Greetings and salutations everyone and welcome to another blog here on BlueCollarBlueShirts.com. Finally, a little down time!
Admittedly, there’s not much going on right now, but I did want to check in and catch up on some of the minor stories that have taken place during the past week.
Following the events of the 2023 Stanley Cup Final, the NHL Awards Show, the 2023 NHL Entry Draft, the first week of the free agency period and even a development camp too, a cavalcade of happenings all within a time-span of just three-weeks; the hockey world is now in a “state of cottage.” However, and before you know it, everything will rev up again, as teams open their rookie camps, their varsity camps and then get ready for the 2023-24 campaign.
But prior to jumping into all of the news that has yet to been covered on this site; a personal note camouflaged as a plug!
My upcoming new book, “The Top 100 Villains of New York Rangers History,” is complete!
The physical version of the book, which clocks in at 421 pages, is now in the hands of my editor for one last final read-through and after that – BOOM – I’ll have the book on sale.
For those wondering about the publication process, the file of the book is completely edited and formatted, but prior to releasing it, one last proofread of the physical version is required, just to ensure that there are no mistakes. After all, I don’t want to accept anyone’s money if this book isn’t perfect!
Sometime later this week, and as I have done in the past with my other books, I’ll post all of the pre-order information for anyone who wants signed copies. I will also post two free sample chapters – Mike Milbury and Jonathan Quick.
For those who don’t require my signature, the book will also be released on Amazon.com in eBook/Kindle, paperback and hardcover formats.
As previously mentioned on this site, the book is written to be humorous. While it gets serious at times, the objective of the book is to make everyone laugh, shake their heads and as a fan base, collectively commiserate together!
After all, “Misery Loves Company,” and the Rangers have sure provided their fair share of miserable moments – some self-inflicted and some events that were out of their own control.
And yes, because I know this will come up whenever writing any sort of “list” book – omissions are also brought up, so you don’t have to tell me about Ken Morrow, Joey Mullen, Jeff Skinner, Bill Torrey, etc.
Again, I’ll have all of the information about the book later this week for you.
But for now, and to just answer some of the questions that I have been receiving – just because these 100 names are the ones that are profiled – it also doesn’t mean this book is only exclusive to 100 names and events either.
In other words, yes, there are pages about James Dolan, Chris Drury, Jeff Gorton and many others included!
When I last left you (https://bluecollarblueshirts.com/7223/), Rangers’ general manager, Chris Drury, had just finished his pillaging of a senior citizen’s home.
After a busy day of free agency (Saturday, July 1st); just two days later, the Blueshirts held their annual development camp, where as usual, the franchise, despite having their own cable network and various different social media channels with streaming capabilities, decided not to air one second of the events, including the final scrimmage that was played on Wednesday, July 5th.
While the Rangers did post short interviews with their prospects on their official YouTube Page (you can watch them here: https://www.youtube.com/@nyrangers/videos ); really, not much was learned.
After all, how many times can you hear these young men say, “I want to work hard, I want to play hard, it’s my goal to play in the NHL one day” and blah-blah-blah?
If there was anything that entertained me during these videos, then it was this image, as Jed Ortmeyer, the club’s Director of Player Development, was giving the prospects a tour of M$G:
While Ortmeyer’s message was strong, and he did say what he was supposed to say; I did get a laugh at the “NO EXCUSES!” banner hanging by the locker room exit – and as if Chris Drury and company were Ted Lasso. (“BELIEVE!”)
Unlike AFC Richmond, the fictional soccer club that Jason Sudeikis’ titular character coached for three seasons – none of his players ran to management and tried to get him fired! In fact, when he left on his own accord, all of his players were heartbroken after losing Mr. Lasso from their lives!
(And can you imagine today’s Rangers playing under the hard-ass Roy Kent?)
For a team promoting the “NO EXCUSES” mantra, I guess that doesn’t apply to crying about your head coach!
In just a time-span of two-years (but three seasons), the Rangers are now on their third head coach, Peter Laviolette, following the 2021 firing of David Quinn and the 2023 firing of Gerard Gallant.
And one day, Laviolette, and just like the two men before him – will be fired too – following the abundance of tears pouring down the faces of his “FAT CATS.”
Perhaps a more accurate banner to hang in the Blueshirts’ locker room should read, “WHEN THE GOING GETS TOUGH, THE GOING CRIES TO THE GM ABOUT THE HC!”
Ugh!
And yep – I just finished writing a book about “Ranger Killers” and the worst 100 men and events in franchise history. In other words, bear with me, as I try to get out of that mentality and state of mind!
Like a method character actor, I’m a method character author!
Moving on.
