In light of the recent Ranger overhaul, many have been asking and wondering what is in store for the 2008-2009 season and what fans can reasonably expect from this "new" team. Predictions can often be a waste of time--particularly with the summer only half over. Rosters are not nearly finalized, deals are not finished, and training camp and pre-season are still a month and more away. Still, one things is certain in Rangerland: a transition has been made. It's been out with the "old" (old not just a reference to age)--Jagr, Straka, Avery, Malik, Shanahan (likely), Tutin--and in with the "new" (again, not just a reference to age)--Naslund, Redden, Zherdev, Kalinin, Voros, Fritsche, and Rissmiller. The Rangers have turned a corner from generation Jagr and officially become Gomez and Drury's team. All I can say is, it's about time.
Gomer and Dru were signed to be one and two--as centers, leaders, go-to guys, etc. The problem last year was that Jagr was--for lack of a better expression--in the way. His presence prevented the Rangers from playing the style we'll see them play next year: high-tempo, puck pursuit, possession hockey. Naslund, Redden, and Zherdev have wheels and make the Rangers must faster and more athletic than they would have been with Jagr (never the fleetest of foot), a slowed Straka, a lumbering Malik, and Shanahan.
So, expect to see speed, speed, and more speed from the Rangers next season. And, expect Sather to add some size and muscle to the roster before opening night. The foundation is down. The stable of young, talented players is nearly in place: on defense is Redden, Roszival, Staal, Girardi, Mara, and Kalinin (it will be hard for a young kid to crack that top 6 this year); up front are Gomez, Drury, Dubinsky, Betts (C), Dawes, Prucha, Callahan, Naslund, Sjostrom, Zherdev, Korpikoski, and a cast of support players; in goal of course is Hank and Valiquette.
And, there is plenty of time for Sather to add some size and toughness to the roster. Hint hint, Slats.
