Everyone was on the ice today for the start of training camp except this man. (Photo: Robert Kowal/flickr)

First, the news. As I posted this morning, Michael Del Zotto did re-sign with the Rangers for 2 yrs at $2.55 million per year. It’s a little more than I would’ve liked and next summer is going to be a disaster for the team (big names that will need contracts include Callahan, Girardi, Lundqvist, Gaborik, Kreider and now Del Zotto) but I’m glad we got him back in the fold. I know some people are against him but his upside is still there, his defense got much better last season and I still insist the Rangers would be in a lot of trouble without him.

The Rangers also signed Matt Gilroy to a reportedly one year, $650k deal. This one makes no sense to me at all. Especially if it’s a one-way deal (although not sure how that works since he does have the AHL contract – Update: Per AHL transaction list, Gilroy was released from his AHL contract so this is straight NHL contract). I honestly don’t understand what Torts is going to do with eight defensemen unless he plans on turning one of them into a forward. (Bickel has been used as a forward and I believe so has Eminger. I’ve also always felt Gilroy would make a better forward than defenseman so maybe they signed him as the 13th forward.)

» Continue reading “Updates From Day One Of Training Camp”

Not only did training camps start today, but a bunch of Ranger players are celebrating birthdays. Earlier we focused on Marc Staal. Now, it’s time to discuss the other birthday boy of the day – Mike Rupp!

Rupp is basically known for his physical play. In 60 regular season games last season he had 13 fights. Since I didn’t want to show all of them, here he is against Cam Janssen during the first meeting between these two teams last season:

» Continue reading “Happy Birthday Mike Rupp!”

Hi Birthday Boy! (Photo: Bridget Samuels/flickr)

Some guys get great birthday presents. Others…not so much. I’m pretty sure Marc Staal falls somewhere inbetween on the present he will receive on his 26th birthday today.

The good news? He’s back at work and gets to hang out with “the boys”.

The bad news? Happy Birthday Marc Staal! It’s the first day of a Tortorella-run training camp!

At least it’s sure to be a memorable one. Let’s check out some Staal videos, shall we?

» Continue reading “Happy Birthday Marc Staal!”

Welcome back kid! (Photo: Bridget Samuels/flickr)

To the surprise of no one, Michael Del Zotto put his name on a contract this morning to insure he didn’t miss any of training camp. While in the past players have held out, Del Zotto doing so this year would’ve been a disaster. Terms have not yet been released but as soon as they are we will let you know.

Welcome back Del Zotto!