Rangers Sign De, Add Size, But Offense Still Uncertain.

On the First day of Free Agency, the New York Rangers have signed defense-man Wade Redden and re-signed defense-man Michal Roszival. They were signed to a 6 year deal and 4 year deal, respectively. Hopefully this will sure up the Rangers defense that's been notably lacking the offensive punch. Tom Renney managed to successfully implement a 5 man defensive system, but this did not rectify the hole left by Brian Leetch's departure on the power play as a quarterback. In the 2007-08 season, even with Jaromir Jagr, Brendan Shanahan, Chris Drury, Scott Gomez, and Roszival on the power play, the Rangers still struggled to score goals with the man advantage. Redden is the puck moving quarterback the Rangers have been in need of.

The Rangers also added size to their lineup by signing Aaron Voros of the Minnesota Wild and Patrick Rissmiller of the San Jose Sharks. The Rangers first 3 lines this season were scoring lines and the fourth was a good fore-checking line, but they were lacking in size. Especially size that could put the puck in the net. The Rangers two big hitters (Hollweg and Orr) combined for a mere 6 total points during the 07-08 season. Rissmiller and Voros, combines for 15 goals and 16 assists during this past season. Hopefully this will provide some secondary scoring as well.

Two of the Rangers holes were satisfied, but it wasn't all good news today. Jagr, Shanahan and Avery all still remain unsigned. All have reportedly received offers from Pittsburgh, New Jersey, and Dallas respectively. Jagr is seeking a 2 year deal before returning to Europe, and Avery is looking for a Multi year deal in the $4 million range.

Two possible free agents still available who could to fill these offensive gaps are Center Mats Sundin and Winger Marian Hossa. I believe signing Sundin would be the wrong move, the Rangers are already very strong down the center on all four lines. Hossa would be an amazing guy to sign long term if possible, however he's going to command a lot of money. Both players are being courted by several other teams as well.

Plus, it's been shown in the past season that chemistry is a major factor in whether a team or player produces. I would resign Jagr and Avery, utilizing the remaining $9 million of cap space. Sign Avery for the $4 million he's looking for, and give Jagr the $5 million remaining. Jagr has found chemistry with Brandon Dubinsky and has turned Dubinsky into a first line center. Avery has proved his worth just by looking at the Rangers record with him in the line up since coming to New York from Los Angeles. Re-signing them would be the safest move in my opinion. The Rangers should step away from the bidding wars on Sundin and Hossa, and go with the two guys who want to wear Blue. Both Jagr and Avery could be signed for the price of Hossa.

Day two is just around the corner...