Since Mother Nature decided it should be April in New York this week rather than June (a.k.a. my allergies have been driving me crazy), I am a little behind in updating on recent Rangers news. The good news – everyone gets one long post to catch up! So what’s be going on for the Blueshirts during the first week of June?

On June 1^st, the Rangers signed Swedish forward Oscar Lindberg to an entry level prospect. Lindberg, a second round draft of the Phoenix Coyotes, was traded to the Rangers in May 2011 for Ethan Werek. What do we know about Lindberg?

• He is cousins with Rangers defenseman Tim Erixon.
• He has spent the last three years in the Swedish Elite League playing for Skelleftea where he totaled 26 points in 123 career games. (Not exactly a scoring forward…)
• He was on the 2011 World Junior Team for Sweden where he tallied four points (two goals, two assists) + a shootout winner against Canada in six games.

Not sure where he plans to play next year but if he does make the jump to North America, expect him to start the season in Connecticut.

*****

Over the weekend, Brian Boyle (@BriBrows22) joined twitter bringing the total to FIFTEEN players from the 2011-2012 team. For an organization who was against the boys partaking in social media not too long ago, that is an incredible number. If you aren’t following the boys on twitter, I highly recommend you do. While the updates on their summers are fun, the interaction between them is even better. Here is a complete list for those who need it:

Artem Anismov – @Anisimov42
Stu Bickel – @StuBickel
Martin Biron – @martybiron43
Michael Del Zotto  – @MichaelDelZotto
Brandon Dubinsky – @BDubi17
Marian Gaborik – @MGaborik10
Carl Hagelin – @CarlHagelin
Henrik Lundqvist – @HLundqvist30
Ryan McDonagh – @RMcDonagh27
John Mitchell – @mitchabov
Brandon Prust – @BrandonPrust8
Brad Richards – @BRichards_1991
Mike Rupp – @Rupper17
Derek Stepan – @Derek Stepan21

You can also follow ex-Rangers players from this years’ team, Mats Zuccarello (@zuccarello36) and Wojtek Wolski (@WojtekWolski86) as well as playoff phenom Chris Kreider (@ChrisKreider).

*****

Photo: Bridget Samuels/flickr

Speaking of ex-Rangers, on June 5^th ex-Rangers forward Erik Christensen signed with Prague’s Lev of the KHL. “Crusher” (as he is known to teammates and friends) was far from a fan favorite of Rangers fans. Personally, I never had anything against him. He definitely had talent and a wicked wrist shot, but mentally I don’t think he could handle being in the NHL. (You want a player who overthought their play more than a coach ever could? That was Christensen.) Either way, I wish him all the best in the KHL. Hopefully he will finally think he is good enough and get a chance to shine.

*****

On June 6^th, Rangers forwards Marian Gaborik and Brandon Prust underwent successful surgeries to repair injuries to their right shoulder and left ring finger, respectively. Gaborik is expected to miss five to six months while Prust should be ready for camp.

Speaking of which, Prust tweeted the following yesterday:

I think I speak for most Rangers fans when I say I hope him saying “we” and adding that winking smiley face means Prust is planning to sign a contract really soon. Please sign a contract really soon, Prust! We love you! We need you! Please don’t leave!

Okay…I’m done. I just think Prust is a huge part of our team and would be really sad to see him go. Personally, I think he loves it here but money talks. Guess we’ll find out in a few weeks.

*****

And with that, we are all caught up to date. Over the next few weeks, assuming I finally get these allergies under control, we will do player reviews and look back over the season that was as well as discuss the many rumors out there. (Hint: There will be article discussing why I think Rangers fans should be chanting NO NASH NO.)

In the meantime, Blueshirts United is doing a great recap of different players by giving a “Top 5 moments” each day. I would like to proudly point out that I got all five for Callahan without even looking. Don’t believe me? Check Jim Cerny’s twitter (@JimCerny) – yep, I’m awesome! Anyway, it’s a great idea so definitely check out.

Is it October yet?