Let the money flow!

Today at noon marks the opening of the NHL's free agency period. I'm just gonna jump right into the Rangers rumors.

So far the Blueshirts are after . . . everybody. I am hard pressed to think of a big name free agent to whom the Rangers haven't been linked.

Of course, we have to start with Larry Brooks. After all, he was the only guy who was predicting that Glen Sather was targeting both Drury and Gomez.

So Uncle Larry says that the Rangers have significant interest in Mats Sundin, but the big, old Swede isn't expected to make a decision today. WHAT? And Glen is going to sit around and wait for him, possibly letting other options get by? And is bringing back Jagr contingent on signing the center for him?

Then there's Hossa. No thanks, not at $100 million dollars. Besides, you think his brother didn't express his displeasure with the organization? One day he's on the first line, the next day he's scratched, and the day after that he's on the fourth line. Not that he didn't deserve it, but still.

Brian Rolston? Eh. I've seen many fans express a desire to bring him on board, but he IS 35-years-old, and while he can play the point on the power play, he's never been a huge assist guy. He's very durable though, still quick, etc. But I get scared by older players who have never missed any significant time. They are kinda due, ya know?

Despite an abundance of rumors to the contrary, Larry indicates that the Rangers are not in the Brian Campbell sweepstakes. Instead, they are interested in bringing back Rozsival (oh dear), and adding Wade Redden, Brooks Orpik, and/or Mark Streit. If we can drop Rozy, I'd take Orpik with either of the other two.

Then we have Sean Avery and Brendan Shanahan. At this point I don't expect either to return. Avery is reportedly getting offers in the $4 million dollar range that Sather has been turning away from. Shanahan, who was allegedly hurt by Tom Renney's comments that he would need a new role if he were to return, may bolt to the Devils. Get over it, big guy. You sucked in the second half last season. He's a good guy though, so best of luck.

John Dellapina reports that the Rangers extended qualifying offers to Nigel Dawes, Freddy Sjostrom, and Hugh Jessiman (what's the point?). By the way, I am never referring to Hugh by name again. Anytime you read 'Superbust', you know who I am talking about (unless Sanguinetti and Cherepanov never make it, because then I'll have to call them 'Superbust II', 'Superbust III', etc. Actually, Montoya would probably already be 'Superbust II', no?)

Anyway, it's going to be fun. I'll check in regularly with the breaking news!

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