Unbelievably, MSG apparently doesn’t read ‘On the Farm’ before making decisions. Out of the 8 forwards I wanted us to keep on July 27th, within 24 hours two of them had been traded. However, three kids that I really liked (but wasn’t sure the Rangers organization agreed on) were signed, so perhaps there is hope. Let’s take a look at how things have worked out thus far with the forwards…

Under contract for next year:

Kenny Gernander (Thumbs up) he’s under contract and I can’t imagine anyone would want him in a trade, so his presence this fall is kind of a no-brainer.

Todd Hall (Thumbs down) same reasons as above, same unfortunate result.

Brandon Dietrich (Thumbs up) since being sent down to Charlotte he’s so far below the radar, I don’t imagine he ever registers with other teams, so I don’t know why he would get picked up in a trade.

Jeff Ulmer (Thumbs up) traded away to Ottawa with D Jason Doig (see below) for Sean Gagnon. I don’t like it, but I suppose I’ll get over it soon. People have been trying to convince me that the addition of the Hanson brothers to the Pack for next year means that no one will get away with cheap shots on Kenny – and if that comes true, I will be much more at peace with all these trades.

Unrestricted free agents:

Tony Tuzzolino and Chris Kenady (Thumbs down) as of this morning, the Hartford Courant didn’t know their status. I’d be more than happy to call them a cab to the airport, though, and I think my friend Jaime could set them up with USAir tickets no problem.

Brad Mehalko, Boyd Kane, and Richard Scott (Thumbs up) were all signed! I honestly feared this trio would be allowed to slip away all or in part. I think this is an excellent investment in a set of players who could – maybe – be successful call-ups at some point. By far the best surprise for me today!

Our restricted free agents among the forwards include:

Brad Smyth, Derek Armstrong, Jason Dawe and Jeff Toms (Thumbs down) were all given qualifying offers, but Brad and Derek already have offers to play in Europe. To whom do I make the small animal sacrifice to chase these four out of town?

Dave Deurden (reluctant thumbs down) who was only on loan to us, officially became part of the Rangers organization yesterday and was given a qualifying offer.

Ryan Tobler (Thumbs down) was not re-signed.

Mathieu Benoit (Thumbs up) is in the same situation as Brandon Dietrich.

Jason Doig (Thumbs up) went to Ottawa as part of the Ulmer trade.

Okay, so that’s the forwards. Let’s take a moment and look at our defense before they all disappear on me. Its hard to say much in terms of thumbs up or thumbs down, since we don’t really have enough guys to play that game anymore after New York pillaged our ranks!

Under contract for this coming year:

Burke Henry (22, 6-3, 190) He’s GONE to Calgary for Chris St. Croix, and there was dancing in the streets when it happened. In honor of section 112 who always let us know when it was safe to return to watching the game, "Ladies and gentlemen, Burke Henry has LEFT THE ICE!" Thumbs down – already gone

Mike Mottau (23, 6-0, 193) As much as we’d love to have him in Hartford, we all pretty much expect him to be in New York with his idol Brian Leetch. I hope you appreciate him, because I’ll miss him this year. Thumbs up – in New York

Peter Smrek (22, 6-1, 215) He didn’t spend much time with us last year after the trade from Worcester, as he stayed in New York until our very abbreviated post season. I liked what I saw, but fear he will be in Ranger blue with Mike. Thumbs up – in New York?

Terry Virtue (31, 6-0, 195) has been with a two years, and aside from his own gritty presence on the blue line, he has visibly shaped the up and coming Ranger defensemen as they passed through Hartford – in particular, he worked extensively with Tomas Kloucek and Mike Mottau. I’d like to see him pick up the "C" when Kenny retires, as Terry plays like he has many years left on the ice – in fact, I’d say he played better this year than last in many ways. Thumbs up

Wes Jarvis (22, 6-4, 220) is a big kid – hopefully in between Charlotte and Hartford this past year he learned how to use that size. He seems to have potential as a punishing hitter. Looking forward to seeing him this coming year. Thumbs up

Johan Holmqvist (G, 23, 6-1, 190) If I was forced to pick the one goalie in our stables at the end of this season who could someday be in Ranger blue, I would pick Johan. He’s good, just needs to work on his confidence. Hopefully Vitali (see below) will leave, and Johan can be #1 this year for the Pack. Thumbs up

Jason Labarbera (G, 21, 6-3, 215) There have been questions about his conditioning. He appeared to have lost some of that weight when I saw him hold down the bench in the post-season. I’d be okay with him sharing duties with Johan this year. Thumbs up – but he’s the first one I shove out to make room in net for any of the new kids.

Bryce Wandler (G, 22, 6-0, 180 – I think this was with his gear on) nope, don’t think this one has it. ECHL this year would be a stretch for him. He won’t be in Hartford, let alone New York. Thumbs down

UFAs

Ryan Bast (26, 6-3, 193) was not offered a contact. GOOD. He looked lost out there for the last few months, and then threatened a kid in the stands during the post season because he thought the kid spit on him. A liability without talent to balance it out. Thumbs down – already gone

RFAs

Drew Bannister (27, 6-2, 200) The Hartford Courant did not know this morning whether or not he had been made an offer. Drew is kind of like Johan Witehall was when he played with us: great when he felt like playing, a slug when he just wasn’t in the mood. With Terry around as our vet on the blueline, I would be happy to see Drew leave. After all, he’s the one that shaped Burke Henry into the player we all learned to hate. Thumbs down

Vitali Yeremeyev (G, 26, 6-0, 190) Paddock clearly favored him, although I have yet to find anyone who understood why. He received an offer last night, but also has been in negotiations with Moscow Dynamo. Have a nice flight, Vitali! Thumbs down

- Heather

By my count, that leaves us with 2 defensemen (Terry and Wes), and a third (Drew) that we might get as well. Anyone know how those prospects looked? What are our chances of keeping Peter down with the Pack? Cause we are in serious need of help on the blueline in Hartford at this point... Although we have plenty of goalies to go around at the minor league level. Hell, we are going to have goalies sitting in the stands every night signing autographs, just to make room on the bench. We're going to need to rent a Uhaul to tow behind the bus on road trips for all the extra gear! Maybe we ought to try out Bryce as a skater....

- Heather

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