Rangers Roundup: Draft and Free Agency dates, Fast update, and more news
The NHL released the finalized dates for the draft and the start of free agency. Speaking of free agents, Jesper Fast confirmed my September 1st exclusive that he will be hitting the market.
NHL Draft and Free Agency Dates
Alexis Lafreniere Day is set for October 6th. The NHL will conduct a virtual draft on that day. Amazing that after 65 years of never picking 1st, the Rangers won’t even be able to hand Lafreniere his jersey to pull over his head.
Another significant date will be October 9th. That will ring in the start of NHL Free Agency. Although the Blueshirts aren’t expected to be players for big names like Taylor Hall and Alex Pietrangelo, they could make a move for Torey Krug.
Jesper Fast speaks out in new Swedish Interview
“We have had discussions, but it is still uncertain how it will go,” Fast said. The question not asked was when those discussions took place. What Fast went on to explain is that he doesn’t expect to have any further discussion until after the draft and right before free agency. “I have to wait that time,” he finished.
On September 1st, I spoke to a source with knowledge of the situation that told me “the window has passed.” This statement and what Fast reveals is that those discussion took place before my article.
“Both me and my wife have really appreciated these seven years in New York,” Fast continued, “I had a good role with the team.” Then his comments seemed to hint that his time with the Rangers was done. “It would have been fun if I got the chance to stay. At the same time, a new role would be exciting. I’m open to anything.”
Jesper finished his interview by saying he knows there are teams interested in him. Just recently I reported that I heard the Nashville Predators, Philadelphia Flyers, and Columbus Blue Jackets have him on their radar.
Ryan Strome on Artemi Panarin
In a recent interview for NHLPA.com, Ryan Strome had some glowing remarks for his line-mate, Artemi Panarin. Strome talked about why Panarin is deserving of winning the Ted Lindsay Award for MVP as voted by the players.
“His compete level  I know that’s a term that gets thrown around quite a bit  is designed to help the team win and be successful. When you sign a guy who you don’t really know that well, you’re not sure what to expect of him. You see him come in, watch that excitement he has when he scores goals, but realize the work ethic, competing for pucks, all those things that leaders do day in and day out  that all trickles down to the younger players. We’re very fortunate to have those types of players on our team. I think that’s what really helped make our team successful in the regular season. Hopefully, we can continue to build on that.”
Ryan Strome, NHLPA
More NHL and NYR news
Mika Zibanejad finished 8th and Panarin finished 16th in Lady Byng award voting.
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