It’s Monday again, on this 6th of July, and what a week it was for the New York Rangers. Free agency began on July 1st and a huge chapter came to an end for both Glen Sather and Martin St. Louis. In case you missed out, here’s what we covered at Blue Line Station:
New York Rangers
New York Rangers Trades
The biggest trades happened during the NHL Draft, yet we weren’t quite done discussing the repercussions. In spite of losing Cam Talbot and Carl Hagelin, here’s why the future hasn’t dimmed just yet for the Rangers.
- Rangers are Laying Groundwork for Future Success – Brandon
- Why There’s Still Hope After Carl Hagelin – Jay
Free Agency
When the Sabres signed Ryan O’Reilly to a huge seven-year contract worth $7.5 million per year, it caused concern over whether it would affect the Rangers signing Derek Stepan. Then again, there might not be much to worry about after all.
The Rangers may have lost free agent, Matt Hunwick, when he signed a two-year contract with the Maple Leafs. Yet, there are plenty of other players waiting in line to take his spot – Most notably, Raphael Diaz, who is no stranger to the Big Apple.
- Why Losing Matt Hunwick Doesn’t Worry the Rangers – Jess
- Contenders for the 7th Spot on Defense – Jess
- Rangers Bring Back Raphael Diaz – Pat
After the 2015 Stanley Cup Playoffs, it was clear that the Rangers’ offense needed a boost. Now there’s more depth than before with quite a few promising prospects, like Oscar Lindberg, along with Emerson Etem and Viktor Stalberg on the roster. Other possible targets around the NHL were Justin Williams, P.A. Parenteau and Kris Versteeg; However, the first two went to the Capitals and the Maple Leafs, respectively.
- Depth Signings Mean Oscar Lindberg Will Be On Opening Roster – Brandon
- Rangers Sign Forward, Viktor Stalberg – Pat
- Possible Targets for Top Nine Position – Anthony
More from Rangers News
- Blake Wheeler’s Broadway Calling: Why He Chose the Rangers
- Rangers’ Playoff Redemption Recipe: Grit and Fresh Hopes
- Brennan Othmann and Will Cuylle Set to Shine in the NHLPA Rookie Showcase
- Chris Kreider has had quite the Summer
- Andy Hosler Takes Helm as Head Athletic Trainer for the New York Rangers, Succeeding Jim Ramsay
Change in Management and Martin St. Louis Announces Retirement
New York Rangers General Manager, Glen Sather, stepped down to make way for Jeff Gorton – not to be confused with NASCAR driver, Jeff Gordon, or the famed fisherman Gorton – while Sather remains President of the Rangers hockey club.
In a similar fashion, sure-to-be-future-Hall-of-Famer Martin St. Louis also stepped down, retiring from the NHL after 16 years in the league. He leaves behind him a legacy and an underdog story for the ages, yet the way he left might not have been as fairytale-esque.
In any case, St. Louis calling out the starting lineup before a Rangers game is the most epic thing we’ve watched all week, maybe even more epic than the fireworks. And since it’s Monday, we could use one more look for motivation.
Next: Rangers Top Five Highlights
More from Blue Line Station
- Blake Wheeler’s Broadway Calling: Why He Chose the Rangers
- Rangers’ Playoff Redemption Recipe: Grit and Fresh Hopes
- Rangers’ Roster Chatter: Who’s Making the Cut and Who’s in the Penalty Box?
- Jacque Plante Trade Tree Between the Rangers and Canadiens
- These Rangers must learn Peter Laviolette’s ropes before they can fly