ISLANDERS SEND D NIEMI TO RANGERS FOR SIXTH ROUND PICK NEW YORK --

The New York Rangers acquired defenceman Jyri Niemi from the New York Islanders on Tuesday for a sixth-round pick in this year's draft. The trade was the first between the rivals since forward Ron Stewart was dealt to the Islanders for cash on Nov. 14, 1972, during the Islanders' first season. The 19-year-old Niemi played in 50 games with Saskatoon of the Western Hockey League last season. He had eight goals and 21 assists with a plus-9 rating. The Finn was chosen by the Islanders in the third round of the 2008 draft. The six-foot-two 192-pounder has spent the last three seasons with the Blades.

Here's some info on Niemi- http://www.tsn.ca/nhl/teams/players/bio/?id=6835

A Young, 6'2 200lb D-Man could fit in nicely, esp considering losing out on Heikinen.

http://www.tsn.ca/nhl/story/?id=322640

http://www.tsn.ca/nhl/story/?id=315609

TSN reporting on an ESPN Magazine anonymous poll of 50 Active NHL Players.   They were asked to give their candid responses on a number of issues; best player, dirtiest player, most overrated, etc.

Rangers were mentioned in 3 instances.  

1. Sean Avery was in a 4 way tie for the second most overrated player in the league.
2. Rangers were in a 2 way tie for the fourth BEST franchise in the league (historically, not currently, I presume)
3. Last coach they would want to play for: John Tortorella, Rangers 18%

Other notables include: Ovechkin beat out Crosby for best player by an overwhelming majority.  More players thought Chicago would win the Cup this year (32%) than any other team.

http://www.tsn.ca/nhl/story/?id=315471

If I may make a prediction...I think I've found the next big thing for the RANGERS next season.  I'm thinking approx 6-10 year contract at no less then 4M per year.  Coming by way of St. Mary's college and the US Dept Of Corrections, please meet Mr. MIKE DANTON!!!

It's very difficult as a 30-year-old or 31-year old to come back and play in the NHL, especially after that much time off. If somebody's willing to give him a chance, that's it, but it's a young man's game now,"

Lets weigh it out.  He's a 30 year old Ex-Con, averaging a point a game at the College level in Nova Scotia.  He should clear parole and be allowed to leave the country (Canada) just in time for Rangers Training Camp.  He meets all of Sather's Criteria for a big, long, albatross contract:

1. Over 30 years old

2. Troubled Past, Had a fall from Grace,

3.  Hasnt seen NHL ice in 6 years, but its nothing a "change of scenery" couldnt fix.

It worked for the Indians in Major League 1...why wont it work for us?  (I hope the Rangers front office doesnt read this blog, they might take me seriously...)

 

2) After watching the Rangers play Sunday afternoon, it is hard to believe they can make up ground to become the eighth seed in the East. Their centre ice position is a mess, with waiver pick-up Erik Christensen playing on their top line. No disrespect, but that can't be a solution. The only reason acquiring Olli Jokinen was a good idea is that his contract is up at the end of the year and they unloaded Ales Kotalik's $3 million cap hit for the next two seasons. They have overpaid Chris Drury, who is best in a support role, not clogging the cap with a $7 million hit. Of course, no Ranger overview could be complete without the required shake of the head at Wade Redden's $6.5 million hit for the next four years. They clearly are going to have to chew that deal if they want to take a step forward any time soon.

He's got to go.  If we dont get a playmaking center and a big defenseman to stick up for Hank, we're going to be seeing alot more aggravation in the coming years.  And as one fellow poster's net handle would say "It may HAVE to last a lifetime..."

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Ray Ferraro's Q&A from Today at TSN.CA.   Three of the emails involved the Rangers (2 out of the three involving the analogy between Blueshirts and Bloated Contracts).  Just thought I'd throw it up for everyone's interest.

Hey Ray, What are your comments regarding the glaring omission of Tim Connolly from the roster. Connolly's a point a game player and in today's NHL. He runs the Sabres PP, he's big and strong and has a tremendous shot. Yes he's had injury problems in the past, but how can the U.S. select a player like Chris Drury (currently eight goals, 11 assists) over Connolly (14 goals, 38 assists)?

Steve

Most teams have players that are on teams that are questioned by fans. You can go through any roster at the Olympics and there are probably those same questions. I do know the U.S. likes Drury's experience on a young team, but I do wonder what they will get from him at the Olympics. Now they aren't looking for him to be on the power play, but Drury is at a stage in his career where he is best not as a top 2 line player. Don't forget, Connolly has 23 of his 58 points after the U.S. team was announced.

