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

The final segment features restricted free agents Matt McCue & Pavel Valentenko.


Matt McCue, Defense/Left Wing

Reasons to stay – A contract offer of any kind from the Rangers means they’re still interested in McCue.

Reasons to leave – None.

Analysis – Played in 43 games for the Dayton Gems of the CHL. Did not get any matches at the ECHL or AHL level.

Speculation – McCue seems to have fallen off of the club’s radar. With so many young forwards heading up to Connecticut for this fall, you have to wonder where a player like McCue will fit in. I anticipate that no contract will be offered to McCue for the purpose of releasing him from the club.


Pavel Valentenko, Defense

Reasons to stay – Is getting close, so close, to breaking into the Rangers’ 7 defense spots.

Reasons to leave – Maybe doesn’t want to sign a two-way NHL contract at 27 years old. Absence of a substantial AHL raise on a two-way contract offer. Probably has a place to go play in the KHL for a better wage than the $62.5K U.S. he was making at Connecticut.

Analysis – After two seasons of part time duty at Dynamo Moscow, Valentenko put together a very sharp year at the Wolf Pack/Whale. Played 79 matches scoring 17 points and was +21. Played all 6 Calder Cup matches for the Whale. Valentenko can expect to press for a place amongst the current log jam of qualified defensemen this fall at the Rangers’ training camp. Valentenko has not once played for the New York Rangers.

Speculation – The Rangers would be foolish to not retain the services of Valentenko, 23, who is putting in the yeoman’s work to earn a place with the New York Rangers. Rangers offer Valentenko a two-way deal with significant AHL pay bump. If Valentenko and his agent balk at the Rangers’ offer, Sather might try to deal the rights to Valentenko at the draft in an attempt to gain an early round pick.


This ends this summer's edition of Should I Stay or Should I Go? Stay tuned, watch this space.