It’s been really quiet in Rangers land. Really quiet. So leave it to everyone’s favorite beat writer to stir the pot.

Larry Brooks of the NY Post announced that the Rangers weren’t going for Rick Nash OR Shane Doan. Apparently they are going for Rick Nash AND Shane Doan. Okay Brooksie…whatever you say.

Look I understand that Brooks is respected around the league and I absolutely have nowhere close to the contacts and connections he has (i.e. I have none). But to me this does not pass the smell test in any way, shape or form.

Sure hypothetically I would love both on the Rangers but at what cost? (Editor’s Note: No I have not changed by stance on Nash. But if cost was lower, both in personnel and cap hit, why the heck wouldn’t I want him?)

First of all I will believe Doan is leaving the Coyotes when it happens. Yes I know it can but I still can’t believe it will. That said, if he does leave, he will command a high salary for numerous years. Think something close to the 4 years, $30 million number that has been thrown around. For a 36-year old on the downside of his career? I love Doan but no thank you.

And the price for Nash isn’t changing for two reasons. One, Howson needs to save face in this whole debacle therefore must get something very good in return. Two, if we get Doan, Howson will (rightfully) say that we can afford to give up more therefore any chance of the cost going down goes out the window. I’ve given up trying to figure out what will happen with Nash but at this point he stays where he is unless someone (be it Columbus or one of the 28 other teams trying to get him) bites. Sather isn’t changing his stance.

For those fans who feels Brooks stating this CONFIRMS that Sather is doing it, keep in mind this is the same man who swore the Rangers were getting Alexander Radulov and keeps crying there will be no season next year. (Side Note: If that’s the case, why bother trying to get these guys now?) His latest guarantee was that Nashville will not match Philadelphia’s offer for Shea Weber. He may or may not be right on that one but he’s the only one I’ve seen say that. Everyone else has said Nashville kind of has to match or they aren’t sure what they will do.

Basically I take everything he says with a grain of salt. Every once in a while he’ll be right but recently, he just appears to be looking for page hits in my mind. I’m not saying you shouldn’t read his stuff or you should treat him the same as those “insiders” that keep popping up. (You absolutely should not do that.) But just keep in mind what you are reading from him compared to what everyone else is saying. I mean when and how did the Rangers become a “favored landing spot” for Doan? That must’ve been one heck of a sell job by Rangers brass on Friday!

Look, maybe the Rangers are going for both of these guys. Brooksie supposedly has connections and I don’t. But for me…I’ll believe it when I see it.