What's next for the New York Rangers?

           With 5 new contracts already signed for the Rangers (Biron, Christenson, Boogaard, Prospal, and Prust), many may be wondering what the Rangers will do next. The Rangers still have a good amount of cap space, and if they waive Wade Redden they’d have a lot more, but what are they going to do with that cap space? There are still to young defensemen by the names of Marc Staal and Dan Girardi, which Glen Sather would really like to resign. Looking at these two players, really, the only one I think the Rangers should bring back is Staal. Unless Staal’s asking price is much to high, $4.5million and up, then the Rangers should bring him back. As for Girardi, I really don’t see the big deal about him. What is it that fans like about him? I would let him walk.

      Now bringing it back to what has happened so far. There is still 1 spot open for a forward and 2 spots for a d-man (which may wind up being Staal and Girardi). Who will be filling this spots? Well Sather would like it to be younger prospects, but how could all of his prospects fit 1 spot? Now knowing that John Torterella doesn’t bring extra players to his games how is this going to work out? Simply, it won’t. As for the defense, there are still 2 spots open. Sather has stated that he will try hard to bring back both Staal and Girardi. If it came down to having to pick one of them, I’m almost 100% positive he will go with Staal. But what happens if he signs both of them? Then there are no spots for the youngsters are squeeze into. Unless Wade Redden and /or Michael Rozsival are moved, this rebuilding process isn’t going anywhere.

                         Now moving back to what they can do with their cap space. They can add another forward, but it’s unlikely. They could also add a d-man like Andy Sutton. But that is also unlikely. What I am afraid is that Sather will take that money, and overpay Girardi and/or Staal. I think he should just keep the money he has, attempt to bring back Staal, and only Staal, than allow younger players to start filling the very limited spots the Rangers have.  Offensively there are players like Dale Weise, Evgeny Grachev, Kris Newbury, Dane Byers, and maybe even Derek Stepan that would like a chance to play in the NHL this upcoming NHL season. As for defense there is Lee Baldwin, Nigel Williams, and Tyzen Dowzak who may make a run at the NHL this season. You may be asking “Where’s Corey Locke, P.A Parenteau, Corey Potter, Ilka Heikannen, and Mike Saur?” There all RFA’s or UFA’s. How many will be coming back, I do not know. But, if those players don’t come back, than how can this be a rebuilding period without young stars to rebuild with? It just doesn’t sound right.  Also, how do the Rangers fit all those young players in 1 or 2 spots? Are they going to switch them every game? It just doesn’t make any sense to me at all.