Tyler Motte Takes His Apple Sauce to Ottawa; Who the Rangers Have to Replace Him, Zac Jones Embraces Rangers’ Rookie Camp; Vin Trocheck Looking for a Friend, NYR Streaming Issues, Sample Chapter of “Tricks of the Trade,” Tom Poti, “The Fly Line” & More

Greetings and salutations everyone and welcome to another blog here on BlueCollarBlueShirts.com. The New York Rangers are skating, rookie camp has opened up, and come Monday September 26th – the Rangers and Islanders will skate in their first preseason game. Where has the time gone?

I’ll save tonight’s “DIARY” segment for you at the end of this blog, but as a preview, my upcoming four-volume set of books, “Tricks of the Trade – A Century-Long Journey Through Every Trade Made In New York Rangers’ History,” the title that I’ve been hyping up for nearly a year now, is almost at the finish line.

Here’s a sneak preview of the cover art for Volume I of the title, a volume that covers the years of 1926-1986 (Conn Smythe through Craig Patrick):

More on this title, and my current four-volume set that’s now on sale, “One Game at a Time – A Season to Remember,” at the end of tonight’s blog, including a free sample chapter – the day when Mike York and Tom Poti changed jerseys!

Moving on!

After many months of speculation, it was confirmed on Wednesday, September 14th, where Tyler Motte will be spending the 2022-23 season. Motte is now the latest piece that Senators’ general manager, Pierre Dorion, has acquired this off-season, following the two parties agreeing to a one-year deal worth $1,350,000.

Motte, along with Cam Talbot, Claude Giroux and Alex DeBrincat, is one of the four new big faces in Ottawa.

While signing Motte isn’t the reason why I feel this way (I have previously made this statement in my articles for Stan Fischler), but I do believe that the Senators will reach the playoffs this season. The likely victim of the expected Sens’ success? In my eyes, the Boston Bruins.

I know that the Calgary Flames have received a lot of buzz this off-season, following the savvy moves that their general manager, Brad Treliving, was forced to make; but in my eyes, no one has had a better off-season than the Senators and Dorion.

And talk about good timing too.

The Senators are looking for a new arena in downtown Ottawa (they currently play off a highway in Kanata, a twenty-minute or so drive away from the city of Ottawa – the New York equivalent of the Nassau Coliseum) and should they perform to expectations, it will only help their cause. Even better? Season ticket sales for the club have exponentially increased, following many down years, both due to COVID-19 and the team being poor.

Of course, Motte’s decision to sign with Ottawa now begs the question, “why not the Rangers?”

As noted, Motte will carry a salary cap hit of $1.35M for the 2022-23 campaign. According to CapFriendly.com, the Rangers currently have $1,008,531 of cap room – a figure that will only increase as the season moseys along.

In other words (and I know I’ve been hitting this point a lot this summer), come the 2023 NHL Trade Deadline, Drury will have some money to play around with – although nowhere nearly as much money as he had during the 2022 NHL Trade Deadline.

Whether the money is used to acquire someone of the caliber of a Patrick Kane (a rental), role-players, or a combination of the two; either way, Drury is pressed up against the NHL’s budget. Compounding matters is that Drury will also have to re-sign both Alexis Lafreniere and K’Andre Miller at least sometime by the Summer of 2023 – but that’s a problem for a different time – but a problem that won’t go away until Drury addresses it.

Whenever a news story breaks concerning an NHL general manager (and especially now, after writing a four-volume book set examining every trade and move that every general manager in Rangers’ history has ever made), I try to see it through their eyes – especially since most of these general managers are tight-lipped and don’t publicly share their thought process with us.

If I could ask Chris Drury anything right now (besides for a job as the team’s official historian!), it would be, “why did you re-sign Libor Hajek and Julien Gauthier?”

Both players will have to clear waivers should they not make the roster out of camp. Likelier than being waived – season tickets in the press box at Madison Square Garden.

