Feb 7 2013; New York, NY, USA; New York Islanders defenseman Thomas Hickey (14) and New York Rangers left wing Chris Kreider (20) race for the puck during the second period at Madison Square Garden. Mandatory Credit: Anthony Gruppuso-USA TODAY Sports

Glen Sather is due to undergo surgery tomorrow for prostate cancer. Pre-Lockout I think it’s safe to say most if not all Rangers fans didn’t see eye to eye with Sather, but when it comes to health I think every Rangers fan will wish him a smooth recovery. He is supposed to be in the hospital for a few days, but he is expected to resume his normal GM duties sooner than later.

Jeff Gorton in the meantime is representing the team in the GM meetings in Toronto.

Chris Kreider was also recalled today and as a result Michael Haley was sent back to Hartford. Kreider recorded 6 goals and an assist in 8 games with the Whale since his demotion.

Honestly I’m not sure how I feel about this move. Kreider has definitely earned his promotion back to the NHL, but will Torts deploy him properly? You know, like let him play through his mistakes and not for 5 minutes a night? I have no problems with the move so long as Kreider is allowed to play his game. Another thing is, I think this is a terrible move if Kreider is demoted again. You can’t keep sending him down and calling him back up. That’s when you start messing with his development.

The conspiracy theorist in me also believes it’s possible the Rangers are gearing up to trade either Brian Boyle or Marian Gaborik. On the possibility of Gaborik being dealt the Rangers know they won’t get terribly much back in return. Think of a guy like Ryane  Clowe. Struggling this season, big and gritty, and a decent sized cap hit on a short contract. 40-50 point player. It’s very possible the Rangers don’t need to trade Gaborik if Kreider proves to be that guy the Rangers get back in return. Trading Gaborik I don’t think will make the team better honestly, because I don’t think the return will be that great.

The too long didn’t read version is this: Chris Kreider coming alive is the best case scenario for the team. It’ll spare them from having to trade someone they’d rather not.

May 12 2012; New York, NY, USA; New York Rangers defenseman Michael Del Zotto (4) celebrates with teammates after scoring during the third period against the Washington Capitals in game seven in the Eastern Conference semifinals of the 2012 Stanley Cup Playoffs at Madison Square Garden. Rangers won 2-1. Mandatory Credit: Anthony Gruppuso-USA TODAY Sports

Hockey is officially back. What a hectic day it’s been. The fan in me has definitely taken over and I’m dying to see the gam back. Even watching the World Juniors didn’t feel the same only because there was no NHL season going on. Oh well. It’s back and it’s here to stay again until 2020 or 2022.

Let’s get back to the Rangers. The Rangers have $6.32 million dollars (Includes Wade Redden) to spend on Del Zotto at this moment. One has to imagine Del Zotto’s multi-year contract will be between $1.5 and $2 million this season. This year is when the cap will be at $70 million. So basically we’re just waiting for Del Zotto to “Come to his senses” like Sather said and sign a new contract.

Next season the Rangers should have no problem getting under the proposed $64.3 million cap as they will spend one of their buyouts on Wade Redden and another on someone like Mike Rupp.

Damn it feels good to have hockey back.

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