Remember during the 2010-2011 season how there were constant rumors that Brad Richards was coming to the Rangers? Or this past season with Rick Nash? I’m starting to miss those.

I realize both of those rumors led to said player coming to the team but this one is different. Everyone knew Richards and Nash would be Rangers eventually. The price just needed to be right. Both had no trade clauses and weren’t going anywhere else. And Richards basically told the Stars that when July 1st came, he was signing in New York. (I did enjoy the side-show he put on to make the rest of the league feel as if they had a chance.)

But Doan is different. He doesn’t want to leave Phoenix. Anyone paying attention to this whole thing knows that. Problem is Phoenix can’t sign him. So what do we get? Rumors from all over the place saying he is going to such-and-such team.

» Continue reading “Do Recent Doan Rumors Pass Smell Test?”

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.

Hello Perfect Captain! (Photo: Derrick Bostrom/flickr)

From the moment he was named captain last summer, many Rangers fans have compared Ryan Callahan to Mark Messier. Well today that comparison took another turn as Cally is one of three finalists for the Mark Messier Leadership Award. He is up against two other captains – Shane Doan of the Phoenix Coyotes and the LA Kings’ Dustin Brown. (How great would it have been to have two of the three battling for the Stanley Cup right now? Yes I’m still bitter.)

The Mark Messier Leadership Award:

recognizes an individual as a superior leader within their sport, and as a contributing member of society. The award is given to a player selected by Mark Messier to honor an individual who leads by positive example through on-ice performance, motivation of team members and a dedication to community activities and charitable causes.

So why do I think Callahan should win? Well for one he is perfect in almost everything he does so of course he should win this award. On a serious note, there was not a question in anyone’s mind who would take over when Drury stepped aside. There are no words for the amount Callahan has grown the past few years both in his play and in his leadership.

Off the ice, he has become a leader in the locker room. Totorella said he stayed out of the room during the intermissions of that triple OT game vs. the Caps in round two. But the one voice he heard coming from the room? Callahan’s. And I’m sure the little Energizer Bunny wasn’t saying anything about being tired. I’ve also heard that when Derek Stepan made the team out of camp last year, he needed somewhere to stay till he got his feet on the ground. His place of residence – the spare bedroom in the Callahan household. Honestly, don’t know how long he stayed there but the fact that a then 26-year old who had only been an alternate captain for a short time offered the space, tells you all you need to know about him. He got it.

On the ice, he is always the one to start the forecheck or block a shot, anything to set the tone. Simply put, when Callahan isn’t going, the Rangers aren’t going. Love or hate their style of play, all you need to do is have someone watch Callahan to know what the Rangers are. He is the New York Rangers. If that’s not a leader, what is?

As for a contributing member of society, here’s where my argument gets a little murky. I am sure he has done a lot with the Garden of Dreams but here is the thing with the Rangers – they all do that and none of them talk about it. Other than Lundqvist, who is the spokesperson for the organization, I have no idea how involved the players are with the charity. I do, however, know they are all required to be involved. My guess is Messier knows how involved Callahan is and I wouldn’t be surprised if he does as much as Lundqvist, just behind the scenes since he is more of a private person.

Do I think Cally will win? If I’m being honest, I’m not sure. He is up against some great competition. Do I think this is the last time he will be nominated for this award? Absolutely not. And for that, win or lose, I’m real glad he will be leading the Rangers for years to come. Congratulations on a well-deserved nomination Captain!