Hajek, who may have the better shot of the two, due to the Rangers’ depth issues at the sixth and seventh defenseman positions, will earn $800,000 for the 2022-23 season. Julien Gauthier, who I just can’t see being a regular of the varsity squad (again – my opinion – I’m not Drury and Gallant, two men who know hockey and their team better than me), will also earn $800,000 for the campaign.

Sure, there are intricate salary cap rules and regulations about players making under a million bucks or less, but still, combined, these two will earn $1,600,000 for the season – or $250,000 more than Motte’s salary/cap hit.

While Drury has a few other players signed to six-figure contracts, such as Gustav Nydahl, Ryan Carpenter, Turner Elson, Johnny Brodzinksi, Tim Gettinger and others; I only bring up Hajek and Gauthier because I think we know who these two players are.

Had Gauthier and Hajek moved on this summer, I couldn’t envision either player coming back to haunt the Rangers.

I also think we know who Tyler Motte is, which is why I would’ve preferred him than any combination of these six-figure cap-hit players.

Then again, and it should be noted, that of all the pending free agents the Rangers had following their Eastern Conference Final loss to the Lightning; Motte seemed the least eager to return. Maybe he just didn’t want to come back – and that’s his right to feel that way too.

And for the 78967856676675678th time on this site – the NHL’s refusal to address the state/province income tax issue means that players who are paid on the lower end of the scale, more times than not, would rather play elsewhere.

Not only is it expensive to live in New York City (which is why most Rangers, the head coach and the general manager live in either Westchester, New Jersey or in Connecticut), but New York City taxes are the highest in all of the land.

Until a tax-weighted cap system is installed, the current model is seriously flawed – despite the NHL’s intent to create a level playing field. It’s one of the reasons why Tampa has been so good for so many years!

When it comes to the players from the 2021-22 Rangers who are now elsewhere; I think it’s easy to understand why they moved on. Justin Braun had familiarity with Philadelphia. Andrew Copp wanted to play closer to home. Frank Vatrano wanted the best offer possible. Alexandar Georgiev wanted a chance to start. Ryan Strome, who expressed the most desire to stay, was thought by Drury as the weaker option between he and Vincent Trocheck. Patrik Nemeth, nor his babysitting project, Nils Lundkvist, worked out.

Of all the departures, and with the salary cap in mind, it seemed like Motte would provide the best value and fill a roster need the most.

When I try to look at it from Drury’s perspective, it’s my opinion that I believe Drury is banking on Sammy Blais, and perhaps Will Cuylle too, to fill the Motte void.

Obviously, Blais’ sample size in New York was a small one, due to the filthy actions of P.K. Slewban. However, if you can recall what you saw from Blais during his fourteen games as a Ranger, he played well and brought a physical presence. He also skated with the second line – something that wouldn’t be expected of Motte.

The twenty-year old Will Cuylle, seven years younger than Motte, could be a player that becomes full-time in the NHL this season, similar to the way the soon-to-be twenty-one year old (September 20th) Braden Schneider was last season.

Brennan Othmann, as discussed at-length during previous blogs, could also be an option, but I think he’s destined to return to the OHL, due to the wacky NHL rules on player ages. Cuylle could always be returned to Hartford. Othmann doesn’t have that luxury.

And if it doesn’t work out – trades can always be made – an area that Drury has excelled in during his tenure in the big chair at 33rd and 7th.

Let’s now get into the facts, and into the Rangers themselves, as Rangers’ rookie camp opened up on Wednesday, September 14th.

In an update from my last posting on this site, we now have complete information on Rangers’ rookie camp.

The following news comes from the Rangers themselves, courtesy of https://www.nhl.com/rangers/news/rangers-rookie-camp-to-begin-on-wednesday-september-14/c-335526846?icmp=int_web_nyr_news_rightrail:

Of note: the Rangers have announced nothing about airing any of their games against the Flyers – the Ranger way. In addition, while most teams have been streaming their own rookie camps, the Rangers have opted not to do so. Instead, you’re at the mercy at the clueless beat reporters, who after one practice, will matter-of-factly anoint a player as the next cornerstone of the franchise. After all, hyperbole and exaggeration is good for clicks and retweets!

