After falling to the Philadelphia Flyers in a shootout on the final day of the regular season the Rangers missed the playoffs by a single point for the first time since the 2003-04 season. As expected with the Rangers cap woes it has been a relatively quiet offseason for the Blueshirts.

GM Glen Sather has made several solid moves to help re-vamp the Blueshirts in hopes they can challenge for a playoff spot next season. Just minutes after noon on July 1, the Rangers agreed to terms with backup goaltender Martin Biron, formerly of the New York Islanders, to a 2 year deal worth 1.75 million. The Rangers also inked fighter extraordinaire Derek Boogaard to an extremely questionable deal of 4 years and 6.5 million. The Rangers then signed free agent left winger Alexander Frolov formerly of the Los Angeles Kings, who was widely regarded as the second best winger on the market behind Ilya Kovalchuk.

In addition to those three signings Sather also re-signed pending UFA Vinny Prospal to a 1 year deal worth 1.1 million with another 1 million in performance bonuses, which was allowable to him being that he is over 35 years of age. The team also brought back Erik Christensen (2 years, 1.95 million), Brandon Prust ( 2 years, 1.6 million), Dan Girardi (4 years, 13.3 million) leaving only RFA defenseman Marc Staal left to be signed by the New York Rangers. The Rangers have also signed highly touted winger Mats Zuccarello-Aasen, formerly of Modo of the Swedish Elite League.

In other moves, the Rangers shipped Aaron Voros and Ryan Hillier to the Anaheim Ducks for veteran defenseman Steve Eminger. Glen Sather also successfully convinced Wisconsin standouts Derek Stepan (center) and Ryan McDonagh (defenseman) to step away from their college careers in order to turn pro in hopes of making the team out of training camp in the fall.

The question on every Rangers fans mind has been what will happen to Wade Redden come September, where he can be waived and demoted to Hartford of the AHL where his 6.5 million cap hit will be removed. At this point it looks like that is highly likely as the team only has 1.4 million in cap space left and RFA defenseman Marc Staal still to sign. In addition, the team can use another veteran defenseman who will sign at a cheaper rate than Redden’s massive contract.

For the remainder of the offseason, the Rangers goals are to sign Marc Staal to a 5-6 year contract worth approximately 4 million per season, sign a veteran defenseman and try and acquire a top 2 center (Brad Richards has long been a rumored target).

As the offseason concludes and the Rangers continue to tweak their roster check in for all the updates and analysis. I will also provide the line-up that I would like to see on opening night in the near future.

Jason Arbeitman
NHLHS New York Rangers Correspondent
jarbeitman@nhlhotstove.com
Twitter: @NYfan1610

If the past has taught us anything, it seems that many folks truly can never change.

Last night on an MSG broadcast involving the New York Knicks basketball team here in New York known as “Knicks Night Live”, Sean Avery and newest member of the New York Rangers Alexander Frolov spent some time discussing the upcoming season.

Before we begin, I must admit that I am surprised Frolov has aged so much during the course of the last two seasons. You would not think he was only 28 years of age.  I thought playing hockey in LA was like drinking from the fountain of youth? The sun and the comfortable lifestyle are supposed to keep one young. Guess I was wrong.

Anyhow, I sat through the grueling segment to listen to what each player had to say.  I am happy for Frolov that he feels a fresh start and an opportunity to skate on a line with Marian Gaborik has put a new fire under him.  It was disappointing to see the two time 30+ goal scorer fade out as much as he did last season.

However, as a fifty point player he truly was handed a gift with a $3 million contract by the organization in the Big Apple. Either way, we do hope he can find his true form again and help erase his last season with the Kings.

With that being said, it was not Frolov or his comments that stood out – it was the mouth, Sean Avery and his comments to end the segment.

Towards the end of the segment, and pay attention, Avery was asked: “Sean, more of the same from you this season?”

His answer: “Uh, yea, you know. I’m gonna be back to the old Sean Avery so a lot of people are going to have their hands full”.

I wonder how Martin Brodeur and the rest of the Atlantic Division feel about that. I bet there will be some fireworks on Monday October 11th, 2010 when the New York Rangers face off against cross town rival – the New York Islanders.

It’s going to be an interesting season in New York, to say the least.

