal while they await deals to be finalized with restricted free agents Brandon Dubinsky and Ryan Callahan there are some potential roster questions left to be answered in New York. According to CapGeek.com, the Rangers have just over $53 million committed to the cap with Dubinsky and Callahan waiting to be signed. Depending on"
Sauer agrees to new contract
July 8
Bergen Record
 
"Restricted free agent defenseman Mike Sauer has agreed to terms on a new contract, the team confirmed this morning. The new deal is for two years at $1.25 million per season. That leaves the Rangers with four RFAs left to be re-signed: Artem Anisimov, Brian Boyle, Ryan Callahan and Brandon Dubinsky. GM Glen Sather said he believed all could be completed over the next couple if weeks and it's possible the Rangers may get another one done today."
Anisimov agrees to two-year, $3.75M deal
July 8
Bergen Record
 
"Make that two down, three to go as Artem Anisimov has agreed to a new two-year deal with the Rangers, his agent told The Record this morning. Earlier today, the Rangers confirmed Mike Sauer had agreed to a new deal, a reported two-year deal worth $1.25 million per season. Anisimov will earn $1.875 million per season after being tendered a qualifying offer of $832,500. He had 18 goals and 26 assists last season and has played all 82 games in each of his first two NHL seasons. Anisimov was not arbitration eligible this summer. Anisimov spent some time last season centering the top line but with the Rangers signing Brad Richards, Anisimov should be slotted onto the second line, a more natural"
Four Rangers filed for arbitration
July 6
Bergen Record
 
"All four of the Rangers' restricted free agents eligible for arbitration filed Tuesday. But just as general manager Glen Sather said Saturday he believed deals with all five could be worked out in the next "couple of weeks," Brian Boyle and the agents for Ryan Callahan and Brandon Dubinsky echoed that optimism. The Rangers have extended qualifying offers to Callahan ($2.4 million), Dubinsky ($2 million), Boyle ($605,000) and defenseman Mike Sauer ($550,000). By filing for arbitration – the NHL will schedule hearings from July 20-Aug. 4 – they can no longer receive offer sheets from other teams, though that had been unlikely anyway. Because the players filed for arbitration, the Rangers can"
Dubinsky, Callahan, Boyle file for arbitration
July 6
Bergen Record
 
"The agents for Brandon Dubinsky and Ryan Callahan as well as Brian Boyle said today they will be filing for arbitration at today's 5 o'clock deadline. Mike Sauer has also filed. However, as of now, there's nothing ominous about that. It's just paperwork at this point. Dubinsky's agent, Kurt Overhardt, called it "part of the process" and Boyle said he was hopeful a deal could be struck soon. Callahan's agent, Steve Bartlett, said his agent would file barring an offer sheet from another team, which is very unlikely. Barlett said preliminary talks with the Rangers have been "amicable" and, to this point, the sides have "agreed to disagree." Rangers general manager Glen Sather said on a"
Brad Richards will sign with New York Rangers; All-Star picks Blueshirts over Flames, Kings & Leafs
July 2
New York Daily News
 
"It was a tense night for the Rangers, but when morning came, they got their man. A source has told the Daily News that Brad Richards has made his decision and will sign with the Rangers. An All-Star last season with the Dallas Stars, Richards had 28 goals and 49 assists in 72 games. Multiple reports indicate that the deal is for nine years and $58.5 million, which would result in an annual salary cap hit of $6.5 million. Richards will be reunited with John Tortorella, his coach with the 2004 Stanley Cup champion Lightning, and will be slotted in the middle of the Rangers' top line, alongside Marian Gaborik. The Daily News reported Friday that the Calgary Flames offered Richards a"
Report: Brad Richards chooses Rangers, Nine Years $58.5 Million
July 2
NHL.com
 
"Brad Richards is off the market. The big fish among this year's crop of free agents has reportedly agreed to a nine-year contract Saturday to play for the New York Rangers. TSN's Darren Dreger is reporting Richards' deal has an average annual value of $6.5 million. Richards spent Friday at his agent Pat Morris' office in Mississauga, Ont., listening to pitches from several teams both in person and via conference calls. He decided to sleep on it and come to a final decision Saturday. The Rangers were not one of the teams that showed up at the offices of Newport Sports Management, Inc. on Friday, but Larry Brooks of the New York Post tweeted that James Dolan, Executive Chairman of Madison"