This series discusses New York Rangers' players who are currently unrestricted or restricted free agents, examining their unique situations from the player’s point of view. Today we examine the situations of unrestricted free agents John Mitchell and Kris Newbury.
John Mitchell, Center
Reasons to Stay:
Played 63 games with the Rangers this year and was solid, if unspectacular. Rangers are truly competing for the Stanley Cup now. The club seems to need him to win face-offs.
Reasons to Leave:
Plays only 10 minutes a game. At 27 years-old, Mitchell is unlikely to be pleased with a two-way contract offer. The Rangers currently have a dozen players under contract that play his position.
Analysis:
John Mitchell is a checking center, that can win face-offs. He plays about 10 minutes a game. He is a plus player. He is good for around 15 points a season. He hits, and can go to the net. Outside of these things, John Mitchell’s game is ordinary. His future with the Rangers depends on how quickly the Rangers’ young prospects develop that play his position.
Speculation:
The Rangers as a team, aren’t that great at winning face-offs. As long as none of the Rangers’ youthful prospects can better Mitchell’s skill set, his job is probably safe. The Rangers offer Mitchell roughly the same money as before on a 1 or 2-year deal. If the club’s young centers aren’t ready, he’ll continue to play with the Rangers. If Mitchell falters, or begins to get outplayed by younger players, he will see time on the farm at Hartford, and perhaps find himself on the trading block.
Kris Newbury, Center
Reasons to Stay:
If he is offered a renewal of his current contract, things aren’t likely to get much better at age 30.
Reasons to Leave:
Change of venue. May feel he is toiling in the vacuum of the AHL with no reward in sight.
Analysis:
Newbury is a point-a-game player in the AHL. The Connecticut Whale need him. He is experienced, and physical (averages about 3 minutes a game in penalties). Having said this, Newbury has only scored 1 assist in 18 matches for the Rangers over the last two seasons, and has trouble staying out of the penalty box. Although the Whale can’t spare him, the Rangers can. He has never scored more than 2 goals in an NHL season. The Rangers need Newbury as an injury fill-in, and to continue lighting the lamp in the AHL.
Speculation:
Rangers will offer Newbury a deal. Probably a 1-year renewal of his current contract. At this point in his career it may be the best offer he will get. Should Newbury begin to get consistently outplayed by one of the young prospects, he may become expendable.
Tomorrow’s segment will feature New York Rangers’ unrestricted free agents Andre Deveaux and Steve Eminger.
John Mitchell, Center
Reasons to Stay:
Played 63 games with the Rangers this year and was solid, if unspectacular. Rangers are truly competing for the Stanley Cup now. The club seems to need him to win face-offs.
Reasons to Leave:
Plays only 10 minutes a game. At 27 years-old, Mitchell is unlikely to be pleased with a two-way contract offer. The Rangers currently have a dozen players under contract that play his position.
Analysis:
John Mitchell is a checking center, that can win face-offs. He plays about 10 minutes a game. He is a plus player. He is good for around 15 points a season. He hits, and can go to the net. Outside of these things, John Mitchell’s game is ordinary. His future with the Rangers depends on how quickly the Rangers’ young prospects develop that play his position.
Speculation:
The Rangers as a team, aren’t that great at winning face-offs. As long as none of the Rangers’ youthful prospects can better Mitchell’s skill set, his job is probably safe. The Rangers offer Mitchell roughly the same money as before on a 1 or 2-year deal. If the club’s young centers aren’t ready, he’ll continue to play with the Rangers. If Mitchell falters, or begins to get outplayed by younger players, he will see time on the farm at Hartford, and perhaps find himself on the trading block.
Kris Newbury, Center
Reasons to Stay:
If he is offered a renewal of his current contract, things aren’t likely to get much better at age 30.
Reasons to Leave:
Change of venue. May feel he is toiling in the vacuum of the AHL with no reward in sight.
Analysis:
Newbury is a point-a-game player in the AHL. The Connecticut Whale need him. He is experienced, and physical (averages about 3 minutes a game in penalties). Having said this, Newbury has only scored 1 assist in 18 matches for the Rangers over the last two seasons, and has trouble staying out of the penalty box. Although the Whale can’t spare him, the Rangers can. He has never scored more than 2 goals in an NHL season. The Rangers need Newbury as an injury fill-in, and to continue lighting the lamp in the AHL.
Speculation:
Rangers will offer Newbury a deal. Probably a 1-year renewal of his current contract. At this point in his career it may be the best offer he will get. Should Newbury begin to get consistently outplayed by one of the young prospects, he may become expendable.
Tomorrow’s segment will feature New York Rangers’ unrestricted free agents Andre Deveaux and Steve Eminger.
No comments:
Post a Comment