Lundqvist signs 1-year deal with Rangers

[Flip-check 6]

to toby91: I know, so how in the heck'd they get that much hype? Gomez had a solid playoff, but I dunno... people are saying NY is going to be stacked this season, which they really aren't.

I wouldn't kick Drury or Gomer out of bed for not being scoring power houses either (lol), it's just blown out of proportion in people's minds and even some analysts. And I agree on the money... they went overboard..

^ You are still using my *my* sig....the one that I use in the regular season....not one that I just made.

A little consideration, Leb4Pres? You haven't even credited the maker, if you happened to ask.

[Offsides 21]

I hate seeming like a jerk about it.... but hey!

[Kp-Wings 3]

So Scott Gomez gets a 7 year deal, while Lundqvist (who's cleary better and more important to that team) gets only a 1 year deal?

I don't forsee the Rags even making the playoffs. Sure, they made a bunch of high priced signings. But they also opted to choose Gomez over Micheal Nylander. The real problem with that is Nylander and Jagr were good friends and had chemistry. Now Jagr is upset that Nylander is gone (he even went public about his displeasure). An unhappy Jagr is only the first step for bad things to come. It'll all come crashing down from there.

Edited July 11, 2007 by Kp-Wings

[Flip-check 6]

I hate seeming like a jerk about it.... but hey!

I think it'd take a bit more to see you close to jerky... not that I'm making any invitations to the board to make it happen...

hey indeed!

[Jaromir Jagr 0]

The Rangers D is better than most people think. They only really have one legit first pair type defensman in Roszival but paired with Malik who gets very little credit for what he does and the two of them playing behind the Jagr line they won't be scored on much. They have Tyutin and Pock who are both young defensman who are mistake prone but have one more year of experience under their belts and are improving, I expect Tyutin to surprise many people next seaon with his play, Pock may still be a few years away from reaching his potential but he is improving. Dan Girardi was called up from the minors last season and played about 30 games or so, not many people know who he is yet, but you will soon enough, He is the best defensive defensman on the Rangers by a long shot. Mara has size and a good shot he can be a defensive liability at times but he is an upgrade over Aaron Ward in my opinion. Jason Strudwick has size and experience he will be a decent replacement if we need him to be. The big question is about Marc Staal, if he is ready, and I think he is. He could potentially be the next Brian Leetch. Staal is very talented both defensivly and offensivly and could contribute greatly to the blueline if he is ready for the big show. All in all the Rangers have a good defensive corps, not great but good. Combine good D and great goaltending and I think they will be pretty solid in the back end. The offense is another story all together. just look at these potential lines

Jagr, Gomez, Straka

Avery, Drury, Shanny

Prucha, Cullen, Callahan

Hollweg, Bettes, Orr

With Hossa swiching between the first and fourth line.

Not to mention Gomez and Drury both play defense much better than Nylander ever did. So to me the Rangers look like a contender but only time will tell.

Edited July 11, 2007 by Jaromir Jagr

[Systemfel 33]

Jagr, Gomez, Straka

Avery, Drury, Shanny

Prucha, Cullen, Hossa

Hollweg, Bettes, Orr

Callahan fell off the face of the Earth?

[Jaromir Jagr 0]

Callahan fell off the face of the Earth?

Fixed it

[Kp-Wings 3]

How would Orr get a roster spot before Hossa? Talk about a dinosaur on skates.

Still one of my personal favorite fighters though!

[Jaromir Jagr 0]

How would Orr get a roster spot before Hossa? Talk about a dinosaur on skates.

Still one of my personal favorite fighters though!

Thats exactly why. Against some teams who play a more physical game or maybe teams that will take shots at Jagr, Orr will be in the lineup. Hossa will most likely not be scratched from many games. Last year either Hollweg, Ortmeyer, or Prucha were all scrached to make room for Orr. But with the addition of Drury and Gomez I don't see much first line playing time for Hossa So he could possibly be the odd man out when we need Orr in the lineup. The reason for this is because Hossa only seems to be worth his weight in pucks when he is playing with Jagr. Edited July 11, 2007 by Jaromir Jagr

[YoungGuns1340 1]