Also of note: The Flyers have announced they will be airing Saturday’s game. The contest will be aired on NBCSP+.

As far as Friday goes, in the past, the Flyers have been pretty good about streaming games like these online, but it is odd that they mentioned that they would be airing Saturday’s game, while not saying anything about Friday’s game.

I know I’ve said this 896786787896789678967867686 times before, but for a sport that’s so desperate to grow, and cultivate new customers, I don’t get why these teams go out of their way to not air/share as much stuff as possible.

You’d think owning a cable network, a YouTube account and other streaming mediums would lend the Rangers to actually air these games to their fans, but you’d be wrong. After all, how dare the Rangers/MSGN bump JB Smoove, and his 6789567856785768576856785 repeat episodes, for live and unique Rangers’ content on the team’s own network. Blasphemy!

To the Rangers credit, while they refuse to stream these camp sessions and games, they do share interview clips on their YouTube account. At least that’s something.

When I first saw who was at the Rangers’ rookie camp, I was surprised to see that Zac Jones was in the mix.

Jones, who turns 22 years old on October 18th, has played in two seasons for the Rangers, where he received ten games with the club during the 2021 season after moving on from the UMass-Amherst, and then skated in twelve games during the 2021-22 campaign.

While technically no longer a rookie anymore (based on the ever-changing NHL’s views on what qualifies for a rookie these days); obviously, Jones has bigger fish to fry right now, where nabbing the sixth-and-final starting spot on the Rangers’ defense is his ultimate goal.

Jones was interviewed following day one of camp. You can watch his interview below:

I was really impressed with the comments that Jones made on Wednesday afternoon.

As you can see for yourself, Jones said he wanted to be at the rookie camp. Then, when he was asked by Rangers’ management to attend – he jumped at the opportunity – rather than thinking that he was too “big” for it.

There are a bunch of different reasons why Jones should’ve sat this rookie camp out, with the biggest reason being this – the risk of injury. However, you can’t play scared either. In turn, Jones is using this camp to get himself ready for the camp that really counts, Rangers’ opening camp.

As Jones said, there will be a healthy competition at Rangers’ camp, where the winner will be teamed-up with Braden Schneider on the Rangers’ third defensive pairing.

Among the contenders to play with Schneider are Jones, Hajek, Matthew Robertson, Jarred Tinordi (remember him?), and perhaps an outside candidate, in the form of a veteran player on a try-out deal. (Not confirmed, just an idea. It’s my opinion that you might not want two young kids on the same pair together – especially during playoff time. Of course, this is something for way down the line and not for now.)

I don’t know how much pressure there truly is for Jones to stand out at rookie camp, but in his case, and after being screwed over last year, he will need to out-play Matthew Robertson. The same logic applies for Robertson too. And come training camp, that’s when the pressure will really rev up between the two.

If there’s anything else to note from Jones’ interview, it’s the fact that he said that he gained ten pounds during the off-season. Joe Micheletti will remind us about this no less than 756675776578568585 times during the preseason.

“OH JOE!”

If there’s anyway I can watch these rookie games this weekend, I’ll share my thoughts with you on this site. I do know that several readers are attending, so at the very least, I’ll share whatever pictures and opinions they share with me.

To switch gears a bit, from rookie camp to Rangers’ camp; one player whose spot is guaranteed with the varsity squad is Vincent Trocheck, the ex-Carolina center who is expected to start on the Rangers’ second line.

On Tuesday September 13th, Trocheck had a short chat, seventy seconds in all, with the Rangers’ media. Here it is:

Currently, the Rangers are practicing on their own before camp officially opens for business. Most of the stars are there and I thought it was a positive thing that Trocheck was there too.