Once Rangers GM Glen Sather is able to lock up restricted free agent defenseman Marc Staal, the Blueshirts will have a strong group of talented blue-liners, all under the age of 26.

With exceptional goaltender Henrik Ludqvist behind them, New York should be one of the stingiest defenses in the NHL next season.

Staal experienced a slight increase in his point totals last season and should continue to develop his offensive game.

Mainly, Staal's chief asset is his calm attitude, despite being only 23. His positioning on the ice and responsible play is that of a 10-year veteran. 

Staal will never be a bruising hitter, but once he is able to add some more bulk to his 6'4" frame, he should become an even more effective overall defenseman.

The Rangers have already locked up Daniel Girardi this summer for the next four years at $3.325M per season. He is the typical, steady "stay at home" sort of blue-liner, but occasionally chips in offensively. 

Girardi likes to throw his body around and plays with reckless abandon, frequently blocking shots.

Michael Del Zotto might actually have greater future potential than Staal. He led Rangers' defensemen with 37 points in his rookie season. 

Still only 20, Del Zotto is very advanced for his age and could one day be a terrific power play contributor. He needs to develop his defensive awareness, but is already a talented blue-line distributor and a very quick skater.

Hobey Baker award winner Matt Gilroy had tremendous success at the collegiate level, but had a difficult time adjusting to the NHL in his rookie season. 

Gilroy was thrown into the fire immediately by coach John Tortorella and showed some early promise, but was sent down to minor league Hartford. 

When he was recalled, Gilroy had an "up and down" time with the Rangers and was mostly a healthy scratch toward the season's end. He seems to possess enough all-around ability to be a solid NHL-er and should bounce back in 2010-11.

Ryan McDonagh was acquired from Montreal in the Scott Gomez trade and signed an entry-level contract with the Blueshirts this June.

He is considered an all-around defensemen by scouts and is a terrific skater with great speed. McDonagh will compete for an NHL spot in training camp.

Even with the trade of Bobby Sanguinetti to the Hurricanes, the Rangers have great depth when it comes to defensemen.

Sather has done a fine job at stock-piling young talent. Their 10th overall pick in the 2010 draft, intimidating blue-liner Dylan McIlrath, could one day give the physical force that the club needs.

If the likes of Del Zotto, Staal, McDonagh, and Gilroy are able to continue growing, New York will one day have a strong core of defensemen that could match most top NHL teams. 

Their progress will determine how far the Rangers can go in the 2010-11 season and years from now, when McIlrath is ready, the Blueshirts will have a very formidable defense.

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He brings secondary scoring to a team that literally had none. After Marian Gaborik's 40-plus goals, Vinny Prospal and Brandon Dubinsky were tied for second with 20.

If nothing more, be happy that this should shore up Wade Redden's demotion to Hartford, along with making the final defenseman spot Ryan McDonagh's to lose. This is, in a way, addition by subtraction, while still adding a pretty solid piece.

Frolov's contract is no-risk, high-reward. Many people have drawn comparisons to the Nik Zherdev trade two seasons ago, but here the team is losing nothing but money, and not much of it. $3 million for a former two-time 30-goal scorer is a steal.

Expect his goal production to increase dramatically while playing with Gaborik and Erik Christensen, who is a very talented playmaker. There is no reason Frolov shouldn't net at least 30 if he stays healthy.

Also, unlike Zherdev, he wants to play here. There were times where Nik Zherdev just disappeared, and seemed like a high school senior going through the motions waiting for the season to end to head back home to Russia and the open arms of the KHL.

It has been reported that Frolov turned down a four-year, $20 million contract with SKA St. Petersberg, for the chance to play here in New York for the Rangers.

Many fans are complaining that there are no spots open for the younger prospects to break through the ceiling to the NHL. Let's remember, though, that just because someone is expected to make the team, doesn't secure a spot on the roster.

I still believe Evgeny Grachev will make team out of camp, along with McDonagh. On top of that, Brian Boyle's spot is not guaranteed, opening the door for Derek Stepan to make the jump out of camp.

Let's say, for arguments sake, Frolov doesn't have the season I am expecting him to, only putting up 15 goals and 20 assists. He is signed to a one-year deal, and can be shipped out for picks at the deadline.