The Rangers D is better than most people think. They only really have one legit first pair type defensman in Roszival but paired with Malik who gets very little credit for what he does and the two of them playing behind the Jagr line they won't be scored on much. They have Tyutin and Pock who are both young defensman who are mistake prone but have one more year of experience under their belts and are improving, I expect Tyutin to surprise many people next seaon with his play, Pock may still be a few years away from reaching his potential but he is improving. Dan Girardi was called up from the minors last season and played about 30 games or so, not many people know who he is yet, but you will soon enough, He is the best defensive defensman on the Rangers by a long shot. Mara has size and a good shot he can be a defensive liability at times but he is an upgrade over Aaron Ward in my opinion. Jason Strudwick has size and experience he will be a decent replacement if we need him to be. The big question is about Marc Staal, if he is ready, and I think he is. He could potentially be the next Brian Leetch. Staal is very talented both defensivly and offensivly and could contribute greatly to the blueline if he is ready for the big show. All in all the Rangers have a good defensive corps, not great but good. Combine good D and great goaltending and I think they will be pretty solid in the back end. The offense is another story all together. just look at these potential lines

Jagr, Gomez, Straka

Avery, Drury, Shanny

Prucha, Cullen, Callahan

Hollweg, Bettes, Orr

With Hossa swiching between the first and fourth line.

Not to mention Gomez and Drury both play defense much better than Nylander ever did. So to me the Rangers look like a contender but only time will tell.

Rosizval is the only complete defenseman to speak of on the Rags. All the others are decent at specific things, but far from complete.

I could post the same thing about Detroits forwards. Hank and Datsyuk are dynamite...the rest are good at what they do, in the process of developing, etc. Doesnt mean they form an imposing crew.

[Pucks 66]

So Scott Gomez gets a 7 year deal, while Lundqvist (who's cleary better and more important to that team) gets only a 1 year deal?

I don't forsee the Rags even making the playoffs.

Ok now your just being silly here. They replaced Nylander with Gomez, whether they have great chemistry or not will remain to be seen. Gomez and Drury > Nylander.....no brainer. Their Defence isn't stellar, but serviceable. As long as Lundqvist stays healthy they will easily make the playoffs

[Guest DetroitIan]

Rosizval is the only complete defenseman to speak of on the Rags. All the others are decent at specific things, but far from complete.

Merrick Malik is absolutely beyond a "decent" d-man. This guy is extremely talented. Overall they're D is as solid as it needs to be with the forwards and goaltending they have. The Rangers will definitely make the playoffs. No doubt about it.

[Viperar 16]

the rangers will make the playoffs...no question, those who say they wont, it doesnt really make any sense. Which seed i will not guess on, but they will be in the playoffs

[Wings_Fan_In_Exile 3]

the rangers will make the playoffs...no question, those who say they wont, it doesnt really make any sense. Which seed i will not guess on, but they will be in the playoffs

I agree that this NYR team is a playoff team, but not a Cup Contender at the moment. Of course next June is a loooooong time from now and I never would have predicted the Lightning, Canes and ******* Ducks would have been the last three Cup Champs. Ugh.

[Detroit # 1 Fan 2,204]

Merrick Malik is absolutely beyond a "decent" d-man. This guy is extremely talented. Overall they're D is as solid as it needs to be with the forwards and goaltending they have. The Rangers will definitely make the playoffs. No doubt about it.

Mara and Rosival are the Rangers best defenceman. Malik is just a big dumb defenceman, He really cost the Rangers in the playoffs this year with his turnovers in the defensive zone. Tyutin could be good and Giradi's pretty good. Strudwick is a good vet , If Malik used his size a little bit more, and stoped his constant turnovers he'd be pretty good too.

[Guest DetroitIan]

Mara and Rosival are the Rangers best defenceman. Malik is just a big dumb defenceman, He really cost the Rangers in the playoffs this year with his turnovers in the defensive zone. Tyutin could be good and Giradi's pretty good. Strudwick is a good vet , If Malik used his size a little bit more, and stoped his constant turnovers he'd be pretty good too.

He may have turned the puck over a few times. But he is exceptional with the puck. And he actually has a suprisingly good shot. Malik will improve defensively for sure. I agree though, he definitely doesnt use his size to his advantage. But he has the tools in his game, to potentially be a top defenseman. But as of right now. He is a little more than decent. Not a great d-man. But not just decent either. He's a great guy to throw out on the PP.

Edited July 12, 2007 by DetroitIan

[YoungGuns1340 1]

Merrick Malik is absolutely beyond a "decent" d-man. This guy is extremely talented. Overall they're D is as solid as it needs to be with the forwards and goaltending they have. The Rangers will definitely make the playoffs. No doubt about it.