At this time, two updates on two stories that I talked about last week.
The first update is an error on my part, as I confused the Rangers’ annual Rookie Camp games against the Flyers with the Development Camp.
While there are no prospect games from Development Camp between the two teams; the two warring squads of the “I-95 Rivalry” will feature their rookies in a pair of games this September.
As opposed to last year, both games will be held at the PPL Center in Lehigh Valley, PA. Previously, this was a home-and-home series, with the Rangers’ home game being played at their training facility in Tarrytown, NY.
The first game will be played on Friday, September 15th and the rematch will take place a day later on Saturday, September 16th.
As mentioned last week, the Flyers are usually pretty good about streaming these games, so Ranger fans should be able to catch these games on the internet should that so be their desire.
In addition, the Rangers, who always used to participate in the Detroit Red Wings’ sponsored “Traverse City Tournament,” will once again bypass this round-robin tourney this year, which is a tournament full of prospects, rookies and aspiring NHLers.
The last time the Blueshirts played in the tournament was in 2019, as that was when Ranger fans got a glimpse of Kaapo Kakko for the first time. After that, COVID-19, and you know the rest.
For those interested, the Traverse City Tournament, the 23rd rendition of it, starts on September 15th and runs through September 18th. Joining the host Red Wings in the tournament are the Blue Jackets, Stars, Blues and Maple Leafs.
In our second update, the Rangers, via their AHL affiliate, the Hartford Wolfpack, announced that the Cincinnati Cyclones will be their ECHL affiliate for the 2023-24 campaign. The team’s previous ECHL affiliate, the Jacksonville Icemen, have come to terms with the Buffalo Sabres for the 2023-24 season.
Here’s what the Wolfpack posted about the arrangement on their website (https://www.hartfordwolfpack.com/news/detail/rangers-enter-affiliation-agreement-with-echls-cincinnati-cyclones ) on July 5th:
HARTFORD, CT – New York Rangers President and General Manager Chris Drury announced today that the club has entered an affiliation agreement with the ECHL’s Cincinnati Cyclones. The Cyclones will function as a development affiliate for New York and the club’s primary developmental affiliate, the AHL’s Hartford Wolf Pack.
“The New York Rangers are excited to have reached an affiliate agreement with the Cincinnati Cyclones,” said Drury. “The organization constantly looks at the best ways to develop our prospects and we look forward to Cincinnati, as well as the continued support of the Hartford Wolf Pack, being a huge part of that process.”
The Cyclones play their home games at Heritage Bank Arena in Cincinnati, Ohio. The city has iced Cyclones teams with three separate franchises in two different leagues (IHL, ECHL). The modern era of Cyclones hockey began with the 2006-07 season when the Cyclones began playing in the ECHL for the second time.
“We’re elated and honored to be entering an affiliation with the New York Rangers,” said Cyclones Team President Ray Harris. “The Rangers bring with them a deep tradition of excellence on and off the ice. Our teams are united and share the common goal of developing players within a winning culture. We know this is the right move for our organization to help return a championship back to Cincinnati.”
Since returning to the league for the 2006-07 season, the Cyclones have claimed two Kelly Cup Championships (2008 and 2010), three E.A. “Bud” Gingher Memorial Trophies as Eastern Conference Champions (2008, 2010, and 2014), and two Brabham Cups as the league’s regular season points champion (2008 and 2019).
The Cyclones posted a record of 47-16-6-3 during the 2022-23 season, good for 103 points. The club defeated the Fort Wayne Komets in the opening round of the Kelly Cup Playoffs before falling to the Toledo Walleye in the Central Division Finals.
“I couldn’t be more excited to be able to say the Cyclones are the ECHL affiliate of the New York Rangers, an original six franchise,” said Cyclones Head Coach and Director of Hockey Operations Jason Payne.
“It doesn’t get much better than New York. We are proud to partner with such a prestigious organization. Their logo, along with ours, will be on full display in the room to represent family and a commitment to culture. We’re here to develop the next AHL and NHL players, and one of the first things our team will see when they enter the doors is the Wolf Pack and Rangers logos. That’s what it’s all about. Working hard every day to earn your opportunity at the next level. The Rangers have a storied history and we as an organization look forward to working with them to create more history.”
Notable Cyclones alumni include goaltender Cédrick Desjardins and forwards Greg Stewart, David Desharnais, and Byron Froese.
Desjardins played in 15 games with the Wolf Pack during the 2014-15 season, while Desharnais scored 28 points (6 g, 22 a) in 71 games with the Rangers during the 2017-18 campaign.
As mentioned last week, NHL clubs routinely changing their ECHL affiliate teams is commonplace.