In the end, there was no one better out there or in the system that has the potential to change the team like Frolov does. For $3 million, Frolov is a steal for a season.

If he scores 30 goals and 25 assists, Sather will look like a genius. If he flops, he's gone in April.

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It is a good contract as Frolov was seeking upwards of $5 million per year for a multi-year contract. He definitely got at least that much from the KHL but he decided to stay in the NHL.

Frolov was a somewhat inconsistent goal scorer, scoring 20 something goals one year and 30 goals the next. He is supposed to be a two-way player, but is as inconsistent on the defensive end as he is in scoring goals. He is quite tall but is underweight and so has a hard time using his body.

The contract is a very low risk contract for both sides. $3 million is about what a 20 goal scorer gets and since he scored 19 last year it seems fair were it not for the flashes of brilliance he shows every other year that lets him score 30.

Also, as it is only a one year contract, it is like the Afinogenov contract in that now he can prove himself to get that bigger contract. Although Afinogenov proved himself and still is not able to get that contract, Frolov hopes for a better situation.

With John Tortorella coaching, the Rangers don't expect him to take any crap from Frolov. He knows he needs to get his players to perform better and compete for the Stanley Cup. Ever since the Rangers had players like Gretzky, Leetch, and Messier, they have only thought of winning the cup. There is no consolation prize for them.

Personally, I think this is a great signing for both the club and the organization. I don't know why the Rangers did not make it a multi-year deal for this amount, as it is dirt cheap.

I guess they don't know which Frolov they are getting, the one that scores 30 goals, or the one who does not care and scores only 19.

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No, this is not a History 101 lecture class, but I will utilize the old cliche' that we all heard from our history teachers, "This class is important because history repeats itself and we must learn from our mistakes!" Hopefully I won't have to slam a textbook on a desk to wake you guys up from your afternoon siesta as my teacher had to do many times for me, but I digress.

The point I'm trying to make here is that utilizing our knowledge of historical successes, and failures, can prove beneficial in various aspects of life; in this case the National Hockey League.

How can history play a role in a sport where actions/decisions are made in split-second fashion on the ice in the present?

Structure. Every team is built upon a different foundation decided mostly by the general manager and the playing style of players. It's what makes each team different and can prove to be the equation that results in success or failure. Each team brings its own philosophy of how the game should be played and they execute their personnel decisions upon this premise. Its what makes the Flyers the "Broad Street Bullies" or the Devils the "Neutral Zone Trap Specialists." To take it a step further lets look to see how history plays such an important role on a teams formula.

First, let's take a successful franchise whose enjoyed the fruits of success over the past decade; the Detroit Red Wings. In 94-95 the Detroit Red Wings had a very successful season that ended abruptly in the Stanley Cup finals against the New Jersey Devils. Though they lost to New Jersey in four games, they recognized their success in building a unique and championship contending team. The team's structure was built on a very strong foundation that understood the importance of strength down the middle (the center position), a good mix of both offensive minded defensemen and defensemen who were more concerned with protecting their own zone. The Red Wings also paid close attention to the importance of role players who could add 'sandpaper' play to the line up and help add some scoring.

Steve Yzerman, Sergei Federov, and Keith Primeau played the role of strong two-way centers who could light the lamp at any time and back check well enough to stop a dangerous odd-man rush. Detroit showed their philosophy that their centermen need not only score for the team to be successful, but to also have full defensive responsibility in effort to lower goals against. Yzerman and Federov fit the mold exactly with their offensive prowess and defensive responsibility. This elite talent was most necessary for the entire formula to work. Strength down the middle, check!

Paul Coffey and a young Niklas Lidstrom were the offensive minded defensemen that improved Detroit's power play goal output at the point while also playing solid defense when necessary. Each a generational talent that exceeded the expectations that a defenseman was held to. This dynamic was very pertinent in Detroit's desired formula. Offensive defensemen, check!

Defensemen such as Viacheslav Fetisov, Vladimir Konstantinov, Bob Rouse, and Mike Ramsey rounded out the defense with strong defensive minded play to protect their own zone. Interestingly enough these six defensemen were all relatively slight in stature. The most physically gifted being Bob Rouse who stood at 6'2" and 215 lbs while the other five were less imposing in size and aggression. This displayed Detroit's belief that good skating and puck handling/moving skill were more important to their blue line than physicality and an intimidating edge. Defensive defensemen, check!

