Day: August 31, 2010

Yesterday’s signing of Tim Kennedy in many ways surprising. Perhaps, more than anything, this was Sather being opportunistic, and taking advantage of a rare young free agent with some promise, at a bargain price. Certainly it’s hard to see how the addition of Kennedy fits into any sort of strategy for the coming season.

The Blueshirts now have sixteen forwards with NHL experience signed to contracts, and that’s not counting Evgeny Grachev, Dale Weise or Mats Zuccarello Aasen. Even if you take into account that Kris Newbury and Jeremy Williams are almost certainly heading to Hartford, the Rangers will be left with fourteen or fifteen guys competing for twelve spots, and maybe a thirteenth on the bench.

As we wrap up August, the Rangers created a little bit of excitement yesterday by signing free agent LW/C Tim Kennedy. While Kennedy is likely to compete for a spot on the third or fourth line, he’s unlikely to affect the prospects of the subject of today’s Ranger Countdown – Ryan Callahan.

Callahan goes into this season looking to turn his offense up after plateauing last season. The regular fan favorite recorded 19 goals last season, after setting a high of 22 the year before. This year he’ll be looking to go back over the 20 goal mark, and the hope is that the Rangers can find him some help to get him there.