Have you watched Malik play? outside of his OMGTHATWAZSOOKEWL shootout goal, which was hardcore overrated, the guy is a #4 on his best night and a good #6 the rest. He barely uses his size. Not only is he not "absoultely beyond 'decent,'" but "decent" is being nice. The guy has zero hockey sense.

He may have turned the puck over a few times. But he is exceptional with the puck. And he actually has a suprisingly good shot. Malik will improve defensively for sure. I agree though, he definitely doesnt use his size to his advantage. But he has the tools in his game, to potentially be a top defenseman. But as of right now. He is a little more than decent. Not a great d-man. But not just decent either. He's a great guy to throw out on the PP.

Potentially be a top defenseman??? When will he reach this potential you speak of? 35?

Yeah, but Gomez & Drury have never played with talent the likes a Jagr & Shanahan. I'd bet the farm their numbers go up significantly. Nylander registered 80 points (83) only once in his career. (ok, he did get 79 in 05-06, so unofficially twice) I'll take Gomez or Drury over Nylander 7 days a week, and twice on Sunday, wouldn't you? And sure their defense isn't flashy, but it is solid...Yes, SOLID...They won't be asked to do much more than feed Jags, Shanny, Ryan Callahan & Peter Prucha then stay at home and clear the crease for Henry. Dan Girardi is a future all star and for a big physical d-man they've got Craig Weller down on the farm. The old saying is, you build a championship team from the goal out. I think most of you would agree, WE'VE GOT THAT COVERED!! And Jags loves....LOVES Avery, and what Jags wants, Jags gets...

Yeah. Drury only played on THE biggest offensive powerhouse IN THE NHL with players like Briere and Vanek and a supporting cast of Afinogenov, Connolly, Pominville, and Roy.

...and prior to that, he played with a few guys you may or may not know about (because Im not sure how you could forget where it all started for Drury). Joe Sakic? Peter Forsberg? Hejduk? Tanguay? Deadmarsh?

Jagr, Gomez, and an over the hill Shanahan are the types of players Drury has been around for the majority of his career.

[Guest DetroitIan]

Potentially be a top defenseman??? When will he reach this potential you speak of? 35?

I mean a top defenseman for the Rangers. Im not talking league-wide. This guy has alot of skill. And a lot of support around him. There is no doubt that he will be one of the Rangers top d-men in the seasons to come.

[YoungGuns1340 1]

Probably , I wouldnt be agaisnt kenny giving him 2.5 or 3 million for 2-3 years.

According to NHL Numbers, the Rags cap sits at 51.7, without Hossa, Callahan, or Avery being signed. But that number includes Shanahans bonuses, which can be deferred til next year. So, really they sit at 48.9 - so basically they have 1.4 left with 7Dmen, 2 goalies, and 10 forwards signed.

Maybe theyre planning on making a trade, because I dont see how Avery is going to fit.

On a side note, if NYR DOES defer Shannys bonuses til next year, theyre really f***ed.

[Guest DetroitIan]

Have you watched Malik play? outside of his OMGTHATWAZSOOKEWL shootout goal, which was hardcore overrated, the guy is a #4 on his best night and a good #6 the rest. He barely uses his size. Not only is he not "absoultely beyond 'decent,'" but "decent" is being nice. The guy has zero hockey sense.

Bulls***. The true question is have YOU ever seen him play. When he was healthy, he was being put out on the PP nearly every game. I watched a ton of Rangers games this season. And although he was out with an injury for awhile, when he was in there, he sure as hell looked alot better than someone with "zero hockey sense". If he has zero hockey sense, then obviously you have zero common sense. Cause anyone around the league would tell you Malik is more than decent. Not great either. But not decent. Watch a few Rangers games before you spout off with rediculous statements. Yeah coaches always like to put guys with no hockey sense out on the PP.

[Rangers79 0]

Some of you guys are just plain silly. Rangers sign two of the top free agents on the market, ultimately improving the team and giving the fans of New York something very exciting to look forward to, and all some of you can do is find fault and poo poo their chances.. First off, it's only July...It is only July right?

