7/1 down, How's it feeling?

So it's over with. The much anticipated first day of free agency has finally come to a close with the Rangers having made 2 moves, Rupp and Fedotenko. Riddle me this, where exactly is Rupp going to fit into this team? Why do we need both Rupp AND Fedotenko? Not that any of this matters. The real story is the one that hasn't come to an end yet. Of course, I'm talking about Brad Richards.

Lets be serious right now. The Rangers are offering what is speculated to be the least amount of money to Brad, he's still has not made a decision, and we are still considered a significant competitor in this ultimate sweepstakes. At the end of the day, that's got to feel pretty good doesn't it? With teams like Calgary offering Richards more than $7 million a year I truly find comfort in the fact that he hasn't made his decision yet.

If it was all about the money, Richards would not consider NYR an option in any way shape or form. This guy WANTS to wear the NYR Blue, and hopefully he chooses with his heart and not his wallet... I guess we will see how it all plays out, but for the time being I haven't given up any hope that Richards will still be our top line center next year.

Richards has openly said he doesn't want to sign a contract anywhere without a team not only committing to a long term deal, but that particular team having a real plan for winning the cup. If Richards has still not ruled out the Rangers as an option, you have to believe Sather has a move or two up his sleeve to bring in some more offensive firepower before next year's trade deadline. Like I previously stated a few days ago, it's time to give up some defensive depth and a prospect for a proven top line player (and as long as Richards has not ruled out NYR I will not rule out the possibility of trading for Patrick Sharp before he is an UFA). Maybe it seems like a bit of a reach, but Richards centering Gaborik and Sharp, Anisimov with Callahan and Dubisnky on the second line, and the young guys on the third line (and this guy Lundqvist ((?)) in net), now that is a team that can compete for the cup.

Give me a reason to get the champagne flowing baby.

... Fuck you Jagr. I loved you your entire career but to go from being the captain of a franchise who worshiped you to signing with one of our top rivals just because you got an extra 1 million dollars? Go to hell. I would have had much more respect for you if you went to the Penguins you piece of trash.