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Rangers-Devils meet again, this time at the Rock, G retires, ADA signs

September 20, 2019, 9:03 AM ET [298 Comments]
Jan Levine
New York Rangers Blogger • RSSArchiveCONTACT
Updates from this morning's news:
Two pieces of Rangers news intersected today. Dan Girardi, who spent the majority of his career as a Ranger before playing the last two seasons in Tampa after being bought out by New York, announced his retirement. At nearly the same time, Tony DeAngelo signed his one-year, $925K contract offer from the Blueshirts, ending his hold out.

Girardi retires: The best way to describe G is warrior. Sacrificed his body. Wrung every inch of talent out of himself. Leader in the locker room. Big reason why he and Ryan McDonagh were successful is that each enabled the other to play to their strengths. He was a large component in the Cup run in 2014, facing the opponent's top line. Was overrun a bit by LA, which started the downhill slope of his career, but retires as a valued member of that squad and one who gave 100% max effort every shift and every night. Fare thee well G. (His buyout cap hit remains on the books, $3.611 million this year and $1.111 million the following three years)









DeAngelo signed. After holding out, ADA signed for the same Brendan Lemieux received. Unsure what changed his mind, because we all thought that a longer hold out was in the cards, as he wanted much more than New York could and was willing to offer. Maybe the D depth change his mind, but whatever the reason he is back in camp. As a RFA with arb rights next season, with a good year, ADA should receive a healthy spike in his salary. He likely will get a chance to play opposite Marc Staal on the second defensive pairing. I could see him making his pre-season debut Thursday at home against Philly, in the fifth pre-season game.






With the signing, the Rangers have little cap room available. But they may only carry 22 players, thereby freeing up around $700-900k. Keeping Brendan Smith as a floater might allow New York to do so. Kreider, Nam, Strome and Fast come off the books, which is about $13.5 mil, along with a smaller pieces. G cap hit drop from $3.6 to $1.1 mil but Shattenkirk spikes from $1.48 to $6 mil. Wonder if we see a Staal buyout since one year is left, though that only saves $2.1 million, or maybe Smith, who would also only have a year left on his deal. Better hope cap rises a bit.



The Rangers play the back end of the home-and-home against the Devils on Friday at the Rock. Tuesday, New Jersey defeated New York 4-3 at MSG. Following tonight's game, the Blueshirts face the Flyers on Saturday.

Tonight's lineup, lines still to be announced:




Lines announced this morning: (Howden not Chytil with Buchnevich)


The above lineup is slightly different from the B squad used the other night in practice that was projected to play in tonight's game. Brendan Lemiuex is the main name originally slated to play tonight who will not suit up. Connor Brickley will be the other forward who sits while Darren Raddysh and Vincent LoVerde are the extra blueliners from the B squad not suiting up.



I am looking forward to seeing Buchnevich as well Newell and Di Giuseppe, the latter because it's possible he gets some time with the parent club this season. (Jimbo pointed out Filip Chytil is one he wants to see because of us wanting to see Chytil's progression and if he handle the #2C role). On the blue line, the main name I will watch is Reunanen to see how he progressed from last season. In addition, Morrow is one to keep an eye on since with Tony DeAngello holidng out, Morrow could break camp with the team. Joey Keane is likely not ready but if he continues his strong play from early in camp, he could stick around a bit longer and continue to open some eyes. Ryan Lindgren has fallen down the prospect list and pecking order on the blue line, so he needs a strong effort to try and change that narrative and view. Between the pipes, Adam Huska will look to build on his solid effort from Traverse City.

Per Colin Stephenson, At morning skate for tonight’s preseason game vs. NJD, PP1 is Buchnevich; Namestnikov; Chytil, Strome and Reunanen

Next blog will be posted sometime Sunday.

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