I'm beginning to wonder if these "no trade" contracts are good for hockey. A guy signs for big bucks and then demands the team can't trade him during the length of the contract. It seems to me that this situation heavily favours the players. I guess there is huge pressure on the teams to sign these guys and they really haven't any choice but to live with it. Some players get these great deals and then proceed to do nothing but collect nice pay cheques. It really hampers the teams to make any trades and they can only unload these guys and their salaries if the player agrees. Do you think the "no trade" clause in a contract should be eliminated?

Gary

I am constantly amazed by the types of players that get no-trade contracts. You are correct, however, that teams feel under great pressure to give players these deals to be competitive. They can't be eliminated, per se, but teams can just stop handing them out like candy. The no-trade really only works if both parties are happy. Say a team wants to move a player with a no-trade. They can make things uncomfortable for him, cut his playing time and pressure him into seeing that a move might be beneficial for everyone. I think the fairest clause would be a limited no-trade. The player gives a list upon signing a contract that contains 15 teams that he would agree to move to. That seems pretty fair to me.

Ray, great columns - keep 'em coming! I've been watching the Rangers for 11 years now, and I just can't figure it. Why does this team seem to have no heart? Inconsistent play, inconsistent effort, very little team commitment (the Gaborik fight and Girardi's non-response comes to mind) are all hallmarks of the Rangers year after year. People talk about living in NYC and enjoying all it has to offer as a possible reason, but I wonder if there is some other aspect here that we just aren't hearing about.  Any insight you can offer much appreciated.

Thanks, JBS

The issues you talk about have not much to do with the city I'm afraid. Look at the players that have been brought into New York since you started following. Players past their prime, paid huge money and with predictably poor results. I have been somewhat critical of the Rangers for a while, mostly for a misguided approach that just doesn't work. Think about this - who, besides the Rangers, ties up 10 years and $60 million on Wade Redden and Michal Rozsival? Or a combined 12 years and $86 million on Scott Gomez and Chris Drury? This theory has never worked and it doesn't work now. If you add in the above letter's concern for no-trade contracts, you have jammed yourself into a corner with very little escape room.

I hear alot of talk about our draft positions lately.  Seems that the idea of conceding defeat and shopping for the future is becoming more and more popular.  People say that there is no point in squeaking into the playoffs just to get knocked off early.  They say we are not a contender, so we should just start planning now for next season.

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Two Part Question:

1. How will Team Sweden (and Lundqvist in particular) do in Vancouver?

2.  How will that success/failure affect his return for the stretch run with the Rangers?

Will he be too worn down from having to carry the blueshirts all season, with almost no support or backup?  Or will it be the change of pace he needs to find his swagger.  Having a team that can score, backcheck, and defend must be refreshing after dealing with what he's been through all year.

Predictions?

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Brendan Witt has just been placed on waivers from the Long Island Fishsticks.  Given the swiss cheese that currently makes up our blueline, should the Rangers consider him?  Isles would pay half his salary, but is another 'veteran' (read overpaid/fragile/underperforming) really what this team needs?

TSN Comment:

Wow, Rangers should seriously consider this - 1.5 million cap hit (after re-entry) puts him below Redden, Rozsival, Gilroy, or Girardi!Plus I enjoy the idea of having the islanders pay half of his salary.

Have at it. 

Just wanted to take a break from all the trade hype, and figured the late start tonight will open up a little time for some reflection.  It took the Rangers 54 years to finally win a Stanley Cup, and about 5-10 years after that to completely drop out of the running.  How long will it take for them to be a contender again? 

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I posted this at the Recap thread as a comment, but maybe this might get it seen.

It’s sad that anybody making the sums these players make can get away with the attitude these Rangers have shown. I work a lousy dead end job, but if I dog it, mis-handle things, or get caught blogging about hockey, I get s***-canned.

Sad that they don’t seem to even have the wherewithal to go out and skate like they mean it. Nobody crucifies you for leaving it all out on the ice, even if the breaks don’t go your way. But Dubinsky dumped a puck in, then wheeled away to the bench and the puck ended up wide open in the high slot, right where he would have been if he zigged instead of zagged…I know you’re gassed, but maybe you can pretend for a minute that you’re a young man getting payed 7 figures to PLAY a GAME. I get 5 figures to work my tail off and still come in with my best foot forward.

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