New York Rangers Need to Get Tougher

We all know the status of the New York Rangers—a team in limbo. 

If you look at the first two weeks of this season, the prediction of "Eastern Conference powerhouse" could have been made.  Over the last two weeks, one could say this team is "on the playoff bubble." 

At the end of the day, when you see such amazing inconsistencies in a team's play, you know something has to change.

That is why I put up Dmitri Kalinin's picture. 

Overall, his play has been horrendous.  There is no other way to truly characterize a defenseman who is minus-16.  Why he is still playing is a question I'm sure I'm not the first to ask.  He's the only Ranger who has yet to score a goal, and can easily be pinpointed as a major weak spot on an already soft defense corps. 

At this moment, given his salary, a waiver cut shouldn't be anywhere near out of the question.  I'd make a friendly bet that the rookie Corey Potter could play better defensively.  Kalinin must be the first casualty if the Rangers are to change their fortunes.

The second has to either be Michal Roszival or Wade Redden.  As unlikely as it is to see either go, it is just haphazard to have two very soft, defensively-questionable defensemen in the same lineup.  I'm all for having a good shooter back at the point—but is that necessary when toughness and speed are lost? 

Neither is an outstanding skater, and both have had defensive lapses already in this season that are making us fans puke.  Redden almost certainly will stay, due to his no-movement clause.  Roszival is a different story. 

I really don't think trading one of our "offensive dynamos" will damage us that badly offensively. 

First off, Paul Mara and Dan Girardi have shown that they might not be league leaders in terms of offensive output, but I believe they certainly can get the job done.  Look at some of Mara's numbers earlier in his career.  He has the capability of being a solid number-two guy on the power play.  Girardi's skills are still up and coming. 

What most people aren't talking about are our two picks—Bobby Sanguinetti and Michael Del Zotto. 

Am I the only one who thought Del Zotto looked outstanding in the preseason?  Either one of them might be a possibility to play next year.  Trading Roszival opens a spot for either one of them, and that might be a major upgrade from within, which is always a very smart way to go.

The group of players we have now isn't a bad group by any means, but I don't think we're elite enough to contend with the powerhouses of the league.  All of those teams have a toughness that we just don't. 

If you look past Ryan Callahan (who's not a fighter), Aaron Voros (who's been pretty hard to find on the ice the last little while) and Colton Orr (gotten better, but nowhere near a full-time contributor), who can really strike fear into the hearts of the opposition? 

San Jose has the hip-checking Rob Blake, and the power forward leader in Joe Thornton.  Boston has the mammoth Zdeno Chara and the monstrous Milan Lucic.  We have...Paul Mara?

The Rangers need, without question, a guy who the opposition know they need to be careful around.  Considering how soft they are on the backline, having a rough and tumble blueliner is exactly what's needed.

Next year, I believe Mike Komisarek is available.  Get rid of Roszival, clear some space, and get him signed.  He might be the best hardnosed defensive defenseman around. 

Others that might be available through trade:

Kurt Sauer 

The Rangers and Coyotes have made a few moves together, and he's a solid defensive defenseman.  The 'Yotes would like another experienced blueliner to go along with their young forward group.  Roszival for Sauer and a high pick?

Garnet Exelby

I really don't know if Atlanta's looking to move him, but considering how they've played, maybe a fire sale's in order?  The kid can seriously throw a hit.  Maybe he's worth being looked into?  Prucha for Exelby, straight up?

Jason Smith 

He's on a bad team this year, and maybe that'll affect his value at the moment.  However, he's a solid defense-first type guy, and a guy who is a known leader.  Ottawa's in all kinds of trouble.  Maybe they look at a puck mover like Roszival and have interest... especially after the trading of Meszaros?  Roszival for Smith and a pick?

Jay McKee 

A name most have forgotten about from his days in Buffalo.  An incredibly reliable blueliner who cashed in while in St. Louis.  Maybe JD isn't happy with the bad play of his team, and would want Roszival (see a trend with him here)?  Roszival and a low pick for McKee?

Any other names and realistic moves anyone can think of?  These are four defensive defenseman who aren't afraid to throw the body, and just for that alone, give us the dimension that we lack.