Second, if the Red Wings signed either one of these guys some of you would have climbed to the top of the tallest building in Detroit and screamed your lungs out how the Wings just secured the Cup...Give me a break!! Some of you can't give credit where credit is due, nor do you ever see any negative regarding your precious Wings...If a player wears the Winged Wheel they're great, if they move on...they suck or weren't needed..Prime example..How many of you posted that if Schneider was healthy, the Wings would have beaten the Ducks and easily beat the Sens? Most of you wanted him back sooooooooooo badly....He signs with the Ducks and suddenly..."He sucks!!" .You sign Rafalski and it's all about how much better, younger, faster etc.. he is than Schneider.. One poster even had the gall to put him in the top three for the Norris...Apparently Rafalski is the second coming of Bobby Orr to some of you...If he had signed elsewhere, you wouldn't even know he was still in the league...

Bottom line is this...As a fan of the Rangers, I like what they've done...On paper the potential is there for a very, very good year...But they don't play the games on paper, and the certainly don't play them in July.....

[Guest DetroitIan]

Some of you guys are just plain silly. Rangers sign two of the top free agents on the market, ultimately improving the team and giving the fans of New York something very exciting to look forward to, and all some of you can do is find fault and poo poo their chances.. First off, it's only July...It is only July right?

Second, if the Red Wings signed either one of these guys some of you would have climbed to the top of the tallest building in Detroit and screamed your lungs out how the Wings just secured the Cup...Give me a break!! Some of you can't give credit where credit is due, nor do you ever see any negative regarding your precious Wings...If a player wears the Winged Wheel they're great, if they move on...they suck or weren't needed..Prime example..How many of you posted that if Schneider was healthy, the Wings would have beaten the Ducks and easily beat the Sens? Most of you wanted him back sooooooooooo badly....He signs with the Ducks and suddenly..."He sucks!!" .You sign Rafalski and it's all about how much better, younger, faster etc.. he is than Schneider.. One poster even had the gall to put him in the top three for the Norris...Apparently Rafalski is the second coming of Bobby Orr to some of you...If he had signed elsewhere, you wouldn't even know he was still in the league...

Bottom line is this...As a fan of the Rangers, I like what they've done...On paper the potential is there for a very, very good year...But they don't play the games on paper, and the certainly don't play them in July.....

Exactly. Some people here have there "homer-blinders" on. Hell, Im no Rangers fan. But the fact remains. They ARE a contender in the east. To say otherwise is just people being haters.

[YoungGuns1340 1]

I mean a top defenseman for the Rangers. Im not talking league-wide. This guy has alot of skill. And a lot of support around him. There is no doubt that he will be one of the Rangers top d-men in the seasons to come.

Well a top Dman for the Rangers is another story, where hes likely their number 3. But the Rangers have a very mediocre defense, so thats not saying much. And its more likely that hes a UFA in the season to come than a Rangers top Dman.

[Guest DetroitIan]

Well a top Dman for the Rangers is another story, where hes likely their number 3. But the Rangers have a very mediocre defense, so thats not saying much. And its more likely that hes a UFA in the season to come than a Rangers top Dman.

I totally agree with you there. But I believe that there D is just good enough with their forwards and goaltending, to get into the playoffs. Sure they might not go to the finals or anything. But I would be completely shocked if they missed the post season with that squad.

[Rangers79 0]

Have you watched Malik play? outside of his OMGTHATWAZSOOKEWL shootout goal, which was hardcore overrated, the guy is a #4 on his best night and a good #6 the rest. He barely uses his size. Not only is he not "absoultely beyond 'decent,'" but "decent" is being nice. The guy has zero hockey sens

Where did you pull " zero hockey sense" from? Did that sound good in your head so you just thought you'd throw it out there and wow all your friends?..Maybe if you said he had "zero football sense" or "zero baseball sense" Sure he's not Norris material (not even close)but not every d-man is....And as far as anyones definition of "decent", well that's subjective..He is in the NHL afterall

Yeah. Drury only played on THE biggest offensive powerhouse IN THE NHL with players like Briere and Vanek

Briere/Vanek vs Jagr/Shanahan.....Briere/Vanek-vs Jagr/Shanahan.....YOU LOSE!!

...and prior to that, he played with a few guys you may or may not know about (because Im not sure how you could forget where it all started for Drury). Joe Sakic? Who? Peter Forsberg?Who? Hejduk?Who? Tanguay?Who? Deadmarsh?Who? Sure these guys are talented..You may or may not know that....But,are any of these guys better offensively than Jags or Shanny?

Edited July 12, 2007 by Rangers79