New York Rangers President and General Manager Glen Sather announced today that the club has acquired defenseman Tim Erixon and a fifth-round draft pick in the 2011 NHL Entry Draft from Calgary in exchange for forward Roman Horak and two second round draft picks in the 2011 NHL Entry Draft. The Rangers also announced today that the club has signed Erixon to an entry level deal.Calgary had to make the deal as Erixon was about to re-enter the draft and had told the team that he was not about to agree to play in Abbotsford next season. The Rangers, well, I guess they decided Hobey Gilroy isn't good enough to come back and aren't sold on Michael Del Zotto's future after a season and a half of horrible hockey. Can't disagree on either count.
Now, you know you are old when the kids of the players you cheered for are entering the league. I could cope with Stastny but Erixon ... Jan was a personal favourite (along with Beezer). Now Tim is a far different player than his dad but you can be sure that the kid will have a good grasp on the game. Tim has said that he patterns his game after Nick Lidstrom but from what I've seen he has a lot of qualities that Brian Rafalski displayed during his now-concluded career, just in a bigger body. He sees the ice well, can carry the puck, has a decent shot and is capable in his own end.The cost, in my opinion, was high. Roman Horak is a legitimate NHL prospect averaged better than a point per game on a middling WHL team and is adept in the faceoff circle. Scoring and draws are two major deficiencies on the Rangers right about now. However, Jess from The Prospect Park pointed out a few weeks back that the Rangers didn't invite Ethan Werek or Horak to the Whale after their junior seasons ended and now both have been traded. Jess saw Horak a bit this year and wrote that the kid needs to fill out a bit and may spend next year in Europe. But the two second round picks is what gets me, considering the talent they have found in that round in recent years: Dubi, Sauer, Arty, Step, Werek and Christian Thomas - a far better haul the first round selections. The fifth rounder that they received from Calgary is all but worthless - in the last 20 years they have developed just three players from there: Dale Purinton, Tomas Kloucek and Nigel Dawes (the jury is still out on Scott Stajcer, Horak and Jason Wilson).
Many have immediately awarded this as a win for the Rangers (especially Flames fans) but I am not that quick to jump for joy. Erixon has played with men, he has been proven competent and he should get an immediate shot on Broadway. If it motivates MDZ to act like a professional and make him a decent hockey player or it sets him on the road out of town, I am all for it. But if this kid thinks that he deserves a spot (and acts like that) then the Rangers could have pissed away a useful player who was needed and two picks that could have eventually contributed for another arrogant child with a dubious future.
Tim Erixon: From Prospect to Broadway - A Look at the Rangers' Promising Defenseman
The New York Rangers have a storied history of developing talented young defensemen, and Tim Erixon is no exception. This article takes an in-depth look at the journey of Tim Erixon, his path to joining the Rangers, and the potential he brings to the Blueshirts.
Table of Contents
Introduction: Tim Erixon - The Rising Star
Setting the stage for an exploration of Tim Erixon's career and his journey to the New York Rangers.
The Early Years: Growing Up in a Hockey Family
Exploring Tim Erixon's upbringing in a hockey-focused family and his introduction to the sport.
The Swedish Connection: Erixon's Development in Europe
Discussing Erixon's development as a defenseman in Sweden's hockey system and his path to becoming a highly-touted prospect.
The Draft and Beyond: Rangers' Faith in Erixon
Analyzing the Rangers' decision to draft Tim Erixon and the expectations that came with it.
Broadway Bound: Erixon's Arrival in New York
Chronicling Erixon's transition to the NHL and his early experiences with the Rangers.
On-Ice Skills: What Erixon Brings to the Blueshirts
Highlighting Tim Erixon's on-ice skills and his potential impact on the Rangers' defensive corps.
A Bright Future: Erixon's Role in the Rangers' Rebuild
Speculating on Erixon's role in the Rangers' rebuilding efforts and his potential to become a cornerstone on the blue line.
The Challenges Ahead: Overcoming Adversity
Examining the challenges and hurdles that Erixon may face as he continues to develop in the NHL.
: Tim Erixon - The Next Rangers' Defensive Star
Summing up Tim Erixon's journey and the anticipation surrounding his future as a New York Ranger.
1. Introduction: Tim Erixon - The Rising Star
Setting the stage for an exploration of Tim Erixon's career and his journey to the New York Rangers.
Tim Erixon: The rising star poised to make an impact on Broadway.
2. The Early Years: Growing Up in a Hockey Family
Exploring Tim Erixon's upbringing in a hockey-focused family and his introduction to the sport.
Tim Erixon's early years were steeped in the culture of hockey.
3. The Swedish Connection: Erixon's Development in Europe
Discussing Erixon's development as a defenseman in Sweden's hockey system and his path to becoming a highly-touted prospect.
Sweden played a crucial role in shaping Tim Erixon's hockey career.
4. The Draft and Beyond: Rangers' Faith in Erixon
Analyzing the Rangers' decision to draft Tim Erixon and the expectations that came with it.
The Rangers saw something special in Tim Erixon during the draft.
5. Broadway Bound: Erixon's Arrival in New York
Chronicling Erixon's transition to the NHL and his early experiences with the Rangers.
Tim Erixon's arrival in the Big Apple was a momentous occasion.
6. On-Ice Skills: What Erixon Brings to the Blueshirts
Highlighting Tim Erixon's on-ice skills and his potential impact on the Rangers' defensive corps.
Erixon's on-ice skills set him apart as a defenseman to watch.
7. A Bright Future: Erixon's Role in the Rangers' Rebuild
Speculating on Erixon's role in the Rangers' rebuilding efforts and his potential to become a cornerstone on the blue line.
Tim Erixon's future looks bright as part of the Rangers' rebuilding efforts.
8. The Challenges Ahead: Overcoming Adversity
Examining the challenges and hurdles that Erixon may face as he continues to develop in the NHL.
Tim Erixon must navigate the challenges of the NHL to reach his full potential.
9. Conclusion: Tim Erixon - The Next Rangers' Defensive Star
Summing up Tim Erixon's journey and the anticipation surrounding his future as a New York Ranger.
Tim Erixon's journey is just beginning, and Rangers fans are eager to see him shine as the next defensive star in the Blueshirts' legacy.
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