Doughty, Selanne lead remaining FA's, Devs/Rangers go young on D

Believe it or not, there are 16 days left in August. That means hockey's around the corner. It still is offseason with some names still lingering around like former Ranger captain Chris Drury, who hopes to get a tryout somewhere. That's probably the best bet. While some familiar faces like Alex Kovalev and Nikolai Zherdev have left for the KHL, vets like Cory Stillman, Sergei Samsonov, Marek Svatos, Marty Turco, Bryan McCabe, Craig Rivet, Nick Boynton, John Madden, Jarkko Ruutu, Mike Grier, Brian Sutherby, Ethan Moreau, Steve Staios and Paul Mara are still available. Finnish Flash Teemu Selanne won't decide if he's returning until September. American hero Mike Modano still hasn't retired.

There are also key restricteds with Drew Doughty still the main headliner. One of the game's bright stars on the blueline, still hasn't come to terms with the Kings on a new contract. Considering what Shea Weber was awarded, it probably didn't help, even though Doughty has hardly achieved that lofty status. Something will get done. Our guess is the closer it gets to camp, they'll work something out. Other Group II's of not are Winnipeg's Zach Bogosian, Toronto's Luke Schenn, the Isles' Josh Bailey, Chicago's Chris Campoli and the Yotes' Kyle Turris and Mikkel Boedker.

Two players who were signed by the Hudson rivals are both defensemen added for depth. The Devils signed ex-King Peter Harrold to a one-year two-way deal. Considering the Devs' youth transition, figure Harrold to spend his time in Albany. Meanwhile, the Blueshirts signed former Senator Brandon Bell for essentially the same reason. With Steve Eminger re-signed and the likes of Mike Del Zotto, new Ranger Tim Erixon, plus hopefuls Pavel Valentenko and Tomas Kundratek, Bell should be ticketed for Connecticut.

Indeed, both the Devils and Rangers are now on a similar path with youth served on the back end. New Jersey boasts No.1 pick Adam Larsson, who's expected to step into the top four. There's also Andy Greene, Mark Fayne, Matt Taormina, Mark Fraser and Matt Corrente- plus hopefuls Alexander Urbom, Tyler Eckford and Eric Gelinas. That doesn't include American prospect Jon Merrill, who the club selected in Round Two a year ago. He's one to keep an eye on.

While the Devils re-load with key cogs Anton Volchenkov and Henrik Tallinder vital to any success, the Blueshirts again will not boast a D over 30 thanks to the core of Marc Staal, Dan Girardi, Ryan McDonagh and Mike Sauer. With Eminger the elder statesman at 27, the Rangers are banking on a turnaround from Del Zotto and key acquisition Erixon to round out one of the league's youngest bluelines. Figure Valentenko and Kundratek to provide stiff challenges in camp while Bell looks to impress brass. Others to watch for are Sam Klassen, Lee Baldwin and Jyri Niemi, with the latter two taking part in Traverse City next month. Former No.1 Dylan McIlrath will also be included.

Factoring in the up and coming Islanders, youth will be served in the metro area for the future.

Devils continue to beef up adding Boulton

What had been an uneventful month suddenly turned around for the Devils, who over the past two days got top pick Adam Larsson signed while dealing away Pierre-Luc Letourneau Leblond to the Flames for a fifth rounder and then bringing back popular enforcer Cam Janssen. For Lou Lamoriello, he was able to get his top pick to agree to a rookie contract without bonuses as Hasan referenced in the post below. By agreeing to forego those clauses, it allows Lou more wiggle room for Zach Parise, who still might go to arbitration if they can't work something out long-term.

With the fourth overall pick signed, sealed and delivered, the Devil blueline is beginning to take shape with holdovers Andy Greene, Anton Volchenkov and Henrik Tallinder all back along with impressive rookie Mark Fayne, who was instrumental in the club's frantic run that fell short. Colin White is entering his final year and could be deemed expendable considering his price tag ($3 million). If he does stay put, the Devils suddenly have some decisions with Matt Taormina expected to re-sign and Mark Fraser headed to arbitration. Anssi Salmela likely won't return and Bryce Salvador is still suffering from concussion symptoms he suffered during a preseason game last year, which could mean LTIR again.

