A fellow HB reader and I got into an argument about this but thought I would ask the wider Ranger community. Chicago has reportedly reached an agreement to sign Marty Turco for $1.5 million as a contingency in case they walk away from Antti Niemi. As John Jaeckel wrote in a recent blog, the comparable salary for Niemi would likely be the $3.75 million per year deal signed by Jaroslav Halak, while the Blackhawks would need the award to be at $2.9 million to keep him. If the award comes in above the $2.9 million and let's say closer to $4 mil per year, look for Chocago to walk away.

If Niemi is available, several teams would likely be vying for his services. While the Rangers have a #1 goalie in Hank and are looking for a top center and Philly has been looking to move this player for a while and could use a true #1 goalie, an exchange of Lundquist for Carter could make some sense. Granted, the issue as to cap room in Philly still exists, though if they got Lundqvist, they could move Leighton to the minors and the two salaries would almost net to zero. In Carter, the Rangers get some cap relief relief now in the difference between the two, though that would be eaten up and put in the red if they did make a deal or move for Niemi, depending on if he is released or Chicago tries to deal him.

In swapping Hank for Niemi, the Rangers get slightly younger in net, add a goalie with less miles on it and someone who has proven he can win the big game in the NHL, as opposed to Hank, who has done it in the Olympics but doesn't have the signature moment in the NHL. In addition, the cheaper salary helps the Rangers free up some cap room while the lesser amount of abuse between the pipes may allow Niemi to be more ready when the Rangers prospects are in their prime. Carter adds to the skill level up font for the Rangers ad could you imagine him paired with Gaborik alone or with Gabby and Frolov on a line? Watching Torts try to get the best out of him would almost be worth the price of admission. Plus, the team could re-sign Carter, locking up a top center, which is something most have been pining for. Philly gets a true #1, yes I know Leighton was brilliant last year but I still believe that they would love someone who was a known quantity rather than a quasi-flash in the pan.

I know this is pure speculation and likely won't happen for several reasons, the main one being fear between the Rangers and Flyers as neither would want to deal with the fan backlash if they player they dealt led the other squad to a Cup. But, disregarding that, I believe it's an interesting concept and would love your view if I am completely off my rocker.

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