I’m not going to write “The Book of Strome” for the millionth time on this site, but however you felt about him, this much is true – the team’s highest-paid player, Artemi Panarin, a “Breadman” who has also led the team in scoring (points) since first arriving in New York, had a strong bond with Strome.

During his brief interview, Trocheck mentioned that he was looking forward to making friends. Forging such a relationship with Panarin will both be essential and crucial for not only his success, but for Ranger success too.

While these guys don’t need to be sharing Fribbles and Frescas together, nor split spaghetti “Lady and the Tramp” style either; at the very least, they’ll have to learn each others tendencies, quirks, and all other intangibles.

During most NHL training camps, you’ll usually see head coaches take a look at what’s in the system. In addition, the players who are competing for roster spots usually receive the most amount of ice time. (Just think about last year, where the only real battle for a roster spot was between Jones and Lundkvist.)

I have no clue how Gerard Gallant plans on doling out playing time, but I think it would behoove all parties if Trocheck and Panarin received more than three games together – the usual standard among NHL starters.

I know you don’t want to play your starters in all six preseason games, but if health isn’t an issue, I’d let them play together 4-5 times. In other words, and especially in a much more competitive Metropolitan Division (as opposed to last season), you don’t want to get off to a slow start. The more ice time these guys get together, the better.

DIARY time, including a sample chapter of “Tricks of the Trade!”

I have major news to share with you tonight about “Tricks of the Trade – A Century-Long Journey Through Every Trade Made In New York Rangers’ History.”

However, as a reminder, my other title, “One Game at a Time – A Season to Remember” is now on-sale.

For complete information on how to order that four-volume set, check out: https://bluecollarblueshirts.com/onegamebook/

Keep in mind, unlike everyone else – I don’t run ads, spyware, Patreon/crowdfunding links, pop-up video players, or anything else that freezes your reading device, nor anything that you have to “x” out of either.

To support the site, all I ask is that you buy my books!

Update time!

“Tricks of the Trade – A Century-Long Journey Through Every Trade Made In New York Rangers’ History,” is nearly complete.

The title will be presented in four volumes. The first volume will cover the years of 1926-1986 (Conn Smythe – Craig Patrick), the second volume will cover the years of 1986-2000 (Phil Esposito – Neil Smith), the third volume will cover the years of 2000-2015 (Glen Sather), and the fourth volume will cover the years of 2015-22 (Jeff Gorton – Chris Drury.)

Each volume runs around 425 pages, except for Volume IV, which I believe is at the 325 page mark.

These numbers may sound high, but at one point my rough draft was hovering near 3,000 pages! Needless to say, a lot was edited out, just to make these books more readable.

(There were also redundancy and stylistic issues – something I expected since this project took over a year to complete. In other words, I needed my own proofread process, before turning everything over to my editors, in order to make sure everything flowed right. What I wrote a year ago sometimes didn’t match up with what I wrote a week ago.)

Currently, all of the cover art is nearly done. Ditto the editing process. All the books are formatted – the most major headache whenever putting a book together!

My “staff,” for a lack of a better word, Diane Eck and Rob Staggenborg, have really gone balls-to-the-wall in order to get these books out before the first puck drop of the 2022-23 season. I can’t thank them enough.

As I always say – the writing comes easy to me. It’s everything else that’s a major pain in the ass. Diane and Rob take care of “everything else” for me.

In fact, now in my third go-around as an author, this book, as massive as it is (and also the best title on Rangers’ history – confidence, not cockiness – and you will soon be the judge), was much easier to bring to the finish line than my first two titles. Maybe Diane, Rob and I are now all more experienced, but some of the trials and tribulations that it took to get the first two books to the finish line didn’t exist during this go-around. Praise the hockey gods!

No joke – I turned over my final manuscript to both Rob and Diane just under two weeks ago and we’re nearly ready to bring this title to print.

Hopefully by next week, I’ll receive my test copies in the mail, and yours truly and company will go through them, in our final proof-read, as we check for errors/typos/formatting issues one last time. After that, it will be time to get these books into your hands.