While the back end looks pretty set, Lamoriello also addressed the lack of an enforcer after dealing away vanished Leblond to Calgary for a fifth round pick. By bringing back Janssen, who took to the role well and is a good team guy, teammates should be pleased. He took a two-way deal on the cheap ($525,000), proving how much he wanted to return. The ex-Blue is a nice addition if he's on the roster. In a tough division that features heavies Steve MacIntyre, Mike Rupp, Jody Shelley and likely Trevor Gillies who the Islanders still should re-sign along with bulldog Michael Haley, team toughness is a necessity.

Lou wasn't done yesterday inking ex-Thrasher Eric Boulton to a multi-year deal worth $1.6 million. The soon to be 35-year old veteran is best known for his first ever hat trick, victimizing former teammate Ilya Kovalchuk and the Devs in a 7-1 Thrashing that was rock bottom. While that shouldn't be expected daily, Boulton has proven capable of contributing when he's not mixing it up. In '08-09, the former Sabre and original Rangers' ninth rounder in '94 posted a career high 13 points (3-10-13) and 176 penalty minutes (2nd most- 178 PIM w/Buffalo '02-03) in 76 games. Following four years in Western New York, his role expanded with Atlanta where he spent the past half dozen injecting energy on the ice. He now picks his spots while trying to contribute in other facets. His 10 points (6-4-10) this past season were the second time in three years he hit double digits.

Boulton's penalty minutes have dipped from 176 to 112 to 87, tying for the second lowest of his career. He still got into 69 contests and was signed by Lamoriello at a decent price. Figure the experienced vet to team up with either David Steckel or Rod Pelley on a grind line with perhaps Janssen. Something Kool Aid drinkers should remember dating back to the days of Mike Peluso, Bobby Holik and Randy McKay en route to a first Cup. On paper, the Devils became a lot tougher. The only question is will Janssen make a deal with Steckel for his old number 25 or does the ex-Blue stay with new No.55 he has on his Twitter account? Fun stuff to ponder during the dog days.

NYR Draft Party recap: Emotional time remembering Boogaard, Miller tabbed/Grachev dealt

It's been a while since I got the chance to post. Just been quite busy lately. A lot's happened over the course of five days, including the 2011 NHL Draft completed last weekend in St. Paul. While Adam Larsson was falling into the Devils' lap and the Islanders tabbing scoring center Ryan Strome fifth, it was a bit of a longer wait for True Blue fans crammed into at SNAP Sports Bar on 8th Avenue and 14th where the Rangers hosted a Draft Party for Friday's first round.

We made the trip along with the bro, friend and Dad and greeted rabid Blueshirt fans, who were pumped for festivities that included guest appearances from former picks Dylan McIlrath, Christian Thomas and Carl Hagelin. The trio all were superb signing everything and greeting everyone. It was MC'd by team PA announcer Joe Tolleson, who looked thrilled to be there. :P Hey. It wasn't a big place. So, he was basically stuck in a corner with helpful Rangers PR assistants, who handed out sheets for Ranger Trivia pertaining to the draft. Despite the chaotic scene, that had many standing including yours truly, it was a fun time had by all. From our section 411, the comical Chris, Big Mikey were there along with Bob, who rocked our favorite Ranger jersey Petr Prucha. If only I could upload the pics. There also were some other cool fans, including two women with enough pins for a Ranger army. Plus one of the cooler dudes John, who started what else but a "Let's Go Rangers," chant as our turn finally came.

As the smoking cigar son of a gun made his way up there along with Gordie Clark, a special guest also went up to the podium to say a few words about his brother. In the second emotional scene of the night, Aaron Boogaard spoke about how much Derek Boogaard meant. Whether he donned the Wild #24 or the Rangers #94, he always made time for the little people off the ice, who needed it. The Boogey Man was a fan favorite in Minnesota and got a warm reception like the one he received along with the infamous "Boos" when our team returned to play the Wild during the season. It was in that moment that we all were united, quietly watching and listening to every word Aaron said about his brother. That's when the hockey community is at its best. Very strong and supportive. Kudos go out to Kevin of The NYR Blog for making special Boogey t-shirts with all proceeds going to one of Boogaard's charities. He raised over a thousand dollars. Tremendous job!

