New York Rangers Offseason Plans

The New York Rangers are in dire need of some change, and the changes need to be made from the top down.  Glen Sather needs to go.  In my view he was lucky he wasn't fired during the lockout.  He had failed to deliver and in New York that isn't usually allowed as many guys can vouch for and Glen Sather may soon join them. 

The Rangers came out of the lockout as a good team though and that saved his job.  The team had star in the making goaltender Henrik Lundqvist in net and a revitalised Jaromir Jagr on the offensive as well as a great supporting cast including Michael Nylander, Martin Rucinsky, Martin Straka, Petr Prucha, and Brendan Shanahan. 

The only players left from that team are Lundqvist, Michal Rozsival and the youngsters Dan Girardi, Brandon Dubinsky and Ryan Callahan who played a handful of games.

The teams that Sather has built since the 2005-2006 season have been playoff teams, but probably shouldn't have made the playoffs in some of those years.  Many of Sather's signings have raised eyebrows, mainly the Wade Redden signing that has turned into a disaster.

Redden was given a six-year, $39 million deal in July 2008.  Redden, who was once a top defenseman in the game and was a reliable points producer, had been in decline since the the 2005-2006 season. 

The deal has drawn huge criticsim due to Redden's lacklustre play.  Redden draws a great deal of flack, but Sather is to blame.  Redden was lucky to be given a very large contract, and one that he could never live up to, something that isn't entirely his fault. 

Redden is overpaid massively but Sather offered him the deal, when many GMs wouldn't have.  Redden is in my opinion unfairly blamed for the Rangers failure because he is being paid so much.  Sather was stupid enough to offer him a deal that would secure his future and no one can blame him for accepting it.  Redden is to blame for his poor performances, but Sather is more to blame for the decison to offer him such a ridiculous deal. 

Sather signed Scott Gomez to another ridiculous contract in 2007, but somehow found a way to get out of it.  He acquired Chris Higgins and Ryan McDonagh, among other prospects.  Higgins was a complete bust and was shipped out with another failure, Ales Kotalik.  McDonagh is the key part of the return as many expect him to be a solid NHLer, but only time will tell. 

A pattern seems to be emerging.  Sather acquires "star" players and pays them like star players, when really they are either declining formerly good players or just good players.  He then has to try and make amends for this and makes some fairly decent trades, but there are too many mistakes building up.

The signing of Marian Gaborik was brilliant.  Gabs is a star player and has been healthy most of the year and has performed superbly.  This is only one of a few good moves though on Sather's watch. 

Mark Messier is the assistant GM and many see him as the future in NY.  He would surely be interviewed for the job if Sather goes but with only one season of actual front office experience, is he good enough?  There are plenty of guys out there who could take over but is it worth hiring a guy only for a few seasons if the plan is to hand over to Moose  eventually? 

The Rangers could make Messier GM and then have guys like Michael Barnett and Doug Risebroug act as advisers.  Barnett is a scout with the Rangers and Risebrough is a consultant with them.  There's Jay Feaster who hasn't had a job since leaving Tampa. 

A replacement for Sather is a tough call because going with Mess now could be too much too soon but then if he is to take over the team why not throw him in at the deep end and rebuild the team as he sees fit.  My call is to give it to Messier, but make sure he has experienced, hockey minded guys around him.

John Tortorella needs to go along with Mike "what exactly does this guy do?" Sullivan.  I didn't like when Torts was hired as I actually quite liked Tom Renney.  Granted change was needed but I didn't feel Torts was the right choice.  He completely lost the team this year and should go. 

Sullivan is his assistant but doesn't seem to do much and should also go.  Jim Schoenfeld should be retained but actually allowed to be behind the bench during games.  Its absurd that he's an assistant but isn't behind the bench during games.  Pure madness. 

As far as replacements, there are many guys, much like the GM position.  Mike Keenan could be a possibility.  A tough disciplinarian could be just what the Rangers need.  Ted Nolan could come back to the NHL.  Andy Murray is available.  Or the Rangers could try and hire a current NHL head coach.  Unlikely, but could happen.  Mike Babcock would certainly be nice—unfortunately that will never happen.

Adam Graves and Brian Leetch should get involved somehow.  The two are at every Rangers home game and have the character and intangibles that could work wonders with the players.  Graves could be made an assistant coach and Leech given a front office role to get some experience. 

The roster is set in goal for years.  One has to feel sorry for Lundqvist.  If he had a better team in front of him he could well be a Vezina Trophy winner.  Year in year out he has great games but ends up losing due to lack of support.  He is a star, but needs help because not even Martin Brodeur or Patrick Roy could carry a team like the Rangers to a cup. 

They do need to find a reliable backup, though.  Lundqvist needs a break sometimes and and can't play all the time.  Chad Johnson could be that man.

The defence is a mess.  Marc Staal is the best D-man and will be due a new contract this summer.  The Rangers must give him a long-term extension.  He is a great defensive defenseman and one that can anchor the Rangers D for years. 

Dan Girardi, I think, should get an extension, but only for what he is getting paid now, somewhere in the region of $1.5 million.  Michael Del Zotto and Matt Gilroy had good first years, particularly Del Zotto.  Those two should become regular second line defensemen over the next few years.

Rozsival and Redden are both overpaid and need to go.  Unfortunately, that's easier said then done.  Rozsival could be traded easier than Redden, but the return won't be great.  Redden needs to go.  The contract is too much of a burden on the team.  Whether through demotion or a buyout, he needs to go. 

Bobby Sanguinetti and Corey Potter should get a shot at a roster spot. Both are talented young D-men and should be get some playing time.

The Rangers need to sign a star forward this summer.  Ilya Kovalchuk is top of the wanted list for many teams.  He could play on a line with Gaborik, but who would center them? 

Artem Anisimov is a good prospect for the future, but more of a second liner.  Chris Drury is not a first line center but will be around till his contract ends.  Erik Christensen should be re-signed as he's been great since being acquired, but he's not a first-liner.  Olli Jokinen had been good but will need to take a pay cut to stay, something I'd like to see because I like him but am doubtful about him. 

To sign a player like Kovalchuk, salary will need to be dumped.  He'll likely require a maximum contract, something that could simply be too much to ask for from the Rangers. 

A star center would be best, in my view.  Tomáš Plekanec is probably going to resign with Montreal, but he would be good to go after if he hits the market.  Vincent Lecavalier could be acquired, but for a player with his contract and disappointing performance it may be too much required in return.

The Rangers need to have a cleanout this season and it should start in the front office and behind the bench.  The roster will need to be revamped as well, but change is needed throughout the organization.  It will take time to turn the Rangers into a great team, but something has to be done this offseason or another year will go by with a useless team.