New York Rangers: Better Know a Ranger on the Bubble - Brandon Prust

Currently a restricted free agent, Brandon Prust made half a million dollars last year playing for the New York Rangers.

At the age of 26, Prust has newly come to the New York Rangers by way of Calgary. The trade sent underachievers Chris Higgins and Ales Kotalik to Alberta in return for Olli Jokinen and Prust.

A developing player with 115 NHL matches under his belt, Prust was given a chance to contribute...and contribute he did.

Prust’s game is simple and has few unnecessary parts in it. He works tirelessly, keeps his feet moving, delivers crunching body checks any chance he gets, and should someone in the lightweight to middleweight divisions get out of hand - keep the peace. Prust was assessed with 25 major penalties for fighting last season. Of those 25 times Prust bested his opponent or held his own 18 times (If you don’t believe me, check it out at hockeyfights.com). Prust took on the job of Sheriff of Rangertown after his predecessor, veteran tough guy Donald Brashear failed to keep the peace on Broadway. Prust sent the message that any grievous offenses against his Calgary and New York teammates would be unacceptable, with severe consequences for offenders.

In addition to the tough rugged game he plays, Prust also actually knows how to play hockey. Yes, hockey - skating, passing, and shooting. In his 26 matches with the Rangers, Prust scored 4 goals along with 5 assists for 9 points. Not bad for a tough guy. In addition, Prust finished +3 in plus minus, on a Ranger team that had a habit of bleeding goals at inopportune times.

Near the end of the season formed a potent checking line with Jody Shelley and rookie center Artem Anisimov that not only stayed the opposition, but also added goals. The Anisimov/Shelley/Prust line experiment was considered a limited success in a season where success often went wanting.

Prediction:

The Rangers opt to retain Prust.

The Rangers would be insane to not resign this player. Prust has proven his commitment to the Rangers, often with his own blood, bumps, and bruises. I believe that Prust would re-sign for a modest to decent raise, which I believe that he has earned. The bargaining leverage is a little bit in Prust’s favor as not only did he do very well in defending his teammates and add a bit of scoring, but that the Rangers don’t necessarily have a replacement enforcer on standby as Kris Newbury and Jody Shelley are also free agents with little organizational depth behind them in the tough guy department.