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 Jeff Woywitka and John Scott.
Jeff Woywitka, Defense
Reasons to Stay:
Woywitka really, really likes New York and Connecticut.
Reasons to Leave:
Not likely to get much playing time at NHL level. Not likely to get much AHL playing time, as ice time on the farm is divided amongst the Rangers’ future stars. Was on a one year two-way contract as he was needed while Marc Staal recovered from his concussion.
Analysis:
Woywitka played 27 games for the Rangers last season as an injury replacement for the recovering Marc Staal. Woywitka is a steady blueliner who can occasionally score a goal, but has never scored more than three in an NHL season. He is big (6’3”, 227) and skates well. A consistent if unremarkable defender. Is consistently a plus player. Stays out of the penalty box.
Speculation:
With Staal healthy, Michael Sauer hopefully on the mend, and several young defense prospects hammering at the door to Manhattan, Woywitka faces the possibility of being cover at the NHL level, or more likely - demoted to Connecticut. Rangers aren’t likely to offer Woywitka a contract renewal.
John Scott, Defense
Reasons to Stay:
The Rangers offer him a contract.
Reasons to Leave:
He only played 6 games for the Rangers all season.
Analysis:
John Scott’s skill set is that he is immense (6’ 8”, 270 pounds), and is positively inclined to beat the pulp out of anyone that takes liberties with his teammates (1 goal, 5 points, and 236 minutes in penalties in 146 NHL matches). Played no matches in the Rangers’ Stanley Cup run. Ultimately: Brawn plus, skill minus.
Speculation:
The Rangers’ are unlikely to pay Scott $500,000 on a one-way contract to simply intimidate the crap out of everyone - provided that he can catch up to them to do so. Therefore, the Rangers are unlikely to offer him a contract.
The next segment will feature New York Rangers’ unrestricted free agents Brendan Bell, and Martin Biron.
Jeff Woywitka, Defense
Reasons to Stay:
Woywitka really, really likes New York and Connecticut.
Reasons to Leave:
Not likely to get much playing time at NHL level. Not likely to get much AHL playing time, as ice time on the farm is divided amongst the Rangers’ future stars. Was on a one year two-way contract as he was needed while Marc Staal recovered from his concussion.
Analysis:
Woywitka played 27 games for the Rangers last season as an injury replacement for the recovering Marc Staal. Woywitka is a steady blueliner who can occasionally score a goal, but has never scored more than three in an NHL season. He is big (6’3”, 227) and skates well. A consistent if unremarkable defender. Is consistently a plus player. Stays out of the penalty box.
Speculation:
With Staal healthy, Michael Sauer hopefully on the mend, and several young defense prospects hammering at the door to Manhattan, Woywitka faces the possibility of being cover at the NHL level, or more likely - demoted to Connecticut. Rangers aren’t likely to offer Woywitka a contract renewal.
John Scott, Defense
Reasons to Stay:
The Rangers offer him a contract.
Reasons to Leave:
He only played 6 games for the Rangers all season.
Analysis:
John Scott’s skill set is that he is immense (6’ 8”, 270 pounds), and is positively inclined to beat the pulp out of anyone that takes liberties with his teammates (1 goal, 5 points, and 236 minutes in penalties in 146 NHL matches). Played no matches in the Rangers’ Stanley Cup run. Ultimately: Brawn plus, skill minus.
Speculation:
The Rangers’ are unlikely to pay Scott $500,000 on a one-way contract to simply intimidate the crap out of everyone - provided that he can catch up to them to do so. Therefore, the Rangers are unlikely to offer him a contract.
The next segment will feature New York Rangers’ unrestricted free agents Brendan Bell, and Martin Biron.
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