Rangers Moves

[nccanes]

Rangers trade Leetch to Edmonton


June 30, 2003
NEW YORK (AP) -- The New York Rangers traded the rights to free agent Brian Leetch to the Edmonton Oilers after being unable to sign the defenseman before the Monday midnight deadline. But it could be a temporary trade.

The Oilers sent backup goaltender Jussi Markkanen and a fourth-round draft pick to New York.

Leetch has been a cornerstone of the Rangers' defense since joining the team after the 1988 Olympics. He can still re-sign with New York starting Tuesday.

The Oilers are unlikely to sign Leetch but will receive a compensatory draft pick in 2004 -- probably a second-rounder -- when he goes to another team.

Leetch, 33, is a two-time winner of the Norris Trophy as the league's top defenseman. He earned $9.68 million last season when he played in just 51 games because of an ankle injury, scoring 12 goals and 30 points.

Markkanen, 28, was 7-8-3 last season with a 2.59 goals-against average, a .904 save percentage and three shutouts in 22 games last season. He was the backup goalie on Finland's Olympic team in 2002.

Also, the Rangers re-signed left wings Ronald Petrovicky and Dan LaCouture.

Petrovicky had five goals and nine assists last season, while LaCouture had three goals and six assists while playing for Pittsburgh and New York.

LaCouture was traded to New York from Pittsburgh on Feb. 10 as part of a seven-player deal.

[Turbulence]

I don't like that deal...Edmonton gave up a very promising, potential-filled goalie for a draft pick...Unless Markkanen had some kind of attitude problem, is it really worth nothing more than a defenseman you can't sign/a lowly draft pick?

:sick:

[Captain Slack]

The first part of this article isn't surprising. The second part is.

Lindros headed for waiver wire?

TSN.ca Staff


7/1/2003

Eric Lindros is not yet an unrestricted free agent, but he may become one next Monday.

NHL sources tell TSN that the New York Rangers are about to place Lindros on waivers, for the purpose of terminating his contract. Lindros' name would appear on the waiver wire Wednesday, and if he cleared, he would then become an unrestricted free agent.

The waiver fee for Lindros, a former NHL MVP, would be $125.

Erroneous reports Tuesday suggested that the Rangers had declined to pick up an option on Lindros, making him an immediate free agent. In fact, Lindros recently exercised a player option on his contract for next season, guaranteeing him a base salary of $3.3 million.

If Lindros were to play 75 games next season, bonuses would bring that amount up to $9.3 million.

If a team picks Lindros off waivers, it would be responsible for the salary of $3.3 million, plus the bonuses, making a claim unlikely.

The more likely scenario would see Lindros clear waivers, and then be bought out by New York for 2/3 of his salary ($2.2 million). Lindros would then become an unrestricted free agent.

NHL management sources tell TSN that Rangers G.M. Glen Sather has been trying to trade Lindros for the last several weeks, with no success. The New York Post reported in its Tuesday edition that Sather had been talking with with Lindros' father Carl about restructuring the contract, but that those talks had also been unsuccessful.

The deadline for initiating buyout proceedings at 2/3 of a player's salary is July 1.

Also on Tuesday, the traded the rights to unrestricted free agent centre Mark Messier to the San Jose Sharks for future considerations.

Messier made $3.9 million last season in New York, and scored 18 goals and 22 assists.

Messier is still expected to play in New York next season. The transaction will simply give the Sharks a compensatory pick, while the Rangers get future considerations - likely a draft pick.

They traded Messier?!! Unbelievable! This is like the Canes trading Ronnie!!

[Shell]

Sather returns to Rangers' bench

After a short search for a new head coach, the incumbent Glen Sather decided to take the reins again in 2003.

(posted Jul. 1, 5:32PM EDT)
NEW YORK -- After failing to find a suitable candidate to coach his team, New York Rangers general manager Glen Sather announced Tuesday he was going to stay behind the bench himself next season.

“I went through the process of talking to people about the job and when the process was finished I decided that maybe the person that already had the job was maybe the best person for the job,” Sather said on a conference call Tuesday evening.

“So I decided to keep it.”

Sather took over behind the Rangers bench last season after firing rookie head coach Bryan Trottier. The Rangers went 11-10-4-3 with the GM doubling as coach.

