Dolan's obsession with positive public relations, even if at the expense of sports decisions, has spawned the Garden's PR spin machine.
Hockey decisions must adhere first to PR goodness, and second to talent evaluations.
It's why Prucha won't be traded for a veteran like Rucinsky (goes against the rebuilding mantra), but could be for sub-30 players like Pittsburgh's Malone and Orpik.
Within that context, it has become easier to read the trade rumor tea leaves with a fair amount of certainty.
The Aaron Ward Set-Up
So here's what I read between the lines recently ...
Larry Brooks wrote a critical piece about the Rangers management not informing Kaspar directly about his waiver status.
The PR effort kicks into fifth gear, and the next day Brooks reports that Don Maloney called him to say that the team had made multiple efforts to contact Kaspar, that the Rangers treat their players with respect, and that any other reporting is inaccurate.
No story there, right? Well, it is worth noting earlier in the same column Brooks explains management's stance on the Dan Girardi call-up: he writes that if Girardi does well, the dominoes begin to fall, and that management will then be free to use one of its veteran defenseman for help up front.
Although not attributed to Maloney, the situation appears clear enough that he's the source. And it sheds light on the team's apparent conclusion that it needs to acquire a veteran second line center. For better or worse, they don't believe Immonen or Dubinsky are the answer, at least in the immediate future.
So Who's In Maloney's Cross Hairs?
Roszival and Malik are safe because they are part of Jagr's unit of five. Tyutin is part of the rebuild. Kaspar was waived. Pock is a young reporter in the press box. Rachunek is a possibility, but his erratic play makes it unlikely. Which leaves Aaron Ward.
It all makes PR sense now, doesn't it?
With half of the NHL looking for an experienced defenseman, Aaron Ward and his Stanley Cup resume will have some value around the league. And while he won't net a younger player, he can return a similar veteran up front.
It's perfect PR symmetry. Even though it may block a younger forward's path to the team, it can be spun to the fan base that the team remains committed to rebuilding by pointing to Girardi and the vet-for-vet deal.
I don't know what trade is being discussed. But I do think it's on the horizon if the team stays in the race and Girardi proves himself somewhat capable. So in the interim, have fun speculating ...
Posted by Gabe at January 28, 2007 04:03 PMeMail this entry!
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