All of that cheering you heard earlier was the sound of celebration after news of Michal Rozsival's ensuing departure made its way around New York. The Rangers traded Rozy to Phoenix for Wojtek Wolski. While the deal was a simple player-for-player, there are a lot of complicated implications. So it may be best just to break things down bit by bit.
First off, a glance at the departed: Rozy played 432 regular season games and put up 42 goals and 134 assists, with 20 goals and 53 assists coming on the power play. He was in 31 playoff games and put up four goals and 10 assists. Jaromir Jagr left in the summer of 2008 and Rozy's points per game dropped from .407 to .357, he began suffering from a bad hip and he became widely loathed around the Garden. That loathing did not extend into the locker room and Rozy was well-liked by his teammates. With the team finally clicking, you have to wonder what dealing the longest-tenured Ranger will do to the team's chemistry ...
Now that he is gone, which Blueshirt blueliner will draw the True Blue's ire for lackadaisical play? Rozy was the latest in a long line of soft players who didn't seem to be trying particularly hard. Could this be the end of an era? We can only hope.
Mockery aside, the Rangers gave up a veteran defenseman who was consistent and calm, if nothing else. That kind of presence is prized, especially in the stretch run and in the playoffs. As the Rangers missed the postseason last year, you had better believe that Dolan won't settle for another spring without extra revenue. If the team is teetering on the edge in February, will the Ranger braintrust be able to convince the boss that this defensive corps is enough to get the team over the hump? That is a tough sell when you consider Sather's talk that a real rebuild wouldn't be accepted in New York. He has been able to sneak one though but that is because any minor game-by-game losses in revenue can be chalked up to the economy. The big bucks that are the playoffs are something else.
Seeing as Future Blue is greatly improved and the only clear draft need is a goaltender (who likely won't be taken before the second round at the earliest), you have to wonder if Sather will be tempted to deal a pick away at the deadline for a veteran insurance policy. Let's hope not. But if he does feel the need, perhaps he won't have to deal away any picks: last year's late addition Anders Eriksson is back in action overseas with Zuccarello's former team Modo and likely would make it through waivers.
Enough about the Rozsival; Wojtek Wolski is coming to town. Sather said that the Polish-born but Canadian-raised winger will be available for Tuesday's game against Montreal. Wolski follows the line of one-way, skilled forwards that went from Jagr to Zherdev to Frolov; he is just as enigmatic and frustrating. After Colorado gave up on him and swapped the winger for Peter Mueller, Phoenix saw their new addition score 18 points in 18 games. Then the summer came and something happened. Either Wolski became complacent or he lost favour with Dave Tippett or he simply lost his touch. At 24 you certainly don't think that the latter is the case but Wolski comes to the Rangers on a seven game pointless drought and already had goalless streaks of 10 and eight games this season. With Wolski come a complement of questions: Will this trade motivate him the way the last deal did? Who will he have chemistry with? Will he fit into the locker room? Can he do a wrap-around like Frolov did? Is it possible for him to avoid Tortorella's doghouse? Did Torts learn something from Zherdev that he can use to avoid the same frustrations? What will Sather do with the extra money under the salary cap?
If I had to guess at some of those answers, I would say that Wolski will do well in the next few weeks. He likely won't be as prolific as he was when he first got to Phoenix, but that is because the Rangers play a tighter game. Wolski won't likely work well on the ice with Gaborik, if only because both players need the puck on their stick; Wolski with MZA could be a good pairing though. Wolski will score in shootouts and can't possibly be worse than Frolov on the power play. Off the ice, Wolski is another Toronto-area kid fresh to New York City so it could go either way. Hopefully his hard-working immigrant parents instilled in him some good values.
No matter how it plays out the simple facts are that the Rangers are younger, they have more money to re-sign their core kids this summer and Rozy is gone. So we have all of that going for us. I can see the comments already about how I should be overjoyed purely because there is no more Rozsival to kick around but, as a long time Ranger fan, I'm waiting for the other shoe to fall.