Darren McCarty, Kris Draper, Dino Cicarelli, Doug Brown, and Shawn Burr represented the role player aspect that Detroit continues to address and hold as a vital part to a successful team. McCarty, Draper, and Burr were the gritty bottom six forwards who agitated the opponents, added hustle/energy, and chipped in the occasional goal from time to time. Dino Cicarelli was the aging star who could still contribute enough on the scoreboard to make the offense more dangerous. He had a mercenary like-role, but was still very important. Doug Brown was claimed off waivers by Detroit and turned out to be an important depth player who could score the occasional clutch goal. Interestingly enough, this waiver-wire pick up wound up being an integral part of Detroit's Core for years to come. Gritty depth players with a scoring touch, check!

The 1994-1995 Detroit Red Wings became the blue print for the franchise in building a cup contending team. The three main ingredients: Exceptional two-way strength at center (Yzerman, Federov, Primeau), elite offensive-defensemen (Lidstrom, Coffey), strong skating puck handling/moving defensive-defensemen (Fetisov, Konstantinov, Ramsey), and careful attention to picking the right depth players for their grit and decent scoring touch (Draper, McCarty, Brown). The formula was not particularly concerned with goaltending as evidenced by mediocre Mike Vernon claiming the starting goalie spot. Their top six wingers were not very important to the formula either as they were more on the periphery of the design.

"Okay, they had a strong team in 94-95, but how does that prove anything about their future success?"

Simply compare the 07-08 Stanley Cup Champion Detroit Red Wings to those that lost in the finals of 94-95 and the parallels are staggering. Only four of Detroit's players from 94-95 were remaining on the 07-08 team (Lidstrom, Osgood, Draper, and McCarty), but every important piece of the team's winning formula remained intact. Taking the place of Steve Yzerman and Sergei Federov at center were Pavel Datsyuk and Henrik Zetterberg. These two players fit the mold that Detroit desired sculpt: elite offensive ability with equally outstanding defensive awareness. They were two puzzle pieces that fit perfectly with Detroit's blueprint. Strength down the middle, check!

Lidstrom, though 37 years old, was still a premier offensive-defenseman in the NHL and continued to play the same role he did in 1994-1995. Brian Rafalski was signed as a free agent to fill the skates of Paul Coffey and stand as the second/equally important offensive threat at the point. These two defensemen were vital for Detroit's powerplay which was important to the Red Wings winning philosophy. Once again, Detroit was sticking to its formula that was developed in the past. Offensive defensemen, check!

Niklas Kronwall, Brad Stuart, Brett Lebda, Andreas Lilja, and Chris Chelios were the defensemen infused with Lidstrom and Rafalski. These players were all well-rounded defensive-defensemen who were again selected for their skating ability (with the exception of the aging Chelios) and puck handling ability rather than their physicality. This paralells well with the average sized defensemen who dressed in red and white during the 94-95 season. Three of the five mentioned above were listed at 6'0" or shorter while Stuart and Lilja stood at 6'2" and 6'3" respectively. Lilja was the only one with intimidating size at 220 lbs. These players fit the requirement of the Detroit blue print being well-rounded defensemen with more skill than scare. Defensive-defensemen, check!

The last dynamic of the blueprint was the presence of carefully chosen depth players who could add grit and the occasional goal. Kris Draper and Darren McCarty resumed their 94-95 roles adding the same sand-paper element to Detroit's game. Addtional components to this dimension were players like Mikael Samuelsson, Thomas Holmstrom, Daniel Cleary, and Jiri Hudler (among others). Each added depth to the overall Detroit team in the bottom six and filled similar roles that Draper, McCarthy, and Brown did in 1994-1995. Another important dynamic filled by Detroit using the past as a template for success. Gritty depth with a scoring touch, check!

Additionally, Detroit remained consistent with their belief that goaltending was not a main issue of concern. Chris Osgood, platooned with the very aged Dominick Hasek, manned the pipes for Detroit and represented very mediocre goaltending for the Original Six team. This is similar to the average goaltending that Mike Vernon contributed to the 94-95 Detroit Red Wings. Also the top six wingmen were predominately 'no-names' such as left winger, Johan Franzen, who was very unproven before the 2007-2008 season with only a career high of 30 points in his NHL tenure. Yet again, the importance of top six wingers were peripherary to Detroit's winning formula.