And yep, I didn’t plan on writing two titles this summer (eight books in all), but here we are! It’s amazing what you can get done when you don’t go to the bar every night!

In case you’ve taken the summer off, I’ve previously shared sample chapters of this book on this site. Check the archives of this site for all of them.

The final sample chapter I’m sharing with you tonight is when Glen Sather traded Mike York and a fourth-round pick of the 2002 NHL Entry Draft to his former team, the Edmonton Oilers, in exchange for Rem Murray and Tom Poti.

However, before doing so, one last hard-sell for the title, the Amazon.com description. (I should have complete preorder information for these books in the next few days.)

Here’s the Amazon.com description:

“Tricks of the Trade – A Century-Long Journey Through Every Trade Made In New York Rangers’ History,” is a four-volume set of books that cover EVERY SINGLE TRADE ever made in all of New York Rangers history.

All twelve Ranger general managers are extensively and chronologically covered throughout the course of this four-volume title, where during that time, nearly 700 trades and 3,000 players are discussed.

“Tricks of the Trade – A Century-Long Journey Through Every Trade Made In New York Rangers’ History,” simply put, is the only book of its kind – as it is the only title on the market today that covers the entire history of the New York Rangers.

From the author of “The New York Rangers Rink of Honor and the Rafters of Madison Square Garden” and “One Game at a Time – a Season to Remember;” “Tricks of the Trade – A Century-Long Journey Through Every Trade Made In New York Rangers’ History,” recaps every trade ever made in all of Rangers’ history and with no detail left unearthed.

This title is not just a list of trades. Instead, every trade made by every general manager in Rangers’ history is explored and then graded. Quotes, explanations on why these trades were made and what happened afterwards are featured during the four volumes.

From 1926-2022, “Tricks of the Trade” not only provides a deep look into Rangers’ history, but dives into the histories of nearly forty other NHL franchises too, including teams from both the past and the present.

“Tricks of the Trade” is a General Manager-by-General Manager journey, that not only discusses all of the Rangers’ general managers from franchise history, but also covers the eras of each men – and both the advantages and disadvantages that each general manager had – such as expansion, salary caps, second leagues, draft rights, home ice and more.

“Tricks of the Trade” also recounts the careers and lives of many men to have worn the familiar blue Rangers’ sweater. In addition to the stuff on the ice, “Tricks of the Trade” also takes a look at off-ice human interest stories, triumphs, tragedies and sensitive topics, including substance abuse, arrests, plane crashes, wars, concussions, diseases, mental health, pandemics, defections and more.

During the near one hundred years worth of Rangers’ history covered in “Tricks of the Trade,” you will relive the greatest hits and biggest misses from the inception of the Rangers throughout today, while also examining every other trade ever made.

Every player from every trade ever made receives full attention, including, but not limited to, players such as Mark Messier, Andy Bathgate, Harry Howell, Dave Kerr, Ryan Callahan, Martin St. Louis, Brian Leetch, Mike Richter, Doug Harvey, Igor Shestyorkin, Rick Nash, Adam Graves, Jean Ratelle, Brad Park, Phil Esposito, Ryan McDonagh, Emile Francis, Glen Sather, Eddie Giacomin, Scott Gomez, Bun Cook, Mika Zibanejad, Camille Henry, Jaromir Jagr, Gump Worsley, Rick Middleton, Bobby Carpenter and hundreds more.

Every era is also discussed in-detail, including “The Original Rangers,” “The Original Six Era,” “The Post World War II Era,” “The Emile Francis Era,” “The Core Four of 1994 Era,” “The Dark Ages,” “The Henrik Lundqvist Era,” “The Letter Era,” and the current era of today.

“Tricks of the Trade – A Century Long Journey Through Every Trade Made In New York Rangers History” is a book for anyone who not only wants to learn about Rangers’ history, but to completely understand the history of the franchise too.