Things are just going too well.
Farewell to a Ranger Legend: The Legacy of Henrik Lundqvist
On October 9, 2021, a somber moment resonated through the hearts of New York Rangers fans worldwide. The Rangers announced that Henrik Lundqvist, affectionately known as "The King," was retiring from professional hockey. This article pays tribute to the legendary goaltender, reflecting on his illustrious career, his impact on the Rangers, and the enduring legacy he leaves behind.
The Early Years
Henrik Lundqvist's journey to NHL stardom began long before he adorned the Rangers' iconic blue jersey. Born in Åre, Sweden, on March 2, 1982, Lundqvist displayed his goaltending prowess at an early age. His dedication and natural talent earned him a spot in Sweden's junior hockey leagues, where he honed his skills and developed into a promising prospect.
Rising Star in Sweden
Before conquering New York, Lundqvist made a name for himself in the Swedish Hockey League (SHL). Playing for Frolunda HC, he showcased his remarkable abilities between the pipes, earning recognition as one of the league's top goaltenders. His performances caught the eye of NHL scouts, and it wasn't long before he received an offer from the Rangers.
The Broadway Debut
In 2005, Henrik Lundqvist made his highly anticipated NHL debut for the New York Rangers. The transition to the North American style of play presented challenges, but Lundqvist's poise and talent quickly silenced any doubters. He posted an impressive 30-win rookie season, earning a Calder Trophy nomination as the NHL's best rookie.
Lundqvist's arrival in New York couldn't have come at a better time. The Rangers were searching for a franchise goaltender, and Henrik's arrival marked the beginning of a new era.
A Decade of Dominance
Over the next decade, Henrik Lundqvist established himself as one of the NHL's premier goaltenders. His combination of athleticism, technical prowess, and mental toughness made him a perennial Vezina Trophy contender. Lundqvist's signature style, marked by his flashy glove saves and calm demeanor, endeared him to fans and struck fear into the hearts of opponents.
During his tenure with the Rangers, Lundqvist reached several milestones:
400 Wins: Lundqvist became the first goaltender in NHL history to record 400 wins in fewer than 800 games, highlighting his consistency and longevity.
Vezina Trophies: He claimed the Vezina Trophy as the league's best goaltender in 2012 and was a finalist on several other occasions.
Playoff Performances: Lundqvist's excellence in the playoffs helped guide the Rangers to the Stanley Cup Final in 2014, capturing the hearts of New Yorkers along the way.
Off the Ice
Lundqvist's impact extended beyond the rink. His charitable work, including the Henrik Lundqvist Foundation, focused on improving the lives of children and families. He used his platform to support various causes, exemplifying the values of sportsmanship and community involvement.
A Heartfelt Farewell
In September 2020, the Rangers announced they would buy out the final year of Lundqvist's contract, marking the end of his illustrious tenure with the team. Emotions ran high as fans and teammates bid farewell to their beloved King.
In a heartfelt letter to Rangers fans, Lundqvist wrote, "Playing in front of you has been the honor of my life." He expressed gratitude for the unwavering support he received throughout his career, leaving an indelible mark on the franchise and the city.
Legacy and Beyond
As Henrik Lundqvist embarks on the next chapter of his life, his legacy as a Rangers legend remains secure. His impact on the team, the city, and the sport of hockey cannot be overstated. The King's reign may have concluded, but his influence will endure for generations of Rangers fans and aspiring goaltenders.
Henrik Lundqvist's retirement marks the end of an era for the New York Rangers. His dazzling saves, unwavering determination, and philanthropic efforts have left an indelible mark on the franchise and the city. The King's legacy will continue to inspire future generations of hockey players and fans, reminding us all that greatness knows no bounds. Henrik Lundqvist will forever hold a special place in the hearts of Rangers faithful, and his impact on the game will be celebrated for years to come.
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