It’s that time of the year folks, the NHL offseason. The floodgates are now open after Pittsburgh took down the Nashville Predators 2-0 Sunday night. Now, the preparation begins for next season. Expansion draft, Entry Draft, Free Agency, Oh My!
There has been an awful lot of buzz and rumors that are surrounding the New York Rangers these past few weeks. Most are expecting a loud offseason for Jeff Gorton, as he may try and reload for a run as Henrik Lundqvist’s prime years continue to pass us by.
There is word that Ilya Kovalchuk will not be donning a Rangers sweater next fall. We all had to know chances were slim as the cap situation and the need to add defense really put a damper on that.
Again, was wishful thinking to even begin with so it’s no surprise the Rangers are out. It would have been a vintage early 2000’s move to sign him, an aging veteran whose prime years are in the rearview mirror.
In other news, it has been reported that Associate Head Coach Scott Arniel has interviewed with the Buffalo Sabres and the Florida Panthers for their Head Coaching gigs. The Cats seemed to have solved their issue, hiring Bob Boughner. The Sabres are reportedly waiting to interview Nashville assistant coach and Hall of Famer Phil Housley. Time will tell, but I’d wager Arniel stays within the Rangers organization.
In other coaching staff news, Elliotte Friedman of Sportsnet.Ca reported that the Rangers have contacted Lindy Ruff about potentially joining the staff. Not a move to make AV look over his shoulder but something that will hopefully strengthen the group.
Elsewhere, it appears Hartford goalie Magnus Hellberg has signed in the KHL. This opens the door for some young guys in Hartford, Brandon Halverson and MacKenzie Skapski.
Finally, it appears the Winnipeg Jets and Calgary Flames have inquired about the possibility of a trade for Antti Raanta. Raanta was very solid in many Lundqvist relief appearances and is still relatively young and cheap. Both teams have pretty bad goaltending situations. We all have a tendency to overthink what the returns are going to be in these instances and while both Calgary and Winnipeg have some intriguing names, it’s highly doubtful Raanta
Both teams have pretty bad goaltending situations. We all have a tendency to overthink what the returns are going to be in these instances and while both Calgary and Winnipeg have some intriguing names, it’s highly doubtful Raanta nets a return of someone like Jacob Trouba. But, you never know and it could certainly be a start, but Raanta plus someone like JT Miller would have to go.
But, you never know and it could certainly be a start, but Raanta plus someone like J.T. Miller would have to go.
Other Rangers News, Stories:
- Larry Brooks of the New York Post talks trade rumblings and other NYR rumors.
- Steve Zipay of Newsday, chats expansion draft notes and upcoming roster decisions.