We are BACK! The NY RANGERS 2009-2010 Free Agent Assestment!

Welcome back to year 2 of Up in the Blues. I intend, hopefully, to keep up as much as possible with this seasons events concerning the NY Rangers.

Now that we have that out in the open, lets begin our assessment of what Uncle Glen and gang gave us over the summer of 09.

First up is Marian Gaborik. The enigmatic RW is without a shadow of a doubt a top 5 NHL Player, WHEN he is healthy. Gaborik was a 1st rd pick of the Minnesota Wild back in 2000. He underwent hip surgery back in January, and appeared in only 17 games for the Wild in the final year of his contract.

Now, most pundits will point out that Gaborik is a delicate flower who breaks at touch. And while, his past does have a few injuries, lets look deeper into it.

• 2001-02 was his rookie season in the NHL, in which he played in 71 games and recorded 18 goals and 18 assists.
• 2002-03 - skated in 78 games and recorded 30 goals and 37 assists
• 2003-04 - skated in 65 games and recorded 18 goals and 22 assists
• 2004-05 was the lockout year ( Thanks Bettman!)
• 2005-06 skated in 65 games and recorded 38 goals and 28 assists
• 2006-07 skated in 48 games and recorded 30 goals and 27 assists
• 2007-08 skated in 77 games and recorded 42 goals and 41 assists
• 2008-09 skated in 17 games and recorded 13 goals and 10 assists

Now - based on that one can assume that he isnt exactly Chris Chelios out there - but he does average 60 games a year, and that # is dropped due to last seasons 17 game effort.

If we can get 70 games out of Gabby - pencil him in for 40-40 easily. We haven't had the likes of that since the arrival of Mr. Jaromir Jagr.

Now - after we got the finesse, Uncle Glen went out and got some brawn, in the name of Donald Brashear.

Its well stated my EXTREME DISLIKE for this man, however, after watching him skate during the pre-season, I must admit his hockey skills are above Colton Orr's ( left for Toronto ). He will provide much needed grit and occasional skill on the 4th line along with Aaron Voros ( hes been a beast in the pre-season) and Brian Boyle. That line will give other teams nightmares, and I honestly cant remember the last time the Rangers were able to tote out a line with that size and strength against opposing teams.

Ales Kotalik is up next - and he comes here after spending time in Buffalo under Lindy Ruff. Kotalik is a former line mate of Chris Drury , and one can hope that Kotalik will spark our captain and get a pulse going again for him. Kotalik is known for his shot and not being gun shy on the point come Power Play time ( or as we call it in section 420 Pee Break time ). He is a PP specialist of sorts, and will get a chance to play on the wing with Drury. The bad knock on him is he is soft in the corners, something that will undoubtedly get him on Torts good side.

Enver Lisin, who I have pegged as my "boy" this preseason, came over from Phoenix in exchange for Lauri Korpokski ( Don Maloney's love child, im convinced ). Lisin has Radek Dvorak's speed, except he isnt afraid to go into the traffic areas. Keep an eye out on him kids, he needs a little more time , and he will become a very solid player.

Vinny Prospal was a late summer addition after Tampa Bay bought out his contract. So what does that mean for us? We get a very good 2 way player, who has EXCELLED under coach Torts, for dirt cheap ( 1.1 for 1 yr ). Prospal has been the best veteran forward in camp, and has earned himself a chance at playing on the 1st line here on Broadway.

Next up tomorrow will be my take on all the young kids in camp.