Rangers Roundup: Lindy Ruff’s future, Panarin and free agency
The latest buzz and news around the Blueshirts.
Lindy Ruff Wants to Coach Again
Lindy Ruff is beloved and still considered the best head coach the Sabres have had. Yesterday, he spoke with a Buffalo news station and told them “the fire still burns” and he wants to be a head coach again.
This year we know that he received permission to interview for the Sabres coaching job. He ultimately didn’t get it and will look again next year. I reached out the my source close with the Rangers and was told that Lindy Ruff is still with the organization. It also appears Ruff will retain his role as David Quinn’s assistant for at least one more season.
Other notes passed along were that the upcoming organizational announcements are all player development related. No updates on a new coaching staff in Hartford.
Rangers approach to Panarin and the Free Agent Market
Artemi Panarin is the prized UFA that will hit the open market on July 1st. The window to speak with UFA’s is June 23rd. Let’s be clear, both sides can’t discuss contract, just interest in one another.
When I asked about the Rangers interest in the free agent market I was told, “of course, but it has to be the right fit.” None of this is breaking news, but it does reaffirm that while the Rangers may be active in the trade market heading into the draft, they have their eyes on Panarin and the market.
Panarin and Florida?
To be honest, I am not sure what this info above even means unless the Blue Jackets are allowing teams to speak with Panarin in order to trade his rights? As I stated above, June 23rd is the only time a team can speak to a free agent and still not about contracts. This in essence would be borderline tampering.
The Panthers and Rangers aren’t the only teams going after Panarin, so it still could be another team that gets him. Rumors had Panarin and the Rangers married all last year, funny how that has changed now. The 27 year old winger wants to play for a top team, so is this a fit for both sides?
Jeff Gorton expedited the rebuild by getting lucky and winning the #2 pick in the draft. Then he acquired young blue-liner, Adam Fox and solidified his defense with top pair d-man, Jacob Trouba. While the Rangers weren’t a top team last year, the addition of Panarin could make them one very quickly.
Rangers are in on Panarin. They just won’t overpay him to play here. That doesn’t mean they expect him to sign for a discount, but the “right fit” has to have cap considerations in it too.
More About:New York Rangers Features New York Rangers News New York Rangers Rumors NHL News and Rumors