Detroit created their template in 1994-1995 and has followed it ever since. As a result, Detroit continues to be one of the most  successful NHL Franchises of the past 15 years. In that same span of years Detroit has appeared in six Stanley Cup Finals, won four Stanley Cups, won six President Trophies (best regular season record), and have qualified for all 14 Stanley Cup Playoff tournaments in the past 15 years.

 In short, general managers should look at successful teams of the past, figure out the detailed architecture  within the structure, and replicate that formula. In doing so the general manager can build his team a foundation that has proven successful in the past and that will likely continue the same trend in the future.

The second part of this NHL Template of Success series will explore the above mentioned premise (building a foundation based on past successes) in the salary capped NHL Era. I will look to show how this concept benefits general managers during a time where salary flexibility is limited and "All Star Teams" (such as the 2010-2011 Miami Heat) are impossible to create in the NHL.

Also,  I will explain why the New York Rangers have had limited success in the past 12 years and demonstrate how my "Template of Success" was used in a counter intuitive fashion. Then I will explain how the Rangers are utilizing my template more correctly in the present and how it will shape their bright future. _X_

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After a few days away from things, it did not surprise me that some news broke and I could not be around to take care of my side of things. My apologies to the readers, as real life stood in the way momentarily.

Let’s catch up with everything that has gone on around the league.

The Ilya Kovalchuk saga continues.

Although I still believe that the New Jersey Devils will get things done here. It came as a surprise to some, and the shrugging off by many others. The press conference held to announce that Kovalchuk decide to keep his game at the shore, the “Jersey Shore” that is, shocked many out on the left coast.  Ilya, I do hope you enjoy fist pumping because there will likely be plenty of it over your 17 year career with the New Jersey Devils organization.

Yes, I was scratching my head when I heard the announcement as I am sure many of you were as well. However, no desire to beat a dead horse.  Let the flood gates open.

The Philadelphia Flyers traded Simon Gagne to the Tampa Bay Lightning for Matt Walker and a fourth round draft selection.  Talk about a cap dump, eh? After signing Nikolai Zherdev, the inevitable became a pure reality.  The end of an era in Philadelphia and it was a sad day across Flyers nation.

The New York Islanders and Matt Moulson avoided arbitration earlier today.  Moulson will receive $2.45 million this season. If he hits 30 goals or more, he’ll likely guarantee himself closer to $4 million when this season is up. Have the Islanders found their diamond in the rough?

The New York Rangers made a splash in free agency, signing former 30 goal scorer Alexander Frolov to a one year deal today. The rumors were out there yesterday and today both sides were able to make it official. Wonder who plays center between Frolov and Gaborik.  Vinny Prospal?  Likely Brandon Dubinsky, but we wonder how long that experiment will last…

(editor’s note: Updated at 6:51 p.m.)

UPDATED:

The Los Angeles Kings have finally made a splash in the free agent market, signing Alexei Ponikarovsky this afternoon.  Send one Russian player out and bring another one in here.  It seems almost like a desperation move from Dean Lombardi. Time will tell.

The Edmonton Oilers and Gilbert Brule have avoided arbitration as Brule has signed a new two-year deal with the team.

In this year's draft in Los Angeles, the Rangers selected one European player. With their sixth round pick, the Rangers selected Jesper Fasth, of Sweden.

In 2009, the Rangers selected two European players—Czech forward Roman Horak in the fifth round, and Russian forward Mikhail Pashnin in the seventh round. Horak spent this past season in the CHL, and Pashnin remained in Russia.

In 2008, the Rangers had two picks in the third round. Both were used on European players. Forward Evgeny Grachev and defenseman Tomas Kundratek both joined the Rangers organization with relatively early picks. However, both players would come to play in the CHL the following season.

We all remember the Rangers first round pick in 2007, the late Alexei Cherepanov. A player who nobody expected to fall to the Rangers at pick No. 17. In the end, the career of what could possibly have been a great player was cut short.

The Rangers would go on in that draft to take Carl Hagelin of Sweden in the sixth round and David Skokan of Slovakia in the seventh. Hagelin then came to America to play NCAA hockey for the University of Michigan Wolverines. Skokan had already been playing in the QMJHL for the Rimouski Oceanic.