Good luck to the Cyclones, as the Blueshirts continue to jump all over the country with their minor-league associations.
At the present moment, it looks like the Rangers pretty much have their 2023-24 roster set, but there are still three dominoes left to fall.
The Blueshirts’ two restricted free agents, both K’Andre Miller and Alexis Lafreniere, remain unsigned. Previously, Drury said that he intended to keep both of them. It should also be mentioned that neither player received an offer-sheet either.
The third player in limbo is Vladimir Tarasenko.
While Drury would have to move some mountains in order to keep Tarasenko around (and it was always thought that VT91 was going to be a rental anyway – and not return for the 2023-24 season due to the Rangers’ salary-cap issues); on July 5th, the Russian fired his agent, Paul Theofanous and then hired Pat Brisson of CAA to represent him.
Of note: Brisson is also the agent of Patrick Kane.
According to the reports out of Canada, Tarasenko had several different offers on the table, including both one-year and multi-year deals, where in one deal (the team wasn’t specified but it was thought to be the Carolina Hurricanes), the right-winger would be paid $6,000,000 for the 2023-24 season.
No one knows what Tarasenko is thinking right now.
At the age of 31-years-old, the 2019 Stanley Cup champion has already earned roughly $65,000,000 during his career. In other words, it’s safe to assume that he’s already set for life.
As an outsider-looking-in, I guess it all comes down to money versus winning for Tarasenko.
Since he’s not a veteran chasing a Stanley Cup, he could always take a huge deal from one of the league’s worst teams, such as Chicago or Arizona, since they have the cap-dollars to afford him. Then, if it doesn’t work out, then a team like the Coyotes could do what they always do – assume half of his contract following a trade.
If winning Stanley Cup number two is more important than money for him, then he could always sign a cheap contract with a contender.
Perhaps his best bet is signing a one-year deal with a club, because after this season, the salary-cap will significantly increase, thus giving him more options and suitors next summer.
But at his age, he may be looking to cash out and be secure, rather than risking a “prove-it” deal.
After all, and as many hockey players have said over the years, including Rangers’ captain Jacob Trouba – “Your next game is never guaranteed.” Injuries can always take place.
Currently, it’s being suggested that Tarasenko, who allegedly spurned the Hurricanes, is waiting for the Alex Debrincat fall-out to take place in Ottawa. Once Debrincat is gone, then the Senators could possibly offer a contract that Tarasenko desires.
UPDATE: Just as I hit the publish button on this blog, Debrincat was traded to the Red Wings. In turn, the option for Tarasenko to sign with the Senators this week, should that be his wish, is now a real possibility.
And yep, and for the 789678696787896978th time on this site – I just wish that the Rangers could bring him back.
Who knows, the possibility is still there, albeit at a tiny percentage of probability.
At this time, let’s rapid-fire through some of the alumni.
On Thursday, July 6th, former Rangers’ head coach, the 62-year-old Alain Vigneault, announced his retirement during an interview with the Journal de Quebec.
AV cited a desire to enjoy his life, play golf and not deal with the high stress levels that a NHL head coaching job creates.
Plus – the Flyers are still paying him $5,000,000 a year – and as they will until 2025. Not bad work if you can get it!
While AV did sound adamant about retiring – I wouldn’t be surprised to see him return one day either (only after his Flyers’ contract expires).
After all, he has never won the Stanley Cup and that could be an incentive for him. If AV had a Stanley Cup ring on his finger, then I’d be 100% sold on his retirement.
As they say, “we’ll see.”
An ultimate “Ranger Killer” and a former Blueshirt himself, goaltender Jaroslav Halak, is still without a team for the 2023-24 season.
At 38-years-old, Halak is currently five wins shy (295) of becoming the 40th goaltender in NHL history to win 300 games.
However, this eventual milestone won’t be taking place while as a Ranger – but I wouldn’t be surprised to see him notch win #300 on MSG ice either – as a visitor.
It’s just what “The Halak Ness Monster” does – has the best games of his life against the Blueshirts!
Vinni Lettieri, who I always liked with my bias for his surname aside, got married on Saturday, July 8th.
At the wedding was his former Ranger teammate, Jimmy Vesey.
Congratulations to the former #95 of the Rangers – and a player who really never got a shot in New York for whatever reason.
Another former Ranger, who did get many shots, Julien Gauthier, is now with the New York Islanders.
On July 5th, the former Blueshirt who was traded for Tyler Motte on February 19th, signed a two-year deal worth $1,575,000 with Long Island Lou.
Motte, presently a “former two-time Ranger;” remains unsigned.
Prediction: Motte takes the money somewhere else and then Drury makes it a hat trick and trades for him at the 2024 NHL Trade Deadline.
