Rangers re-sign Rozsival and land Redden

July 2, 2008   ·   Derek Felix   ·   Jump to comments

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Alright. It’s early as hell here in NYC but I was still up after doing a show, writing an SI Yankee recap and a Wimbledon men’s quarter preview.

So, I may as well give a quick recap on the Rangers’ two latest moves last night. After bringing in energizers Patrick Rismiller and Aaron Voros from the opposite conference, GM Glen Sather re-signed defenseman Michal Rozsival, giving the Czech four years worth $20 million. He then landed one of the top blueliners and a guy he coveted in 31 year-old former Senator Wade Redden. He comes to Manhattan for six years worth an average of $6.5-per-season.

Anyone who knows me knows I’m not a big fan of Redden’s. While he is a quality top pair guy who can log huge minutes and play in any situation including power play which had been a Ranger weakness for a while, the former Sen can be a bit soft in his end. Normally a very steady player who makes a solid first pass, he can be pushed around which is why I’m not crazy about this signing. See 2003 Game Seven versus the Devils in the ECF and the entire 2007 SCF versus the Ducks.

Can it work? I don’t know. Is this guy’s persona fit for New York? I have serious doubts despite the talent. This is a guy who should have become the next Scott Niedermayer. Instead, he just hasn’t taken that next step. However, when you commit the kind of years and cash Slats did here, you aren’t doing it to come up small in the Spring. Meaning Redden, Rozsival and the rest of whoever is on the Blueshirts better deliver a Stanley Cup. Anything less and it’s a colossal disappointment.

I also saw that the Islanders actually landed someone who can help their blueline inking former Hab power play specialist Mark Streit to a five-year $20.5 million contract. Okay. I wanted Streit for the Rangers and felt he wouldn’t get more than $3.5 on average. He’s developed into a solid player who can also double up front. But five years and for that price, let the Isles have him. Sure. He’ll boost their power play but I just don’t think he’s worth that kind of money.

Then again, who the heck is these days at these insane prices? Somewhere, Crazy Eddie must be drooling.

And with that, I’ll have much more along with our other outstanding bloggers later today.