New York Rangers: Should I Stay or Should I Go?

This feature examines the free agent scenario of New Y0rk Rangers players that are currently out of contract. Today's segment examines the situations of John Mitchell & Tysen Dowzak.


John Mitchell, Center/Wing

Reasons to stay – Thinks the Rangers are on their way to a brighter future and wants to be a part of it.

Reasons to leave – Mitchell, 26, probably doesn’t want to sign a two-way contract at this stage in his career.

Analysis – Although Mitchell has 159 NHL matches under his belt, he finished the year with the Connecticut Whale in the AHL where he scored 12 points in 14 games. He did not once play for the Rangers last season. Mitchell is a lower line forward. The Rangers have a ton of depth with this type of player, but not so many with the amount of NHL match experience that Mitchell has. The Rangers picked up Mitchell from Toronto late in February for a 7th round 2012 draft pick. Mitchell was a playoff ace for the Whale playing all 6 Calder Cup games scoring 6 points along the way. His NHL point production curve has plummeted over his three NHL seasons.

Speculation – All depends on whether the Rangers believe that Mitchell is in their future plans and/or which other free agent forwards leave the club. He will likely have to sign a two-way contract to stay in New York if all the other forwards stay. At the age of 26 I doubt Mitchell has any intention of signing a two-way deal. Club and player may choose to part ways.



Tysen Dowzak, Defense

Reasons to stay – If the Rangers offer Dowzak any sort of deal at all, he should sign quickly before the club changes its mind.

Reasons to leave – None. The Rangers are nurturing a long-term project with Dowzak. He needs the Rangers more than the Rangers need him.

Analysis – Dowzak, 23, played the entire 2010-11 season with the Dayton Gems of the CHL. He is a prospect that is falling off of the Rangers’ radar quickly. The Rangers have a ton of depth at defense.

Speculation – Rangers allow Dowzak to remain a restricted free agent as a means of releasing him from the organization.


Tomorrow's final segment of "Should I Stay or Should I Go?" features RFAs Matt McCue & Pavel Valentenko.