Rangers Daily: Dan Girardi to join Rink Rap podcast; Surprise Toronto coach candidate
It’s not always the biggest names who are the best guests on the Rink Rap podcast. But this week should be a lot of fun, when former New York Rangers defenseman Dan Girardi joins me on the show.
“G Money,” as his buddies — especially former Rangers captain Ryan Callahan — call him, is one of the good guys. Girardi is as funny as he was tough on the ice. Down to earth, self-deprecating, smart, well-spoken, good story teller.
I enjoyed working with Girardi throughout his tenure in New York. He was always there in the locker room after big wins and bitter losses, a stand-up guy no matter the circumstances. I still remember how accountable he was for that turnover in Game 1 of the 2014 Stanley Cup Final that led directly to the Justin Williams overtime winner in a 3-2 Rangers loss. You learn a lot about a person in such instances, and really what we learned that night and the next day simply reaffirmed who Girardi is as a person.
And on practice days, you knew Girardi would be there with his his quips, and big smile, as well as some hockey conversation if that’s what you were seeking.
Simply, Dan Girdardi is a good dude. And I’m really looking forward to having him join me on Rink Rap this Tuesday.
If you have any questions you’d like me to ask him, just hit me up on X, @JimCerny, and we’ll do our best to work in your questions.
New York Rangers news and analysis
They’re not the Sedins, but the Ruck twins prefer to be drafted by the same NHL team this spring. Breaking down how the Rangers could handle this challenging situation if they want one or both of these players.
Jess Rubenstein provides an updated realistic breakdown of the Rangers best options with the No. 5 overall pick at this year’s draft.
Our Tom Casto warns not to overlook Scott Morrow next season, and how the young defenseman can best help the Rangers.
The Rangers are being lauded for making an “excellent decision” to hire Jay Leach as coach of the Hartford Wolf Pack.
ICYMI: Here’s a detailed analysis of what the Dylan Larkin trade request means for the Rangers and their offseason plans.
NHL news and rumors
Sportsnet: Elliotte Friedman reports that the Toronto Maple Leafs will interview former NHL star Joe Pavelski for their head coaching vacancy, despite him having zero experience as a coach at any level.
Detroit Hockey Now: Kevin Allen provides a power rankings list for teams that have best chance to land Dylan Larkin in a trade with the Detroit Red Wings.
TSN: Craig Button shares his biggest takeaways from the scouting combine ahead of the 2026 NHL Draft.
DenverSports.com: In a surprise move, Rob Blake joined the Nashville Predators as EVP of hockey operations.
Philly Hockey Now: William James gets into the rumored contract extension for Flyers goalie Dan Vladar.
Sportsnet: Milan Lucic officially retired from the NHL after 17 seasons.
Daily Faceoff: While it appears that Brendan Gallagher and the Montreal Canadiens are heading toward a breakup this offseason, here’s why to expect the Canadiens to exhaust all trade options before considering a buyout of the veteran forward’s contract that has one year remaining.
