Just put your stick on the puck...

The next hockey season is a long way away but July 1st always kicks of a flurry of action as it is the start of the free agency period. My New York Rangers made a big splash signing two of the biggest players-- Scott Gomez and Chris Drury.

I'm happy with both those signings. I think Gomez is a great playmaker and will do a great job with Jagr on his wing (then again, I could do a great job with Jagr on my wing). He always was a pain in the ass when the Devils played the Rangers in the past and I hope that continues now that he is wearing the red, white, and blue jersey (a new jersey if you will... yay! bad puns!). That is what makes the signing of Gomez better-- not just that we are getting a great player but that Scott's defection from the Devils cripples a division rival.

Chris Drury is Mr. Clutch and there is no one better to have out on the ice when the game is on the line. He is a very good player and will be a benefit to the Rangers. I would have preferred the Rangers re-signing Nylander and adding Gomez rather than Gomez and Drury though. It would have saved us over $2 million a year in cap space and would have been a smaller transition in personnel. But since that ship has sailed (Nylander's ship going down to Washington), there is nothing I can do. I think Drury will do well but won't be worth the $2 million premium.

The Rangers, however, are still stronger today than they were a few days ago and it should be an exciting season. I'm guessing the Rangers win the Atlantic division with the Penguins close behind, followed by a large gap. Philly will just get into the playoffs, the Islanders will be a few spots out and the Devils will finally plummet. They will be this year as the Flyers were last year, bringing up the rear of the Eastern Conference. Brodeur is getting to old to carry that team anymore.

My guess on the end of season stat line for the two newest Rangers:
Gomez 77-26-66-92 +25
Drury 80-32-38-70 +9

I will miss Nylander as he was one of my favorite players. He was always dedicated and gave it his all even if his style was sometimes maddening. He landed in a good spot and should enjoy have Ovechkin on his wing. Good luck Swedish Gretzky.

As much as I don't like the Ranges letting Nylander go, it was just plain stupid letting Jed Ortmeyer walk. He might not have been the best offensive player but he was a defensive stalwart and a heart and soul player. Even though he wasn't setting the score sheet on fire, he set personal records for points in a greatly curtailed season. He battled back from a life threatening condition and still played with reckless abandon. No one puts his body on the line to block a shot like Ortmeyer. He could never finish a breakaway but it was always good to see him get one. Hollweg or Orr should have been shown the door instead of him, but he never complained about the situation. Nashville is getting a heck of a guy. Good luck future Lady Bing winner.

The Rangers need to go out and sign their remaining RFAs-- the King needs a long term contract. The next few days will still hold a number of interesting stories but after that there is a long, warm night until the ice comes back. Is it September yet? Let's go Rangers.