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 examine the situations of restricted free agents Francois Bouchard, and Andreas Thuresson.
Francois Bouchard, Forward
Reasons to Stay:
Thinks he has a shot to hunt Stanley Cups with the Rangers.
Reasons to Leave:
Makes $70K/year in the AHL with not a sniff of NHL ice-time.
Analysis:
Bouchard comes out of the successful AHL club of Washington Capitals, the Hershey Bears. Although he didn’t play in the Calder Cup for the Whale this spring, Bouchard was good enough for 10 points and held his own defensively (-1 +/- rating). Does a decent job of staying out of the box. Scored a high of 21 goals at Hershey, and 45 for his junior team of
Baie-Comeau.
Speculation:
The talent level is there but does Bouchard want to enlist in John Tortorella’s army? I predict that Rangers offer a one year extension of Bouchard’s current deal.
Andreas Thuresson, Forward
Reasons to Stay:
Thinks he can make the Rangers out of training camp this fall.
Reasons to Leave:
Thinks he can’t make the Rangers out of training camp this fall, and doesn’t want to stay at the Connecticut Whale.
Analysis:
Played 73 games for the Whale with decent numbers last season (13-8, 21). Scored a goal and two assists in the Calder Cup. Is big enough to rumble with the NHL’s cadre of agitators, but with hands that score lovely goals.
Speculation:
Rangers should offer a one year two-way contract. Thuresson is developing, and maybe has a place in Manhattan.
Reasons to Stay:
Thinks he has a shot to hunt Stanley Cups with the Rangers.
Reasons to Leave:
Makes $70K/year in the AHL with not a sniff of NHL ice-time.
Analysis:
Bouchard comes out of the successful AHL club of Washington Capitals, the Hershey Bears. Although he didn’t play in the Calder Cup for the Whale this spring, Bouchard was good enough for 10 points and held his own defensively (-1 +/- rating). Does a decent job of staying out of the box. Scored a high of 21 goals at Hershey, and 45 for his junior team of
Baie-Comeau.
Speculation:
The talent level is there but does Bouchard want to enlist in John Tortorella’s army? I predict that Rangers offer a one year extension of Bouchard’s current deal.
Andreas Thuresson, Forward
Reasons to Stay:
Thinks he can make the Rangers out of training camp this fall.
Reasons to Leave:
Thinks he can’t make the Rangers out of training camp this fall, and doesn’t want to stay at the Connecticut Whale.
Analysis:
Played 73 games for the Whale with decent numbers last season (13-8, 21). Scored a goal and two assists in the Calder Cup. Is big enough to rumble with the NHL’s cadre of agitators, but with hands that score lovely goals.
Speculation:
Rangers should offer a one year two-way contract. Thuresson is developing, and maybe has a place in Manhattan.
Tomorrow’s segment will feature New York Rangers’ restricted free agents Michael Del Zotto, and Anton Stralman.
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