“It wasn't that tough a decision,” Sather said. “I've always enjoyed coaching. It just seemed like it was the logical decision at this time.”

Reports indicated Sather had tried to first lure legendary coach Scotty Bowman out of retirement and then former Montreal great Larry Robinson.

Robinson, the former New Jersey Devils coach, took himself out of the running last Thursday while Bowman has turned down all offers to come back.

[Shell]

Rangers' moves have Bure thinking retirement

With the rights to Mark Messier and Brian Leetch already owned by other clubs, Pavel Bure may be the next to leave.

(posted Jul. 1, 12:42PM EDT)
Having traded away the negotiating rights to Mark Messier and captain Brian Leetch, both becoming unrestricted free agents, and with the future of Eric Lindros in New York seemingly coming to an end, the Rangers may soon be losing another prominent player.

Sportsnet has learned that Bure was recently appointed as an adviser to the Soviet Minister of Foreign Affairs, responsible for youth policy, and is seriously contemplating retirement. Moscow is also in the running for the 2012 Olympics and Russian organizers are hoping Bure will play a significant role in their efforts to obtain the Games.

Contributing to his decision to retire or not is a long list of knee injuries and subsequent surgeries that have left him unable to compete at the level he once did.

Should Bure decide to quit he would walk away from $10 million still left on his contract, a figure one source described as comparable to the investment income he draws from businesses in Russia alone.

The San Jose Sharks acquired the rights to centre Mark Messier from the New York Rangers in exchange for future considerations on June 30, 2003.

The New York Rangers also traded the rights to free-agent defenceman Brian Leetch to the Edmonton Oilers after failing to re-sign the all-star defenceman before midnight Monday.

[Shell]

Leafs deny Tverdovsky report
TSN.ca Staff
7/21/2003

The Toronto Maple Leafs are denying a report in the New York Post that they have reached a tentative one-year agreement with unrestricted free agent Oleg Tverdovsky.

The Post reported that the deal would be made official once the Maple Leafs were released from their obligation to Robert Svehla.

"We've had no discussions in regards to Tverdosky in quite some time now," Maple Leafs assistant general manager Mike Penny told the Fan590 radio station. "When I saw that this morning I thought 'Boy, I wonder where this came from, because it sure didn't come out of here’."

"No we have not signed him and at this point it doesn't look like we will." Penny added.

[Shell]

Knee problems continue to plague Russian Rocket
In 39 games with the Rangers last season, Bure recorded 19 goals and 11 assists.

SPORTSNET.CA - Nearly eight months after undergoing his second arthroscopic knee surgery within 10 weeks, Pavel Bure continues to feel significant discomfort in his right knee, enough that his career could be in danger.

According to Bure's agent, Mike Gillis, the Russian Rocket is still experiencing pain in the knee almost five months after having played his final game of the season.

"Pavel came into New York from Moscow on Wednesday for tests that confirmed that he has ligament damage that hasn't been overcome and might not be able to be overcome," Gillis said.

"Whether he'll be able to play next year, no one can say. This isn't something that's in his mind. Pavel did three weeks of rehab in Florida immediately after the season, he's been working out in Moscow, he's in great shape, he has great leg strength, he's done everything possible so he can come back and play, but the situation is what it is, and after seven operations that knee is just not healthy.

"I've encouraged Pavel to get on the ice sooner rather than later, and I expect that he will skate in Moscow within the next week or so. I don't know any more than that and neither does Pavel," Gillis said.

In 39 games with the New York Rangers last season, Bure recorded 30 points (19 goals, 11 assists).

As a rookie with the Vancouver Canucks in 1991-92, Bure racked up 60 points to win the Calder Trophy. He treated the Canucks, who drafted him with their sixth choice (113th overall) in the 1989 NHL Entry Draft, to back-to-back 60-goal seasons the following two years.

The Canucks dealt Bure to the Florida Panthers in 1999, and Bure won the Maurice "Rocket" Richard Trophy his first two seasons there, posting goal totals of 58 (1999-00) and 59 (2000-01). Florida dealt Bure to the Rangers in 2002.

[nccanes]

but the situation is what it is, and after seven operations that knee is just not healthy.


