Avery gone, Hossa off the market... What's next for the Rangers?

As I stated in an earlier post, when evaluating a future free agent looking to resign it is beneficial to ignore all the hoopla and sensational media coverage and simply judge the player based on his on ice performance. Pair this evaluation with an identification of the team's specific needs and you have achieved a solid criteria for deciding whether or not to resign.

Think back to the New York Rangers prior to the Avery signing. All was right in Jagr-land as fans got to watch Michael Nylander's obtuse, yet effective, style of play spur Jagr into statistical strength. However, what was the main weakness Rangers fans and media continually clamored over? Weakness of the physical and mental variety. The Rangers were a European heavy team that relied on East-West finesse. The Rangers are a much different team as of today, with a forward core consisting mainly of North American grit.

Perhaps this is the rationale behind Sather's thinking. Avery arrived before Dubinsky, Drury, and Gomez had hit the Garden. Now, with these players, perhaps Slats feels that gritty North American forwards are in overabundance in Manhattan. This would certainly explain his supposed fascination with Mats Sundin.

My initial reaction over the Avery signing, paired with the news that Hossa had just over-stacked an already stacked Detroit team was one of shock and disappointment. However, Avery's style of play makes him prone to serious injuries. With the absence of Shanahan it is possible that he would have acted up in the locker room. But with Avery leaving for a Western conference team at a price of 4 years and $15.5 million, I am ready to endorse his departure.

This endorsement is based upon my belief (or hope) that players like Dubinsky, Callahan, Drury and Gomez do not need a tough guy, big brother type to encourage them to get nasty and stand up for themselves. Yes, we all know that the Rangers record is markedly better with Avery in the lineup than without. However, as has been pointed out in various other places and is sure to be repeated more often now, our record is also much better with Malik in the lineup than without.

The Rangers are no longer a soft organization. There are many sources of grit within the Rangers corps of forwards and even more so throughout their minor league affiliate. If Slats can somehow turn the Avery loss into the acquisition of a goal-scoring winger than this will be a positive move. Avery's attitude and skill set can be made up for within the team and throughout the organization. Goals to address the lack of Rangers offense however, will have to be procured from outside the organization.

By the way, Sean, I hope you think denim jeans and spurs are fashionable. :)