The alleged trade of Philadelphia’s Tony DeAngelo to Carolina has not yet taken place.
After having their original deal nixed by the league a few weeks back, it was thought that this trade would be announced on July 8th, as that was the date where the two teams could legally make this transaction, following the DeAngelo trade made between these two teams from one-year prior.
While the smart money is on the trade going through; the Hurricanes, along with the Penguins, have been reported as searching for a third-partner, in a potential three-way trade with San Jose for the undeserving 2023 Norris Trophy winner, Erik Karlsson.
With not much else going on, outside of doing the silly and pandering “PROPOZED LINEZ” stuff that everyone else does at this time of year; I’m going to uncharacteristically cut this blog short!
After all, I have to go into promoter mode and start getting everything ready for the release of “The Top 100 Villains of New York Rangers History.”
I’ll be back later this week with all of the information on the title, and should some major news break in-between, I’ll return before that.
Put on that sunscreen!
PLUGS TIME! (Buy a book and support my Rangers’ induced therapy bills. After all, I don’t run ads on this site!)
My first plug of tonight’s blog – the mandatory plug for my book, “The New York Rangers Rink of Honor and the Rafters of Madison Square Garden.”
As mentioned previously, the book is now available in hardcover, in paperback and in Kindle formats. To purchase a copy of the book, visit this link:
https://www.amazon.com/Rangers-Rafters-Madison-Square-Garden-ebook/dp/B09CM5N2WD
For those still looking for signed paperback versions of the book, I have re-ordered more copies. I now have a few signed copies for sale at $25 a pop (includes shipping price) through me directly. Here is all the information on that:
Order “The New York Rangers Rink of Honor and the Rafters of Madison Square Garden” Book Today
My four-volume set of books, “One Game at a Time – A Season to Remember,” is a game-by-game recount of the Rangers 2021-22 campaign.
My second title as an author, “One Game at a Time – A Season to Remember,” is now available in eBook, paperback and hardcover formats.
To obtain signed copies, visit: https://bluecollarblueshirts.com/onegamebook/
To purchase all four volumes on Amazon, visit: Amazon.com – “One Game at a Time.”
The greatest volume-set of books on Rangers’ history today!
“Tricks of the Trade – A Century-Long Journey Through Every Trade Made In New York Rangers’ History,” a four-volume set of books that meticulously covers every trade made in franchise history, is now on sale.
All four volumes of the title can be purchased on Amazon.com and are presented in three different formats – eBook, paperback and hardcover.
To purchase Volume I: Conn Smythe (1926) – Craig Patrick (1986), visit Amazon.com
To purchase Volume II: Phil Esposito (1986) – Neil Smith (2000), visit Amazon.com
To purchase Volume III: Glen Sather (2000-2015), visit Amazon.com
To purchase Volume IV: Jeff Gorton (2015) – Chris Drury (2022), visit Amazon.com
To purchase signed copies of all four volumes, visit https://bluecollarblueshirts.com/tricksofthetrade/
Here are my last few blogs, in case you missed them:
“The Six-Figure Dollar Man” Chris Drury Hits the Discount Rack at the Senior Center; Shrewdly Signs Nine Players; A Look at the 2023-24 Roster, “Pizza Man” Finally Speaks to His State Media; Lashes Out, Goodrow Makes Fools of Reporters Too, “Rate Limit Exceeded”: Twitter Finds a Fine Time to Crap Out, All the Big NHL FA Signings, New ECHL Affiliate Needed, Giannone Hacked, Fischler & More
Gabriel Perreault’s First Interview as a Ranger; Roving Ricky O. Gets the Scoop, The Blueshirts’ Draft Class of 2023 & More
Complete 2023 NHL Draft Coverage & Thoughts; Rangers Select Gabriel Perreault in First-Round; What’s Next For Him, “Pizza Man” Chris Drury Won’t Serve ESPN’s Emily Kaplan a Slice; The Trades and No Trades Made, NYR Future & More
Jim Ramsay Joins Jeff Gorton in Montreal; Roving Ricky O’s Scoop on Rammer’s Firing, Rangers Release 2023-24 Schedule; Lots of Saturday Games for Road-Trippers & More
If you haven’t already, subscribe to this blog for the next update:
Don’t forget to order my recently released four-volume set of books, “Tricks of the Trade!”
If you don’t order through me, all four volumes are now available on Amazon.com
For more details, check out: https://bluecollarblueshirts.com/tricksofthetrade/
Thanks for reading.
LET’S GO RANGERS!
Sean McCaffrey
BULLSMC@aol.com
@NYCTHEMIC on the Tweeter machine