Ya think? :roll:

[Jeff O Rocks]

After seven operations, I am surprised that the poor guy can even walk, let alone attempt hockey. :roll:

[Jillsdad]

Just for info sake, Leetch resigned with the Blueshirts for two more years at 6.5 mill/ year. Incentives could earn him another couple of mill a year and the contract does not have a no trade clause this time.

[Shell]

Found circulating on the Web:
http://tridead.net/canes/images/smilies/lol.gif

The General Manager of the New York Rangers announced today that he has signed all remaining unrestricted free agents in the NHL. "There were a lot of players available and we weren't sure who would help our club the most, so we went ahead and signed them all," Glen Sather told the New York media.

When asked what he intend to do with so many players, Sather was quick to point out that there are several jobs open at the aging Madison Square Garden. "We've got some leaky toilets up in the D section and I understand Luke Richardson is a pretty good amateur plumber," he explained. "I can also personally attest to the fact that Tony Amonte boils up a hell of a weenie."

The former GM of the small-market Edmonton Oilers agreed that running the Rangers is a lot more fun. When a reporter suggested that Sather could buy the entire Oilers' lineup several times over and still have money left for a few of his favorite cigars and dinner at one of Manhattan's finer bistros, Sather smiled and lit up a stogie. "But don't forget that they have a big advantage up there," he replied. "It's pretty cold in Edmonton, so they can go out and herd hockey players in off the streets."

In response to questions about the Rangers' payroll, which is now up to $175 million (US), Sather responded, "We'll make it up in volume, just like the Internet companies do."

[Shell]

even though the Post is usually unreliable..

Berezin possible replacement for Bure
TSN.ca Staff
8/28/2003

With the uncertainty surrounding Pavel Bure's playing future, the New York Rangers have reportedly begun the search for his replacement in the lineup.

According to the New York Post, the Rangers are looking into the possibility of signing unrestricted forward Sergei Berezin. The 31 year old was traded by the Chicago Blackhawks to the Washington Capitals at the trade deadline for a fourth round pick in 2004.

Berezin had five goals and nine points and was a plus-10 in nine games with the Capitals. In Chicago, he had 18 goals and 31 points in 66 games for the underachieving Hawks.

Bure is expected to report for training camp in New York, where he will undergo a physical on his reconstructed knees. His agent has said the 32 year old will likely require an eighth operation on his right knee, which would sideline him for the season - and possibly the rest of his career.

[Shell]

Messier agrees to terms with Rangers
TSN.ca Staff
9/5/2003

NEW YORK - New York Rangers President, General Manager and Head Coach Glen Sather announced today that the club has agreed to terms with team captain Mark Messier. Terms of the deal were not disclosed.

"Mark's Hall of Fame career speaks for itself, but it is the intangible characteristics he brings that are such a positive for our hockey club," said Sather. "He is a champion, a leader and a warrior who's only priority is to see the Rangers regain their position among the NHL's top clubs."

Messier appeared in 78 matches with the Rangers last season, registering 18 goals and 22 assists for 40 points, along with 30 penalty minutes. He ranked fourth on the team with 40 points, third on the team with 18 goals, first on the team with five game-winning goals and second on the team with eight power play goals.

Messier skated in his 1,616th career match on November 3 vs. St. Louis, passing Larry Murphy for second place on the NHL's all-time games played list after passing Raymond Bourque for third place earlier in the season.

He collected his 400th assist as a Ranger on December 29 at Tampa Bay. On October 21 vs. Tampa Bay, Messier recorded his 611th point as a Ranger to move past Ron Greschner into sixth place on the Rangers all-time scoring list.

"I am excited to be returning to the Rangers and looking forward to a successful season that we all expect and our loyal fans deserve," said Messier. "My focus is on restoring the great pride of the New York Rangers organization and I am confident that we will be able to accomplish this objective."

A veteran of 24 NHL seasons, Messier has appeared in 1,680 career NHL games with the Edmonton Oilers, Vancouver Canucks and the Rangers, registering 676 goals and 1,168 assists for 1,844 points, along with 1,868 penalty minutes. He currently ranks as the leading scorer among all active NHL players and third on the NHL's all-time scoring list with 1,844 points.

Messier enters the 2003-04 season just six points shy of tying Gordie Howe for second place on the NHL's all-time scoring list (1,850) and just one assist shy of tying Raymond Bourque for third place on the NHL's all-time assists list (1,169). In addition, he ranks eighth in NHL history with 676 career goals.

