The Rangers This Week

The Rangers will conclude a big month for the franchise with one last crucial week before free agency starts on Friday. We already know that all of the RFA's have been tendered except for Gilroy. Today we learned that Chris Drury may indeed accept a buy out. Be that as it may, I sort of expect the Rangers to conclude another trade before FA starts. I don't know why I have this feeling, but I think Gaborik or someone is gonna be gone for cap relief and picks or prospects. Don't know why I think so, but I do. Doesn't mean anything.

What will mean something is Ranger prospect camp that starts tomorrow. These prospect camps have really become a big deal to the Rangers as they develop the two way, tough, gritty hockey culture they're developing. These camps also give them clues as to who will be ready to help soon. Last year it was Stepan and McDonagh, and of course, they always think Kreider is ready.

This year the camp will feature Tim Erixon, Mikhail Pashnin, Christian Thomas and all of the other recent picks. I don't know if Stepan and McDonagh or any of the other NHL guys or even Del Zotto will be there. But Erixon and Pashnin could change their offseason shopping list, if they fell they are going to be ready to go by fall. Del Zotto needs to pick it back up, if he's there or he will get passed.

So, the Drury buyout and the Prospect Camp are the concrete things to follow this week. But keep an eye on trades, even if Drury accepts a buyout. Go Rangers. Oh, and as soon as Drury does, give that guy in the picture a C.

UPDATE: Here's the Developmental Camp Roster: http://rangers.nhl.com/club/page.htm?id=69921&navid=DL%7CNYR%7Chome