Rangers Free Agency

NHL free agency opens at 12pm est. tomorrow.   This isn't going to be one of those years where they travel to some remote outpost in Europe to present an offer like they did with Gaborik, or just take off the top of the market, like they did with Drury and Gomez.   Nope, they'll be happy to re-up their 5 RFA's, and maybe get Hank's extension done.    This is not because of a new era of better judgement by the Rangers.   It's because they'll be pressed up against the cap cause they didn't buy out Richards.  

Earlier today they waived Asham and Powe, but that might just be so they can get a little more room for McDonagh and Stepan.   I'm hoping we hear those two are done today, because someone might just be crazy enough to give one of the future all-stars an offer sheet.

As expected, Gordie Clark did reveal the Ranger scouts had been on Danny Kristo even after he was drafted and all during his time in college and international play.   They also consulted Derek Stepan, who played with Kristo on the 2010 world junior championship team.   He also revealed that the impetus for doing the trade was that they felt he was ready and could step in for Cally or Hagelin if they are not when the season starts.  

I don't know if we'll see anymore trades from the Rangers, though they've made three already in the past week.   The MDZ rumors have been around all year, but if they weren't willing to move him during the draft, they might as well see what he can do in the new system.   Sather also seemed to indicate that he wanted to give kids the first crack at jobs during training camp, so we could hold off on more trades till then if the kids to seem ready.

The Rangers will finally have some contract space and guys become UFA's tomorrow.  And it will interesting to see if they use any of those spaces to sign invitees from this week's prospect camp.   We should know if  the next few days.   Meanwhile, I'm not expecting any fireworks tonight or tomorrow from the Rangers.