Rangers Daily: Back on Blueshirts beat; 2025 World Junior Summer Showcase underway
Understanding that we are now in the Dog Days of summer, and the NHL offseason, it’s a bit of a stretch to say I’m back on the New York Rangers beat — because, well, there’s not much of a Blueshirts beat or pulse at the moment.
But I am back, after a week’s tour of the gorgeous Maritimes up in Canada. There was time spent in Halifax, North America’s fastest-growing city (yup, just learned that fact at some local establishment). There was hiking and biking and exploring the vast beautiful outposts in Nova Scotia and New Brunswick.
Who knew that Bay of Fundy, Hopewell Rocks and Peggy’s Cove would make such a powerful impression on me? Powerful, yet so peaceful.
And before you ask, no, I didn’t hunt down Sidney Crosby in Cole Harbour, NS. Anyway, I always know where to find him pregame, postgame or after practice. Sid’s always in front of his locker willing to chat. Yeah, I know you don’t want to hear anything good about Sid, Rangers fans, but it’s true.
So, I digress. Back at it here at Forever Blueshirts, still a ways off from training camp. But there’s always plenty to write about with the Rangers — analysis, news, historical — even during these fallow times in the offseason. Plus, I’ve got some good stuff in store with the RINK RAP podcast the rest of the summer.
Thanks to Dan, John, Ryan, Eric and Tom for pitching in a bit more last week, when I was away.
Now, let’s get back to it.
New York Rangers
In my first article since returning, I broke down the pros and cons of the Rangers signing Conor Sheary to a PTO. Spoiler: This move should have plenty of short-term gain, as long as one important area of the roster is not overlooked.
John Kreiser put together a 20-man roster (12 F, 6 D, 2 G) consisting of the best Rangers players from 2000-25. There’s room for some debate on his Quarter Century team of Rangers, but it’s a real thorough job by our noted historian.
Want to make sure we once again spotlight the Shoulder Check Showcase charity event. Our Eric Charles was there late last week and filed a story on the 2025 event and why NHL players like Chris Kreider, Jonathan Quick, Adam Fox, and Trevor Zegras believe it’s so important to participate each summer.
Speaking of the Shoulder Check Showcase, Kreider also took the chance to publicly say goodbye to Rangers fans as he embarks on his first season with the Anaheim Ducks.
NHL rumors and news
NHL.com: My buddy Mike Morreale provides his daily notebook from the 2025 World Junior Summer Showcase, including a cool nugget on how some current NHL players are helping out Team USA in a coaching capacity.
TSN: The Buffalo Sabres signed defenseman Conor Timmins to a two-year, $4.4 million contract after acquiring him from the Pittsburgh Penguins earlier this offseason.
Daily Faceoff: The Chicago Blackhawks avoided arbitration with goalie Arvid Soderblom when he agreed to a two-year, $5 million contract. Soderblom is expected to be Chicago’s No. 2 next season behind Spencer Knight.
Sportsnet: Ryan Dixon believes a pair of Rangers’ division rivals are a perfect fit for Nazem Kadri, should the Calgary Flames trade him, as has been rumored.
Sportsnet: Speaking of rumors, Michael Amato opines on the fit of Penguins goalie Tristan Jarry with the Edmonton Oilers.
Philly Hockey Now: Even as you sit and bake in the summer heat, it’s never too early for some NHL predictions. And William James provides a few here, including (spoiler) the Flyers making the Stanley Cup Playoffs next spring.
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