New York Rangers: Should I Stay or Should I Go? 2012
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 Andre Deveaux and Steve Eminger
Andre Deveaux, Forward
Reasons to Stay:
The Rangers may be on the verge of winning silverware. Played a big role in Connecticut Whale’s season and Calder Cup run. Played 9 games with the Rangers. His last contract with the organization was a pretty sweet deal.
Reasons to Leave:
Thinks he can get more NHL ice time with another club.
Analysis:
Not only does Deveaux have a hard edge to his game (29 minutes in penalities for Rangers, 157 PIM for Connecticut Whale), but he can also score goals (20 goals and 40 points in 59 games for the Whale, also scored 2 goals in Calder Cup). There was an incident, while playing for the Rangers, where Deveaux served a 3 match ban for an illegal check to the head. He was sent to the Whale after this infraction and did not return to the big club. He skates, scores, hits, creates goals for his teammates, and when provoked can handle himself with the gloves off.
Speculation:
Deveaux’ scoring rate and toughness in the AHL merits a second look and the Rangers offer him a 2-3 year deal. This deal may include a slightly higher AHL salary as Deveaux hit 20 goals for the Whale last season. It’s sensible for the Rangers to sign him as he would be an insurance policy should Mike Rupp become injured.
Steve Eminger, Defense
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 Andre Deveaux and Steve Eminger
Andre Deveaux, Forward
Reasons to Stay:
The Rangers may be on the verge of winning silverware. Played a big role in Connecticut Whale’s season and Calder Cup run. Played 9 games with the Rangers. His last contract with the organization was a pretty sweet deal.
Reasons to Leave:
Thinks he can get more NHL ice time with another club.
Analysis:
Not only does Deveaux have a hard edge to his game (29 minutes in penalities for Rangers, 157 PIM for Connecticut Whale), but he can also score goals (20 goals and 40 points in 59 games for the Whale, also scored 2 goals in Calder Cup). There was an incident, while playing for the Rangers, where Deveaux served a 3 match ban for an illegal check to the head. He was sent to the Whale after this infraction and did not return to the big club. He skates, scores, hits, creates goals for his teammates, and when provoked can handle himself with the gloves off.
Speculation:
Deveaux’ scoring rate and toughness in the AHL merits a second look and the Rangers offer him a 2-3 year deal. This deal may include a slightly higher AHL salary as Deveaux hit 20 goals for the Whale last season. It’s sensible for the Rangers to sign him as he would be an insurance policy should Mike Rupp become injured.
Steve Eminger, Defense
Reasons to Stay:
Likes to play for Rangers’ coach John Tortorella. Rangers on the verge of silverware.
Reasons to Leave:
Another club offers him a wheelbarrow full of money to play NHL hockey. The Rangers have a group of young defensemen that could displace him if they demonstrate anything close to consistency in training camp this fall.
Analysis: Eminger, 28, is steady if not extraordinary. His defensive game has improved from his work two seasons ago and played 42 games for the Rangers last season. He doesn’t score much, but plays with the gift of controlled aggression while avoiding the penalty box (less than a penalty minute a game last season) that coach Tortorella seems to value so greatly. Doesn’t play much on power play/shorthanded situations. A decent 3rd pair defenseman.
Speculation:
The Rangers offer a 1-2 year renewal of his last contract. If the kids on the farm displace him in training camp, there are a number of NHL teams that might be interested in acquiring him for a draft pick or prospect. Should Mike Sauer return from injury, Erixon or McIlrath impress in training camp, there won’t be much space for Eminger in Manhattan.
Tomorrow’s segment will feature New York Rangers’ unrestricted free agents Jeff Woywitka and John Scott.
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