It was in 2006, that the Rangers selected four European players, the most in the post-lockout era. These picks are headlined by second round pick, Artem Anisimov from Russia, who showed flashes during a solid rookie campaign this past season. However, the rest of the draft would prove to not be so successful.

After Anisimov, the Rangers selected David Kveton on the fourth round. Kveton came over and played half a season in North America with the Gatineau Olympiques of the QMJHL before returning to the Czech Republic, where it looks like he will stay.

In the fifth round, the Rangers selected Tomas Zaborsky of Slovakia. Zaborsky would come to play in North America after his draft year, playing with the Saginaw Spirit of the OHL. He would even earn a pro contract, getting time with the Rangers top affiliate, the Hartford Wolfpack after his last junior season.

However, the following year would prove to be a difficult one for Zaborsky. Having trouble sticking with the players in the AHL, he would inevitably be sent to the ECHL. His time as a pro in North America was done. He spent this season playing in the Finnish league.

The Rangers used their final pick, in the seventh round on Lukas Zeliska, a little known prospect, who like the previous two in this draft, came to North America, only to return back home, ending their chances of becoming members of the New York Rangers. The playmaking center had a solid rookie campaign in the more defensive WHL, with the Prince Albert Raiders. But Zeliska would return to the Czech Republic.

So of four European players taken in that year, only one, Artem Anisimov, seems to be in the Rangers plans for the future. Glen Sather and the rest of the Rangers brass must have been giddy when they saw that three of their four European picks were coming to North America to play.

However, it is the one player that stayed there for the season after his draft, Artem Anisimov, that has so far proven to be a success.

So after a draft which three picks would end up back in European leagues, are the Rangers being more careful with European draft picks? If one looks at their top prospects, Evgeny Grachev appears to be the only European who is seriously competing for a spot on the Rangers roster next season.

The pipeline is headlined by such names as Derek Stepan, Ryan McDonagn, Chris Kreider, Ethan Werek, Ryan Bourque, Michael Sauer, Chad Johnson, Dany Byers, Brodie Dupont, and Dale Weise.

A lot of European Rangers prospects have been picked in the later rounds of the draft. As they search for the diamond in the rough, the Rangers have yet to prove that they can use a late pick that has an impact, the way Henrik Lundqvist did in the seventh round of the 2000 draft.

So, could the Rangers be less excited about the European prospects? Or are they putting less pressure on them to have an immediate impact in North America? Either way, it is clear that the team has steadily cut back on drafting in Europe. It appears the future of the New York Rangers is in the hands of some very talented, North American prospects.

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The speculation seems to have finally come to an end for Unrestricted Free Agent forward Alexander Frolov.

Over the course of the summer, especially since July 1st, the talk around the NHL has had a spotlight on one name: Ilya Kovalchuk.

And although the Kovalchuk drama continues, the other remaining UFA’s are starting to finalize their situations and sign on the dotted line to prepare to play with a new team starting in 2010-11.

Today, former 30 goal scorer and ex- Los Angeles Kings player, Alexander Frolov, has signed on with the New York Rangers according to his Russian agent Isakov. (via Dmitry Chesnokov’s twitter)

Throughout his career, Frolov has scored 30 goals or more twice. He’s played seven NHL seasons, and in those seven seasons has totaled 381 points (536 GP).

The deal is rumored to be for one year and sources close to the organization state that it will not exceed $2.5 million. According to reports since the start of Unrestricted Free Agency, Frolov was seeking $4 million or more per year. If all is true, the Rangers were able to grab Frolov and his services at a discount.

Rangers fans should be excited. Frolov brings an instant upgrade, even with a poor final season in LA, to the top six forwards in New York. Potentially playing on a line with Marian Gaborik could create some instant magic and success.

The big surprise to this writer – Glen Sather opened his wallet, yet kept it at market value for the player being acquired.

Maybe a fresh start in a new city will help Frolov regain his 30 goal form.

However, until anything is official through TSN.ca or NHL.com, we will continue to update you on this matter.

According to Craig Custance (via Twitter) from The Hockey News, the discussions continue between Frolov and the Rangers however, nothing is official “just yet”.