New York Rangers Offseason Rumors: Marc Staal, Alternate Jersey, More

If anyone is wondering why I havn't been writing in a while, it's due to the fact that I'm vacationing in Canada and the Internet has not worked out too well. I will be back Friday night, and start writing constantly again starting Saturday.

Anyway, there really isn't much to write about right now, so I've decided to do a small rumor blog. I've been in contact with a few reliable sources (including NHLBuzz's very own Todd Cordell) and I've picked up a few small Rangers rumors. Here we go...

1. The Rangers are interested in defenseman Willie Mitchell, but I wouldn't expect anything to come out of it unless the Rangers plant a huge offer.

2. The Rangers have shown a lot of interest in rugged forward Ryan Johnson. If the Rangers do, for some reason, sign him, he will be fighting for a spot as a third-or-fourth-line forward during training camp.

3. It is unknown if the Rangers still have interest in Tim Kennedy.

4. The Rangers are looking to purchase a top-line center. Suggestions: Ribero (who has been offered throughout the league by Dallas), Richards, Savard, and a long shot, Spezza. But if the Rangers would like any of these guys, space will have to be opened.

5. From SNYRangersBlog, the Rangers will announce their alternate jersey in mid- November. The design was not described, but the date sounds about right given the fact that holiday season is only a month after.

6. From the NY Post, the Rangers are not getting any closer in discussions with Marc Staal. Someone will have to be moved at training camp, and the three names given are Redden, White, and Eminger. I wouldn't be shocked to see either Redden or White sent to Hartford, but I would be a little shocked to see Eminger demoted.

7. From ESPN's EJ Hradek, expect RFAs to start collecting offers from various teams. The two names that he believes will be given offer sheets soon are Marc Staal and Bobby Ryan. I say, if neither Staal nor Ryan are signed by the end of training camp, I think the Rangers should really think about giving Ryan an offer sheet (as long as cap space is opened during training camp).

That's all for now, hope you enjoyed.

http://www.sportshaze.com/nhl-buzz-wednesday-august-18th/ 

the link above (^) is a link to Todd Cordell's most recent NHLBuzz. Take a look at it for Rangers rumors and a lot more.