Today we examine the situations of New York Rangers unrestricted free agents Jeremy Williams & Chad Kolarik.
Jeremy Williams, Right Wing
Reasons to stay – Has enjoyed success at AHL level with Connecticut Whale. He was making about $200K/season playing AHL hockey. As real-world salaries go, that’s not too bad.
Reasons to leave – When Rangers experienced severe injury attrition during the 2010-11 NHL campaign, they did not call upon Williams to step in and help carry the load in Manhattan – Perhaps management lacks confidence in Williams? Williams has only played one game for the parent club in which he played less than 5 minutes. Isn’t going to want to sign another 2-way contract. At 27 years-old maybe Williams would like to go somewhere he can play a full year of NHL hockey.
Analysis – Played 75 games for the Wolf Pack/Whale, and appears to be a player the organization needs. The Rangers have had difficulty scoring goals, especially on the power play. Williams scored 15 power play goals last season for the Wolf Pack/Whale. Williams was the Wolf Pack/Whale’s leading goal scorer with 32, and second in scoring with 55 points. Essentially, the Rangers need to decide if they think Williams can replicate his AHL scoring in Manhattan.
Speculation – Rangers offer two-way contract for 1-2 years, entry level at maybe as much as $600K/NHL and $250K/AHL. Williams and his agent balk. Williams moves on as an unrestricted free agent. Hopefully he won’t sign with the Islanders as P.A. Parenteau did last season when the Rangers wouldn’t pony up the cash/ice time to keep him.
Chad Kolarik, Center/Wing
Reasons to stay – Got 4 games and 1 assist during the Rangers’ mid-season injury attrition. At 25 can afford to sign a two-way deal for one or two more seasons. The Connecticut Whale is about to be reinforced with a number of very young talented forwards that may precipitate a deeper Calder Cup run.
Reasons to leave – Not getting any younger and has a total of only 6 NHL games in pro experience. That’s gotta be getting stale after toiling on the farm for 4 years. The Connecticut Whale is about to be reinforced with a number of very young talented forwards. Made $62,500 playing mostly minor league hockey last season. Probably wants to make more.
Analysis – Kolarik finished 6th in scoring for the Wolf Pack/Whale during the 2010-11 season. Kolarik scored 21 goals (including 6 on the power play), for second in the team behind Wolf Pack/Whale goals leader Jeremy Williams.
Speculation – Kolarik’s situation is very similar to that of Jeremy Williams with the only difference is that Kolarik is a bit younger. Kolarik is a proven AHL level player, but will that translate to NHL success. I believe that the Rangers will offer a two-way contract. If that contract is a one year deal that respects his contributions thus far (i.e. an AHL salary of more than $62,000/season) perhaps Kolarik will sign it. I believe that Kolarik will test unrestricted free agency, and that one of the 29 NHL teams will offer him a better situation than the New York Rangers. Too close to call, Kolarik probably walks. Hopefully he doesn’t sign with the Islanders, Devils, Penguins, or Flyers.
Tomorrow's segment will feature unrestricted free agents Bryan McCabe & Steve Eminger
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