Tuesday, June 5, 2012

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 restricted free agents Brandon Prust and Casey Wellman.

Brandon Prust, Forward

Reasons to Stay:
A vital part of the Rangers’ first team.

Reasons to Leave:
None that I can think of.

Analysis:
Brandon Prust has the heart of a lion.  He works tirelessly, and takes on anyone who threatens his teammates.  In addition to this he skates hard, hits, goes to the net, scores and sets up goals (5 goals, 17 points, and 1 goal, 2 points in the Stanley Cup).  He is worth every penny the club pays him.

Speculation:
The Rangers will tender a qualifying offer to Prust.  He would be foolish not to accept.  It would be silly to drag out negotiations as restricted free agents have limited bargaining power, with their only leverage being to hold out.  This would be disruptive, and accomplish nothing.  Prust’s worth is clear.  The Rangers will eventually reward him.

Casey Wellman, Forward

Reasons to Stay:
At 24 years old, the Rangers’ organization is a good place to land for Wellman.

Reasons to Leave:
It is unlikely Wellman will move to another club, or that he should want to.

Analysis:   Successful season with the Connecticut Whale (Rangers’ AHL affiliate), scoring 9 goals, 22 points in 31 games, and starring in the Calder Cup scoring 4 goals, 9 points in 9 games.  Has some size, skates well.

Speculation:
Wellman had a good year for the Whale.  Rangers will tender a qualifying offer for a forward that scores and stays out of the penalty box.



Tomorrow’s segment will feature New York Rangers’ restricted free agents Francois Bouchard and Andreas Thuresson.

Announcement - Rangers’ restricted free agent Mats Zuccarello-Aasen has signed with Metalurg Magnitogorsk of the KHL  on a 1 year contract.  I am annoyed that he did so before I could predict his departure.  I felt that he had been given limited chances with the Rangers this season (10 matches), after having played 42 matches with the big club the year before.  The arrival of Kreider and Hagelin has made Zuccarello expendable.

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