Should I Stay Or Should I Go?

As I continue to mourn the season lost and begin to look forward to our next quest for the Cup, let's take a look at the free agents. Much has already been spoken/written of as to which of the guys the Rangers should re-sign. The Ranger Pundit did a great job of breaking down what fans think and what he thinks will happen.

So I won't tread over well-worn ground. Instead, I will try to take a spin in the impending free agents' skates and look at the pros and cons of keeping a New York address:

Sean Avery, UFA: New York loves him and he loves New York. But he won't stand for being disrespected by someone who dresses as poorly (to him) as Glen Sather. Low ball him, call him names and he is gone to become one of the worst enemies the Rangers have had since Denis Potvin.

Ivan Baranka, RFA: Baranka appears to be halfway out the door, having just signed with Spartak. The details aren't out yet, but as someone on HFBoards pointed out, he may have the typical clause in the deal that would allow him to skip out on the deal if he makes the Rangers through training camp. He is smart because its put-up-or-shut-up time for the Blueshirts - he didn't leave his family and come over from Russia to play in Hartford.

Nigel Dawes, RFA: Tom Renney is like a dad, of course Dawes would sign. Renney placed his faith in him, taught him some hard lessons and gave him a chance to play in the NHL. Why leave?

Andrew Hutchinson, UFA: Well, the Rangers are pretty much screwed because Hutch wants a raise, and not just to the NHL. Two million dollar one-way deal or he walks, at the least. Averaging a point per game while leading a young Hartford team to the playoffs as a puck-moving defenseman and everyone wants puck-moving defensemen who can rack up points. And he has seen what it takes to win the Cup too so that experience has to count for something. If the Rangers don't want to pay, someone will ...

Jaromir Jagr, UFA: Of course, Jagr is the hardest to pin down. His thought process is as enigmatic as his passion was on the ice during the regular season. He really has nothing left to prove in the NHL - well, except for the ability to win without Mario, but in the end people just see the rings on his fingers, not the teammates he once had. Jagr can stay to do what he set out to do (bring Stanley to Broadway) and will have to suffer the indignity of taking a pay cut, or go back to Siberia where the money is tax free and there is zero pressure. No boo birds jumping on him. No Hal Gill jumping on him. Just peace in the east ...

Darius Kasparaitis, UFA: Kasper wants to be re-signed by the Rangers. Why wouldn't he? They paid him not to play. They paid him to go away. Fill the bank account and still get a small shot at returning to the NHL? He's not stupid ...

Marek Malik, UFA: Despite what many fans say, Malik isn't dumb either. He will go, grudgingly. He liked playing with Jagr and seemed to like having his kids in Westchester but playing beneath a rain cloud of boos just isn't fun.

Paul Mara, UFA: Hey man, whatever. Mara liked Boston, but he liked New York too. Whoever will give him the money he feels he deserves can have him. If its here, if its there, wherever ... there are few teams as All American as the Rangers and Mara is an American guy but maybe he could get more minutes somewhere else and everyone wants more icetime ...

Greg Moore, RFA: The Rangers have opened the door for him to the NHL a few times but it doesn't look like there is an assured future on Broadway. If one door opened, there will be others and six games in the big league just aren't enough.

Pierre Parenteau, RFA: P.A. had a good offensive season and yet the phone never rang when injuries hit the big boys. Is that a sign? The Ducks wanted him, the Hawks wanted him, then the Rangers wanted him. At this point, whoever will give him the best chance to skate in the NHL should be good for him.

Michal Rozsival, UFA: Rozy looked absolutely awful against the Penguins so the Rangers won't necessarily be willing to offer him the money he wants - at least initially. If Jagr is gone and they won't pay, why stay?

Brendan Shanahan, UFA: Much like with Avery, Shanny loves NY and NY loves Shanny but is there enough left in the tank to give it another go? The wear and tear will be lessened with fourth line and power play time, but 82 games is 82 games and you can't forget the trip to Europe to start the season ... as with Jagr, what is there left to prove?

Fredrik Sjostrom, RFA: A chance to play more with Henke?? Where can Freddie sign?

Martin Straka, UFA: The broken finger hurt but the lack of production hurt more. If Jagr stays, sure, why not, New York has been good to Straka. But if Jagr goes, it may be nice play less games in the Czech league while bringing the kids back home.

Jason Strudwick, UFA: Struds is a good soldier and getting on in years. There likely won't be many NHL suitors so if the Rangers want him back - even in the same limited role - so be it as long as they keep him on track for that coaching position.

