Free Agency – Day 2
Day two of the 2008 free agency frenzy is under way, and so far no more big signings to report, which of course gives us plenty of time to review the stories from yesterday.
Wade Redden of course was the biggest signing for the Rangers yesterday, and he seems ready to go. The career Senator is set to play for just the second team in the NHL.
Pennywise And Pound Foolish
Going into today’s annual free agency period, I was relatively calm. The Rangers had several key players free to sell their services to the highest bidder, but the Rangers appeared in a relatively decent position cap-wise and had some room to make some deals to improve the team.
On top of the wish list was the retention or replacement of key forwards: Jagr, Shanahan, Avery and Straka, as well as a #1 defenseman, who could help cement the Rangers’ blue line. After day one, they have their #1 defender, but at what cost?
Sather Turns Defense Into Offense
After day one of the 2008 Free Agent period, the Rangers were set on defense, but had significant holes on their top two lines. On day two GM Glen Sather made an attempt to rectify that, dealing defensemen Fedor Tyutin and Christian Backman to the Columbus Blue Jackets in exchange for Nikolai Zherdev and Dan Fritsche.
Zherdev, a 24 year old right wing who is playing on the last year of a three year contract that has a cap hit of $2.5M, instantly provides the Rangers with a credible scoring threat on the top line. In 82 games with the Blue Jackets last year, the Ukrainian born winger picked up 26 goals and 61 points, the second time in his four seasons in the NHL that he’s scored 25+ goals.