In the Stanley Cup playoffs, Messier ranks second only to Wayne Gretzky in all scoring categories, registering 109 goals and 186 assists for 295 points. He is the all-time leader with 236 playoff games played. He has been an integral member of six Stanley Cup championship teams (five in Edmonton and one in New York).

The 6-1, 210-pound center has been the recipient of the National Hockey League's Hart Trophy (MVP) twice, the Lester B. Pearson Award (Outstanding Player) twice, and the Conn Smythe Trophy (Playoff MVP) once. Messier has also been selected to the NHL First All-Star Team four times, the Second All-Star Team once and participated in 14 NHL All-Star games (1982, 1983, 1984, 1986, 1988, 1989, 1990, 1991, 1992, 1994, 1996, 1997, 1998 and 2000).

During the 1997-98 season, The Hockey News named Messier the 12th greatest player in NHL history.

In his first tenure with the Rangers, Messier spent six seasons in New York from 1991-92 through 1996-97, after being acquired from the Edmonton Oilers on October 4, 1991. In 421 games over the span, Messier registered 183 goals and 335 assists for 518 points, along with 474 penalty minutes.

Since rejoining New York on July 13, 2000, he has collected 49 goals and 81 assists for 130 points, along with 151 penalty minutes in 201 games. Messier currently ranks seventh in assists (416), sixth in points (648) and eighth in goals (232) on the club's all-time scoring list.

Messier was named the franchise's 22nd captain in team history on October 7, 1991 and then assumed the captaincy upon his return to the club on July 13, 2000.

In Stanley Cup Playoff action with New York, Messier registered 29 goals and 51 assists for 80 points, along with 69 penalty minutes in 70 post-season contests. He trails only Brian Leetch in assists (61) and points (89) and Hall of Famer Rod Gilbert in goals (34) on the team's all-time playoff scoring chart.

The highlight of Messier's six-year tenure in New York came in 1994, as he led the club to its first Stanley Cup championship in 54 years.

The Edmonton, Alberta native was originally Edmonton's second choice, 48th overall, in the 1979 NHL Entry Draft.

[nccanes]

NEW YORK (AP) -- New York Rangers defenseman Brian Leetch is out indefinitely with an injury to his left ankle similar to the one that caused him to miss nearly half of last season.

Leetch, 35, was practicing at the team's facility in Greenburgh, N.Y., last Friday when he was struck by a slap shot, the Rangers said Monday.

X-rays were negative but Leetch is unlikely to be able to participate in New York's training camp that begins Thursday in Burlington, Vt.

Last season, Leetch's 16th with the Rangers, he severely bruised his left ankle when he blocked a shot against Columbus on Dec. 3. New York went 10-16-3-2 in his absence.

Leetch signed a two-year contract in July to stay with the Rangers after becoming an unrestricted free agent. He said at the time that he skated a few times during the summer to test the ankle and hadn't had any trouble with it.

He was bothered by a sore wrist that he said then was improving.

This latest injury came just one day after goalie Mike Richter was forced to retire due to a concussion he suffered last November. Richter spent all 14 of his NHL seasons with the Rangers, and he and Leetch were together since 1989. Their 14 seasons as teammates was the top active streak in the NHL last season.

Leetch, a two-time Norris Trophy winner, ranks first in Rangers history with 945 points -- including a record 718 assists -- and first among defensemen with 227 goals. He passed Rod Gilbert last season to move into second place on New York's career games list (1,072).

The Rangers also announced Monday that 20-year-old goalie Dan Blackburn hurt his left shoulder during the team's prospects camp in Calgary, Alberta last month.

The shoulder was still sore when Blackburn returned to New York, and an MRI revealed nerve damage. His status is also undetermined. Blackburn is not likely to be at training camp as he is also battling mononucleosis.

Blackburn, the 10th overall pick in the 2001 draft, went 6-8-2 in 17 straight starts last season following Richter's injury. He then returned to backup status when the Rangers acquired Mike Dunham to serve as the No. 1 goalie.

[cmw00]

As much as I don't like the rangers or even Leetch, I don't hate them on a personal level...

I hate seeing a guys season jeopardized over an injury, especially a preseason pre training camp injury.

I hope he can recover and get to play!