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If you haven’t already, check the archives of this site for the previous sample chapters that I have shared. Here’s the latest-and-final sample chapter.

(Of note: this is not the finalized version, but this will give you a gist of what’s to come.)

Enjoy!

DATE OF TRADE: March 19th, 2002

RANGERS ACQUIRE: Rem Murray and Tom Poti

EDMONTON OILERS ACQUIRE: Mike York and a Fourth Round Pick of the 2002 NHL Entry Draft (#106 – Ivan Koltsov).

Forward Mike York, a 1999 graduate of Michigan State University, grew up in Waterford, Michigan. York, Smith’s sixth-round selection (#136th overall) of the 1997 NHL Entry Draft, made his NHL debut during the 1999-00 season, where he then scored 50 points in 82 games played. His 26 goals scored during his rookie season were tops on the team too.

Perhaps a victim of a “sophomore jinx,” York scored 14 goals and 31 points during the 2000-01 campaign.

A season later, his third in the NHL, and now as an integral member of “The Fly Line,” York picked up a career-high 57 points during the 2001-02 campaign.

York was disappointed once news of this particular trade, which was made prior to the 2002 NHL Trade Deadline, had become official. After all, he was very successful while playing with Theo Fleury and Eric Lindros.

It was even more disappointing for the Rangers’ product, that just prior to this trade, York had skated around with the newly acquired Pavel Bure.

Once accepting his new found fate, York said:

“It’s always tough being traded, but I have some friends up there. It’s a great hockey city, so it’ll be fun. But it’s also shocking. I have good friends here too.”

Sather, who was high on Tom Poti at the time, while not wanting to trade York unless he had to, said:

“We had to do something with our defense, to shore it up. Poti is a very mobile guy, a very effective guy when moving the puck laterally. He makes the first move well, skating the puck out. I think he’ll be one of the top players in the league. He certainly has the potential to do so.” 

That’s not exactly how it played out.

York, now in Oil Town, picked up where he left off on Broadway. After a 52 point campaign during the 2002-03 season, he then scored 42 points in 61 games in the following season.

After spending the 2004-05 NHL lockout season in Germany; York was traded to the Islanders, where he didn’t miss a beat. York then scored 52 points for the Rangers’ rival during the 2005-06 season.

In December of 2006, York joined another Rangers’ adversary when he was traded to the Flyers. He finished the 2006-07 season with eight points scored in thirty-four games played in Philadelphia.

No longer at the peak of his powers; York wrapped up his 579 NHL games played career with a fourteen point 2007-08 season with the Coyotes and then a scoreless 2008-09 season with the Blue Jackets. At this time, York had been demoted to the AHL.

York then spent the final six years of his professional career overseas, where he played in Finland (SM Liiga) and in Germany (DEL). In September of 2016, and having achieved a fan-favorite status amongst Iserlohn Roosters’ fans; York retired.

Defenseman Ivan Koltsov, who the Oilers selected 106th overall during the 2002 NHL Entry Draft, never played an NHL game. Koltsov remained in Russia, where by 2006, his playing days came to an end.

Rem Murray, a left-winger, was drafted during the sixth-round (#135th overall) of the 1992 NHL Entry Draft by the Los Angeles Kings.

A native of Stratford, Ontario, the 1995 graduate of Michigan State University never suited up for the black-and-silver. Instead, he signed on with the Oilers as a free agent and then made his NHL debut during the 1996-97 season.

After parts of six successful seasons in Edmonton, the forward picked up three points during his final eleven games played of the 2001-02 season with the Rangers.

Nine months after Sather acquired him; the Rangers’ general manager then traded him to Nashville. In turn, Murray became one of a handful of NHLer’s to play more than 82 games during a single-season, where he played in 85 games during the 2002-03 season.

As far as Murray’s time spent with the Rangers went, he picked up 15 points in 43 games – somewhat forgettable.

Tom Poti, a defenseman from Worcester, Massachusetts, was the apple of Sather’s eye. He’d soon become a source of ire for Ranger fans.

