As the season winds down, and one can only assume that the Rangers will now become sellers, I hope every single player on the squad reflects back on this season and asks themselves why they didnt win. Tom Renney certainly holds a lot of blame, but to a man every player needs to hold themselves accountable.
Although most people will call this season a failure, I call it a complete success despite the fact that the Rangers will take a 20 point step back in the standings. The reason I call it a success is the emergence of Tyutin and Girardi on the back line, the continued solid play of Henrik Lundqvist (whom i dont fault tonight), but more importantly the development of kids like Callahan, Korpikoski, and Montoya in the minors. Korpikoski is one to keep an eye out for folks. The kid is going to be a star. Not just a star but a superstar. Im thinking a mixture of Jagr and Marian Hossa is what I see when this kid is on the ice. Hes got tremendous balance and puck control ability like Jagr, but he drives to the net, and has a ton of speed like Hossa.
Then you have Montoya who had a fight tonight by the way. The kid has been on fire in the AHL recently. His numbers rival what Henrik has done since Christmas, which is really saying something. Expect to see a monster 2-headed goalie rotation in the near future, since I just dont think you can get equal value for Montoya unless he has regular NHL minutes. There are plenty of players in the AHL who are looking great, and should make a push to make this club next year, I just hope the Rangers can clear some space by dumping some vets here before the deadline.
Players I would like to see moved before the deadline:
Malik
Ward
Kaspar (waste of a roster spot)
Cullen (though his play has improved, his contract is insane, and he might fetch a decent return)
Betts (never been a fan of his)
Krog (release him if you cant deal him)
Dupuis (I have not been a fan of his game since he has come here, nothing I have seen will change that impression)
Pock (I like the kid a lot, but clearly he is not in our future plans, and he will leave this offseason, so see if you can get a draft pick or something for him)
Players we should hold on to:
Shanahan (Duh)
Jagr (though he would fetch a kings randsom, hes a bargain, keep him till his contract expires)
Lundqvist
Tyutin
Prucha (I think hes being misused and has a higher ceiling that most people think)
Hossa (what a difference a month makes, hes turned his game around 180 degrees)
Avery
Hollweg
Orr (I still see everyday 4th liner in his game)
The rest can be moved for the right price, like Straka and Nylander.
Projections coming later tonight.
-Inferno