Rangers could deal for Smyth: source
If Rangers general manager Glen Sather is interested in reuniting with Ryan Smyth by acquiring Edmonton’s veteran left wing to bolster the attack, the feeling may well be a reciprocal one, The Post has learned.
A well-placed source told The Post that Smyth, who was drafted sixth overall in 1994 by Sather and then played the first five years under his direction while he was general manager of the Oilers, would give serious consideration to waiving his no-move clause in order to pursue a Cup on Broadway.
Rangers Have Too Many ForwardsUnlike the Devils, whom they visit at Prudential Center on Tuesday night for the first of five remaining games this season, the Rangers have a problem unique to N.H.L. teams as the calendar turns to February: a roster logjam.
This is especially the case at forward, where John Tortorella’s club has 14 players on the roster. Coaches usually dress 12 forwards and 6 defensemen in each game; sometimes they play 11 and 7.
Erik Christensen has returned to the Rangers’ roster after a conditioning stint with the minor league affiliate in Connecticut. Christensen, who has been unable to claim a spot on Tortorella’s top three lines but is valuable as a substitute and for his prowess in the shootout, has not played for the Rangers since Dec. 17.
Rangers must shore up defenseThe Rangers have depth on defense, including Steve Eminger, sidelined with a separated shoulder, and Jeff Woywitka, who presumably would play tomorrow night if McDonagh can’t go against the Jets at the Garden.
So the charge for Sather is not to find just any defenseman, but one Tortorella will trust for major minutes down the stretch.
Rangers keeping Avery from other NHL teamsSean Avery will remain a member of the AHL Whale for the time being despite the fact the Rangers have been asked by a NHL club to place the exiled winger on re-entry waivers, The Post has learned.
Sources have told The Post general manager Glen Sather rejected that request, instead offering to trade Avery in a minor-league deal under which the Rangers would take back additional dollars but the responsibility for placing Avery on re-entry would then pass to the acquiring club that would then bear the burden of carrying dead salary-cap space upon a claim.
tsn.ca - RANGERS PLACE AVERY ON WAIVERS FOR SECOND TIMEThe New York Rangers have placed Sean Avery on waivers for the second time this season.
If the veteran forward goes unclaimed by the other 29 NHL teams, he can be sent to the American Hockey League's Connecticut Whale on Saturday.
Rangers have interest in Ducks' RyanRangers general manager Glen Sather has been in touch with Anaheim counterpart Bob Murray regarding the availability of 24-year-old power winger Bobby Ryan, The Post has learned.
It is unclear whether Sather is simply conducting due diligence regarding Ryan, who is being dangled by the skidding Ducks, or whether discussions have evolved beyond the tire-kicking stage.
RANGERS TO PLACE AVERY ON RE-ENTRY WAIVERS MONDAYSean Avery could be on his way back to the New York Rangers.
According to multiple reports, the Rangers will place Sean Avery on re-entry waivers Monday.
Another team could claim Avery and have him for a portion of his salary and cap hit. However, the report suggests it would be unlikely to happen.
Rangers looking for a dman?Facing the prospect of perhaps playing the first month of the season without Marc Staal, the Rangers have reopened discussions with 32-year-old free agent defenseman Paul Mara, The Post has learned.
If a contract agreement is reached, the idea would be for Mara, who played 156 games for the Rangers from late in 2006-07 through 2008-09, to join the club in New York on Monday after it returns from Europe.
RANGERS PLACE CONTROVERSIAL FORWARD AVERY ON WAIVERSSean Avery's days in New York appear to be over with the news that he was placed on waivers by the Rangers on Tuesday.
If he clears, the Rangers could send him to their American Hockey League affiliate in Hartford. According to his agent Pat Morris, playing in Europe is among his other options.
Richards, Gaborik developing chemistry for RangersIt was just the Rangers’ first exhibition game, only the first time Brad Richards and Marian Gaborik played together against what coach John Tortorella likes to call, "different colors," but there’s little doubt that the elite dispatcher and world-class sniper are going to combine to present a world of trouble for opponents.
Richards will carry the puck. Gaborik will look for seams and to jump into openings. The left wing on the first line — a true blue first line the club has lacked since Tortorella arrived two-thirds of the way through 2008-09 — will be a complementary piece, whether it’s Wojtek Wolski or a forward to named later.
