"Oh God, how could Sather let this happen?"
"I can't believe we're bringing this guy back!"
"He's going to steal a spot from a deserving youngster if he makes the team!"
The aforementioned phrases are just some of the hundreds—not including the expletive-laden ones—in regards to Petr Nedved being invited to New York Rangers' training camp this fall.
In fact, it was Nedved who came to Glen Sather and the Rangers asking for a tryout. When he was granted permission, he became very excited to play for the team where he enjoyed the best success of his career. He knows he has to perform more than amazingly in order to convince the coaching staff he can play in the NHL again.
But getting back to the sentiments that led off this article—people just don't want to give Nedved a chance.
In his second and longest stint with the team, from 1998-2004, Nedved played on teams that never reached the playoffs. The players were miserable, the coaches were miserable, and the fans were miserable. But even all of that didn't stop him from reaching thirty goals once and twenty goals four times.
In fact, in 478 games with the Rangers in his career, he has a total of 149 goals and 202 assists for 351 points. Not bad for a guy who was booed unmercifully in the latter stages of his career.
Why was he booed, you ask?
Well even though he showed success and had an excellent wrist shot, he did some things that more then a few European players are guilty of. I don't mean to stereotype, but that's giving his all every night.
Nedved could have been a forty-goal scorer had he set his mind to it, but because of attitude and motivational problems, coupled with the constant pressure of playing in New York during a dark time in the history of the franchise, he couldn't perform.
Now, I know what you're thinking—even though he was decent back then, he's 37 now and hasn't been in the NHL for two seasons. What can he possibly bring to the team today?
Granted, he is older and won't score thirty goals, or even twenty—but I believe there is quite a lot he could bring to this team if he does in fact make it out of training camp.
He won't have any pressure to supply a lot of offense, as he is being brought in as a supporting player, not an offensive leader. There is also no more hooking, clutching, and grabbing—as there was when he last played here, in the pre-lockout NHL—and that much more open space could lead to more production.
And don't worry about the money because he will be signed for league minimum of a half-million dollars, as he already knows.
But where does he fit?
The Rangers have their top two centers in Gomez and Drury and a decent third-line center in Brandon Dubinsky. The fourth line seems to be set, although now it appears that Blair Betts' job is on the line. There seems to be no room for Nedved on this team, and that's where I have to try and get creative.
Nedved excels with players that complement his style of play, which is why the third line makes sense. The top two are set, and the fourth is for checkers—and Nedved never was and never will be a checker.
Which is why I suggest this as the new third line for the New York Rangers:
Petr Prucha - Petr Nedved - Fredrik Sjostrom
10 comments Last one added 9 months ago — Leave a Comment
Jason Klau 9 months ago
If Nedved gets a spot on the team, it's because he earned it. He won't be handed anything, so if he plays his way on to the team, then he'll get it. I doubt they give him a spot if a rookie is going to be better then him though.
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PJ Edelman 9 months ago
I cannot believe you, out of all people, are pulling for Nedved, when the spot rightfully belongs to Shanny, and everyone knows it. Shanny is three times (literally) the player Nedved is, and NEVER has motivational issues. He is a leader, a captain, and a bigger influence than Nedved could ever be. Will the 2 years that Nedved has on Shanny really be the difference between a proven NHL Hall of famer and leader and....Nedved? Seriously, this can't make sense.
Even 'funner' fact: Nedved played 7 seasons with the Rangers. Jagr played 4.
Also, depending on how Naslund performs, I'd like to see him switch with Dawes, but I like your lines for the most part!
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Aaron Brenker 9 months ago
Good article, I love Nedved he's one of my favorites, but I think he is past his prime. The Rangers should probably focus more on bringing back Shanahan.
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Francis Barzee 9 months ago
Theflynn
Give Nedved a chance? They gave him more than a chance. This is the age of whaddaya done for me lately? This game is not about "giving chaces"...it's about playing winning hockey. Several other team since Rangers have given him a chance. HIs performances were noticeably underwhelming.
This is the ageof young legs, strong bodies, and tough exteriors. None of which Petey has demonstrated that he is gifted with. Who knows about his ah, attitude. That normally doesn't become
apparent until several games well into the season, at which time the Rangers could well be 0 for the season to date.
Let's start out with some of the more promisng youngsters there, and if they falter, then give Petey a call if he is still around.
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Alan Bass 9 months ago
I think they need to give him a fair chance going in to camp, but if he shows he is not capable of playing up to par with the rest of the team, then no, don't give him any chance.
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Gradin santana 9 months ago
naslund should be on the top line, he's way better then dawes and nazzy would benifit more from gomez's better overall passing and playmaking abilities then drury. I think Naslund can score 30 goals this season,,if he can get 25 on a weak offense like vancouver's I would even go as far as to say he can return to the 40 goal mark. with a premier playmaker like gomez anything is possable
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Bernie Horowitz 9 months ago
As a Rangers fan, I could care less what Nedved does in training camp. That 3rd-line center spot should go to Lauri Korpikoski. I liked your breakdown of the lineup. What happened to Ryan Callahan?
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Greg Caggiano 9 months ago
Callahan is the most expendable player on the Rangers' roster, unless he plays like he did last night in every game.
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Junior Nelson 9 months ago
Naslund likes to drive to the net? This is exciting news! I thought he was trying blend into his surroundings,disguised in a hockey suit and talking in a deep voice.Good luck with that.
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Ian Wilson 9 months ago
I like Nedved. He played well for the Oilers in his first go-round with the team, but he is done.
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