New York Rangers: Vinny Prospal's Injury Worsens, Sheldon Souray Rumor, and More

Vinny Prospal

According to Jim Cerny, veteran forward Vinny Prospal will not participate in either game this weekend. Prospal injured his knee earlier in training camp, and was expected to be in the lineup against Ottawa today and Sunday, but the knee worsened this morning and Prospal will be forced to miss both games against the Senators. He may also miss the beginning of the regular season, pending test results.

Sheldon Souray

For those of you who have not heard already, the New York Post has learned that the Rangers are very interested in acquiring Sheldon Souray, but only if he is to go through re-entry waivers. If the Edmonton Oilers place Souray on re-entry waivers, his cap hit decreases by one half, putting it at $2.7 million.

The Rangers can not take on his current cap hit of $5.4 million, unless a trade sending Michael Rozsival to Edmonton occurs. But even if Souray is put on re-entry waivers, it is unlikely that the Rangers pick him up because both the Blue Jackets and Islanders would get a chance to sign him before the Rangers do.

Other Trade Rumors

It's believed that the Rangers are talking trade with the Phoenix Coyotes, Columbus Blue Jackets, and Florida Panthers. Both the Coyotes and Blue Jackets hold interest in defenseman Michael Sauer, and it is also believed that the Rangers have contacted the Panthers regarding Stephen Weiss.

I doubt the Rangers acquire Stephan Weiss, but I would not be shocked if Glen Sather sends Michael Sauer to either Columbus or Phoenix for a forward. The Blue Jackets are believed to be offering Derick Brassard, and the Coyotes are offering Viktor Tikhonov.

Todd White

Todd White is not expected to play tonight, and he may be cut come Sunday night. He has not played well, and John Tortorella does not want a veteran taking a younger players spot. Derek Stepan or Tim Kennedy can take over Todd White's role.

Michael Rozsival

Michael Rozsival will not play tonight, and is not expected to play Sunday either. He injured a groin muscle during practice, and is in no condition to play. He is expected back before the start of the regular season.