If there was one player on the Rangers that I wanted Sather to re-sign, it was Paul Mara—even more so then Jagr and Avery. Although relatively unknown to Rangers' fans because he doesn't score the big goals or throw the big check, he possesses something more valuable than that.
That quality is leadership. During the Pittsburgh series last season, no one on the team was more confident than Paul Mara. His post-game interview after Game Three was one of the most inspiring ones I've ever seen. It prompted Hockey Maven Stan Fischler to draw comparisons between him and Mark Messier.
From there on out, I knew that I wanted this guy back. And this season, with a little more offensive freedom, Mara will become even more valuable than he was in years past when he scored 15 goals with the Coyotes in 2005.
5. Dan Girardi ($1.55 million; 10 G, 18 A, 28 P)
Who would have though that one of the most steady defensemen to play for the Rangers in the last two seasons went undrafted? Exactly: no one. It's just amazing that this kid slipped under the radar because he is definitely one of the most valuable pieces of the Rangers' defensive puzzle.
In his first season, he concentrated on defense and worried about the defense until he was ready to take scoring chances and the risks that come with that. Last season, he flashed his offensive ability by scoring 10 goals, but hardly made any costly errors in doing so.
He has the poise and patience of a veteran who is always aware of his surroundings and knows where the pass is going before he makes it. Only 24-years-old, Rangers fans will look forward to seeing this kid on the blue line for years to come.
6. Marc Staal ($.827 million; 2 G, 8 A, 10 P)
It took a season or two of waiting before fans finally got to see what all the fuss was about with the third Staal brother to make the NHL. He had been tearing up the OHL with the Sudbury Wolves and fans couldn't wait to see him on Broadway.
Although his offense was a bit of a disappointment, his defensive play was cause to forget it. I'm not a homer, but I honestly cannot remember a mistake he made or, furthermore, one that ever cost the Rangers a goal.
It seems that what was said for Girardi can also be said for Staal who, as a rookie, showed the poise of a 10-year veteran.
This leads me to believe that his offensive ability will improve this season, due to the fact that he now has a year under his belt and will grow more comfortable in NHL play.
Probable Defensive Combinations
Pairing One: Marc Staal, Wade Redden
Pairing Two: Michal Rozsival, Dan Girardi
Pairing Three: Dmitri Kalinin, Paul Mara
Player Stat Projections
Wade Redden: 12 G, 44 A, 56 P
Michal Rozsival: 15 G, 33 A, 48 P
Dan Girardi: 8 G, 25 A, 33 P
Marc Staal: 10 G, 19 A, 29 P
Paul Mara: 9 G, 10 A, 19 P
Dmitri Kalinin: 5 G, 12 A, 17 P
Well, that's a wrap on my complete breakdown of the New York Rangers' defense this season. Player salaries found here. Player stats found here.
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