Stephen Valiquette, UFA: Hmmm, there are basically 60 goaltending jobs in the NHL and one of the premier franchises wants to give him one of their two? Hell yes. There is little chance to get more playing time elsewhere, and playing behind Hank has been a pleasure.

But, all that being said, I am not a psychic and - let's face it - the team hasn't given fans that good of a look at the personalities of the players outside of what's on the ice - aside from the occasional "concert." So this may be all for naught but we will see, July 1st is just 48 days away!

 Should I Stay or Should I Go? A Guide to Making Life's Tough Decisions

Life is a series of choices, and at times, we find ourselves facing decisions that can have a significant impact on our future. Whether it's about a career change, a relationship, or a major life transition, deciding whether to stay or go can be one of the most challenging dilemmas we encounter. In this article, we will explore the factors that come into play when making such decisions, offer guidance on how to approach them, and provide insights into common questions people have when grappling with life-altering choices.

FAQ 1: What Are Some Common "Stay or Go" Scenarios?

"Stay or go" decisions can arise in various aspects of life:

Career: Should I stay in my current job or pursue a new career opportunity?

Relationships: Is it time to leave a relationship that is no longer fulfilling, or should I work on it?

Location: Should I stay in my current city or move to a new one for personal or professional reasons?

Education: Do I continue my current academic path or explore other options?

Life Transitions: When facing significant life changes, such as starting a family, retiring, or dealing with health issues, people may question whether to stay on their current path or make a change.

FAQ 2: What Factors Should I Consider When Making "Stay or Go" Decisions?

When making important life decisions, it's crucial to consider various factors:

Personal Values: Determine what matters most to you and whether your current situation aligns with your values and priorities.

Pros and Cons: Make a list of the advantages and disadvantages of both staying and going.

Long-Term Goals: Consider how your decision aligns with your long-term goals and aspirations.

Emotional Well-being: Assess how your current situation affects your mental and emotional health.

Financial Considerations: Weigh the financial implications of your decision.

Support System: Evaluate the support and resources available to you, including friends and family.

Regret Minimization: Imagine yourself looking back on your decision in the future. Which choice would you regret less?

FAQ 3: How Can I Make an Informed Decision?

To make an informed decision, follow these steps:

Gather Information: Research and gather as much information as possible about your options.

Seek Advice: Consult with trusted friends, family, mentors, or professionals who can offer guidance.

Consider Your Gut Feeling: Pay attention to your intuition. Sometimes, your gut feeling can provide valuable insights.

Pros and Cons List: Create a list of the pros and cons of each choice.

Visualize Outcomes: Imagine what your life would look like after making each choice. How do you feel about those potential outcomes?

Set Realistic Expectations: Be realistic about the challenges and rewards associated with both staying and going.

FAQ 4: How Can I Overcome Fear of Making the Wrong Decision?

Fear of making the wrong decision is common but can paralyze decision-making. To overcome this fear:

Accept Uncertainty: Understand that life is uncertain, and there are no guarantees. Even a "wrong" decision can lead to valuable lessons and growth.

Seek Counseling: Consider talking to a therapist or counselor who can help you explore your fears and anxieties.

Embrace Flexibility: Recognize that life is adaptable. If you find yourself unhappy with your decision, you can often make adjustments later.

Focus on the Present: Concentrate on the present moment rather than dwelling on potential future regrets.

FAQ 5: Can You Share Some Real-Life Examples of "Stay or Go" Decisions?

Certainly, here are a few real-life examples:

Career Change: Sarah was unhappy in her corporate job but hesitated to leave due to financial stability. After careful consideration, she decided to pursue her passion for photography. It was a challenging transition, but she ultimately found fulfillment in her new career.

Relationship Crossroads: Mark and Lisa faced constant conflicts in their long-term relationship. After seeking couples counseling, they realized it was best to separate and pursue individual growth and happiness.

Relocation Dilemma: Alex had a promising job offer in another city but was unsure about leaving family and friends behind. He decided to take the job, and while it was tough at first, he built a new support system and advanced his career significantly.

"Stay or go" decisions are an inherent part of life's journey, and they often reflect our growth and evolving priorities. While these decisions can be daunting, they also present opportunities for self-discovery and personal development. By considering your values, long-term goals, and well-being, seeking advice, and embracing flexibility, you can navigate these choices with confidence and clarity. Remember that life is about making choices, and each decision, whether to stay or go, contributes to your unique story.