Poti, who was drafted by the Oilers during the third-round (59th overall) of the 1996 NHL Entry Draft; the American now in Canada spent parts of four seasons in Edmonton prior to arriving in New York.

While Poti would soon receive a ton of derision from Ranger fans during his tenure on Broadway; in his first full season in the city that never sleeps, the 2002-03 campaign; the southpaw picked up 48 points – his career-high.

In a situation that could somewhat be compared to Bob Nevin’s, when the Rangers acquired Nevin for fan-favorite and Hall of Famer Andy Bathgate; since Poti was the return for another fan-favorite (although not as successful as #9, Mr. Bathgate); Poti was never welcomed in New York.

Between silly comparisons to Brian Leetch, being traded for York, and for whatever other reason you want to come up with here – Ranger fans disliked Poti.

It got so bad, that whenever Poti touched the puck, he heard loud boos, and then whenever he changed during his shifts, the Garden would elicit loud “Bronx Cheers.” In addition, there were also all of the “hit ‘em with your purse Poti” chants, a loud vocalization where Ranger fans implied that their defenseman was “soft.”

While I always thought that Poti was erroneously scapegoated; many backers of the Blueshirts routinely blamed the defenseman for the team’s troubles and struggles – despite Poti having some of his best years in New York.

Adding to the hatred of Poti, was when following the 2005-06 season, his final campaign with the Rangers, he then accepted a contract with the Islanders. Ranger fans continued to vociferously boo Poti – boos that were now deserved – or so I say!

After his one-and-done season with the Nassau men, Poti signed on with the Capitals, where he then played the final five seasons of his 327 points scored, in 824 NHL games played, career.

This trade was always about York for Poti. It’s also a trade that Ranger fans will never allow Sather to forget.

While Poti’s accomplishments were largely ignored, there was a reason for that – York was beloved during his tenure with the Rangers. Also ignored – York’s time in New York, and just like Poti’s, that didn’t produce one playoff berth.

At the end of the day, this trade was pretty much even – but when it comes to a true fan’s perspective – losing York meant that this trade was a loss.

PLUGS TIME!

On Tuesday, September 13th, our buddies Shawn and Roc, of the “2 Guys 1 Cup” podcast, returned after taking a month off during the summer.

To listen to what’s essentially Season 2 Episode 1 of the podcast, click the link below:

Episode 56 is up! Nils, krav, Drury, cap space and more! #NYR https://t.co/CSF4LXAlDy

— 2 Guys 1 Cup Podcast (@2G1CRangers) September 14, 2022

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

Here are my last few blogs, in case you missed them:

Rod Gilbert Passes The Torch; Henrik Lundqvist Named Rangers/MSG Ambassador, Adam Graves, “WOO, SHESTY RELEASE US!,” Why Tortorella’s Flyers Will Be The Surprise of the Metro; NYR/PHI Rookie Games, Conn Smythe WHAT IF ?; 1977 NHL Draft, NYR Trades Book Update & More

Nils Lundkvist Wants Out; Jimmy Vesey Wants In, No Fault Nils’ History, Claude Lemieux’s Role in Ranger Exiles, The Sportsmanship Legacy of Hobey Baker, Can the JT Miller Rumors, Book Updates & More

Why The Metropolitan Division Still Reigns Supreme; ’22-’23 Thoughts, Who’s Better: Shestyorkin vs Vasilevskiy, Gallant and Drury Year II, Early Season Previews, Book Updates & More

If you haven’t already, subscribe to this blog for the next update:

Up next for yours truly: proof-reading the physical edition of “Tricks of the Trade.”

Depending if I can watch these Ranger games this weekend, I’ll return with some thoughts. Keep in mind, it’s tough to get a true handle on these players after two exhibition games, but it’s better than no hockey to talk about!

Thanks for reading.

LET’S GO RANGERS!

Sean McCaffrey

BULLSMC@aol.com

@NYCTHEMIC on the Tweeter machine