Breaking Down the Rangers Break-Up Day
The Rangers say thanks to the fans (NYR)
The New York Rangers cleared out their belongings and recollected their thoughts on this season and contemplated their futures. Here is all you need to know.
Mostly everyone today was waiting to hear news on the Brad Richards buyout situation. Although, Alain Vigneault said no decision was made, all indications are the decision was already made. Brad Richards did not speak today, nor did his friend Marty St. Louis. MSL was unavailable because he was attending a parent/teacher conference this afternoon.
Alain Vigneault:
The head coach was in good spirits but said this loss will haunt the Rangers all summer. This is a man speaking from experience, as he lost in 2011 to Boston. Believe it or not, AV believes this team was actually closer than his Canucks.
Lastly, he said he has “an idea where he’s leaning” on the next Rangers captain. It is fully expected to be Ryan McDonagh.
Henrik Lundqvist:
Although he smiled, you could still see the pain in his eyes. This man wants to win the Cup and I believe he will. This is now the most important off-season in NY Rangers history. The right tweak(s) could mean a championship.
Ryan McDonagh:
A captain in the making for sure, McDonagh learned that even the playoffs, the Cup needed a whole new level.
Dan Girardi:
Girardi admitted he dislocated his pinky finger during game 2 of the Final. Many are surprised it wasn’t more considering the difficulties he had versus L.A. Still, many of his turnovers had something to do with lack of support from forwards than soley on him.
Lost In Translation
Brian Boyle hinted to wanting to do more. Meaning he wants to stay but wants a raise. At this point his return is 50/50.
Brian Boyle: “I want to make an impact, have more responsibility sometimes. Everyone knows where I want to be, and how I feel about NY.”
— Sean Hartnett (@HartnettHockey) June 16, 2014
Anton Stralman also wants to be back but reiterate he needs to secure his family’s future. 99% sure he doesn’t return. Especially after rejecting 3 years at 9 million.
#NYR d-man Anton Stralman: “The only thing on my mind is a security for me and my family.” Stralman adds that he’s like to stay. — Sean Hartnett (@HartnettHockey) June 16, 2014
Derrick Brassard wants to keep his line together, but he and Mats Zuccarello are RFA’s and are likely to be retained. Benoit Pouliot is a UFA and his re-signing depends on cap space and his demands. Chances of this line staying together are slim.
#NYR center Derick Brassard on keeping his line together: “I would love for us to be back. We really enjoy playing for the Rangers.”
— Sean Hartnett (@HartnettHockey) June 16, 2014
As for Dominic Moore, I believe his fate is tied to that of Brian Boyle’s. If Boyle is willing to stay as a top PK guy on the 4th line at less than 3 million a year, there’s a chance Moore can be retained also. If NY gives him more, Dominic may need to find a new address.
Dominic Moore says he wants to be back with the Rangers. He can become an unrestricted free agent on July 1.
— Dan Rosen (@drosennhl) June 16, 2014
Cam Talbot told reporters he broke his right hand during warmups of game 6 in the ECF. And finally, Rick Nash said this was the toughest time of his career. It was tough for us too Rick.
That’s it folks! If you have any questions or comments, hit me up on twitter or leave a comment below.