- Signing Markus Naslund to a two year, eight million dollar deal: Questions about his age arose as soon as he was signed, but I for one have no problem with the signing at all.
He provides more offense to a team that I think will outscore last year's goal totals this season, as well as some needed veteran leadership. Scoring 55 points on an anemic Vancouver offensive squad is no easy feat. With the right linemates, I see Nazzy lighting up the lamp a lot more than he did this past year.
- Signing Dimitri Kalinin to a one year, $2.1 million dollar contract: With the departure of Tyutin and Backman, another defensive signing was necessary.
His scouting report reminds me of Backman all over again, but playing on the third pair with a limited role should help him overcome his alleged confidence issues. Touted as a potential franchise defenseman since the day he was drafted, maybe this is the year when he lives up to the hype.
- Re-signing Paul Mara to a one year, 1.95 million dollar deal: My favorite signing of all. Mara had an excellent playoffs this past season to go along with the best playoff beard on the Rangers. Possessing an underrated mean streak and offensive game, getting him at less than two million dollars is a huge steal.
This is the same guy that scored 47 points with Phoenix three seasons ago, the first season after the lockout. I have no doubt in my mind that he has the potential to do it again if given the opportunity.
Under the pressure of a one year deal, Mara is at the crossroads of his career, as I'll be one of his biggest fans this year rooting for him to have a monster of a year.
Of course, with all of these new faces, we also had to say goodbye to a lot of familiar ones. First there is Martin Straka, who agreed to return to his native Czech Republic to become a player/representative for his hometown club. Best wishes Marty, you busted your tail every shift as a Ranger.
Then there's Sean Avery. He simply left New York for a bigger payday. Nothing wrong with that. I have no further comment on him.
Brendan Shanahan, although as of now unsigned, looks to be done as a New York Ranger, and possibly with his career. He is one of the greatest talents of our generation, but it is his time to hang them up.
Although he still possesses the wrist shot of a 20 year old, he looks like his age skating. You had an awesome career Shanny, nothing but a class act the whole way. I look forward to your Hall of Fame induction.
Finally, there is Jaromir Jagr. What can I say? He is one of the top 20, maybe top 10 best players of all time to play the game.
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