According to the New York Post, Brandon Dubinsky has lowered his asking price to 1 year – $1.1M or 2 years – $2.15M. The Post goes on to report that the Rangers are offering up 700k and $1.8M respectively. It’s the first sign of movement from either side since the hold-out began, but it may not be enough to prevent him being traded.

The Boston Globe in fact speculates what could happen to Dubinsky, including a possible three way deal with the Toronto Maple Leafs which would see Dubinsky end up with the Bruins, Kessel with the Leafs and a 1st rounder to the Rangers.

In other news, Marian Gaborik is hoping that he can play Monday against the Bruins. Gaborik continues to nurse a sore groin, but says he’s improving each day and is eager to play. The Rangers’ highest priced player has joined the team for the road trip that starts tonight in Detroit (7:30pm – MSG) and concludes Saturday in Boston. Detroit’s line-up for tonight can be found here.

At least one commentator isn’t as down on the Rangers’ off-season moves. Too bad it’s the part timers over at CBS Sportsline.

The Rangers made their first cuts yesterday, paring the roster down to 34 officially, but with 5 players continuing to train with Hartford (and avoid going through waivers). Amongst the modest surprises, Michael Sauer has been sent down before Illka Heikkinen, Corey Potter, Michael Del Zotto and Bobby Sanguinetti. Veteran free agent signee, Tyler Arnason was also reassigned to train with the Pack.

Five players were re-assigned to their junior teams, including over age defensemen Tomas Kundratek, who rejoined the Medicine Hat Tigers. The others included Scott Stajcer, Ryan Bourque, Ethan Werek and Roman Horak.