Sometimes, it's not always about super fans like Dancin' Larry, who made the rounds in future captain Ryan Callahan's jersey as if he was some rockstar. Sometimes, it's about emotional moments like when troll Gary Bettman brought out former top Draft Chief Scout E.J. McGuire's family to begin the proceedings. There stood his wife and two kids honoring their husband/father who put so much into the game of hockey, making it better for us to follow. Only the good die young. So, this Draft was unlike others with more sentiment attached before Ryan Nugent-Hopkins went first to Edmonton and Gabriel Landeskog second to Colorado with Florida selecting Jonathan Huberdeau. Bettman also paid homage to former part-time Calgary owner Harley Hotchkiss, who passed at the age of 83 a couple of days prior to that night. It's in these moments that our commish is at his best. Whatever you make think of him, he knows how to handle such heartbreaking news.

In a 75-minute span leading up to our pick, three people in our sport were remembered. We all took part, honoring them the best we could. As our selection was finally made with Clark opting for the leading point getter in Team USA's 18-U gold medal J.T. Miller, cheers went up for the Ohio kid who's attending hockey power North Dakota this Fall. An exciting moment for any 18 year-old on a special day.

"It's an unbelievable honor, an original six team, a great state to play in. It will be great to hopefully play there soon," a pleased Miller said. "I was a little shocked. I only had one meeting with them. So I wasn't really expecting it. But getting my name called was the best thing in the world, and I couldn't thank them enough."

Miller also discussed what he expects to work on this summer.

"I have to get a little stronger and faster and be able to play with some men out there. I have to work out in the off-season and play this next year in North Dakota and see what happens there. ... I'm going to get stronger, I guess, probably conditioning, getting in a little better shape so I can last a little longer with the stronger guys, to be able to compete at my best and be successful doing it."

Miller is listed as a center/left wing, which definitely is a team need. In 56 games in the USHL, Miller totaled 50 points (15-35-50) before pacing the gold medal winning Team USA with 13 points at the World U-18's. He was ranked 23rd among North American skaters. Now, he'll get to play for one of the best college programs that's produced current Devil tandem Zach Parise and Travis Zajac. Definitely encouraging for Garden Faithful.

Slated for only four picks with none until Round 4, Glen Sather worked the phones and dealt prospect Evgeny Grachev to St. Louis for their third round pick, which turned into Notre Dame bound Steven Fogarty. The 72nd overall pick is a 6-2, 194-pound center who possesses playmaking capabilities and sound defensive skills. It sounds like a potential steal. The Minnesota native starred for high school Edina Hornets, notching 47 points (23-24-47) over 24 games. Slats discussed many things in a rare conference call afterwards, including why he parted with Grachev, who was once thought of in high regard. Indicating that the former '09 third rounder wanted a change and that the Blues were the one team that expressed interest, Sather admitted that he had shopped Grachev for a while. He noted that they felt he was coming along slowly in their system, which saw the talented Russian shift to center and improve gradually in his second pro year at Connecticut. They liked Fogarty, who sounds like a better fit but weren't down on Grach. Just felt it was best to move forward and give him a fresh start. He'll get to see familiar face Vladimir Tarashenko, who the Blues are hoping for big things from. Best wishes to Grach.

The other Ranger picks are as follows:

C Michael St. Croix 4th Rd (106th)
RW Shane McColgan 5th Rd (134th)
D Samuel Noreau 5th Rd (136th)
D Peter Ceresnak 6th Rd (172nd)

We'll have more details on those and the rest of the Devils, Islanders and Sabres picks in what amounts to a busy weekend with the unofficial NHL Holiday July 1 on Friday. From the looks of it, Jaromir Jagr could be returning for one last hurrah in Pittsburgh. He was rumored to be close to a one-year deal between $1.4 million and 2 M. There has been plenty of activity with the Islanders sending a fourth round pick to Vancouver for the negotiating rights to defenseman Christian Ehrhoff, in hopes of convincing him to stay on Long Island. Our take is that he'll bolt for Detroit, which makes sense due to Brian Rafalski's retirement. The Brad Richards Watch is on with the Rangers expected to be the frontrunner after buying out former captain Chris Drury earlier today. Certainly a bittersweet day for one of the classiest Rangers, who always acquitted himself well despite a slew of injuries. Wishing Captain Clutch best of luck moving forward.

I'll have more including some fun filled FA predictions sometime tomorrow. Stay tuned.

One other note from the Draft Party. Apparently, I made TV on MSG during our pick. Dad caught it on the tube, which of course I missed even when it was replayed. I don't really care. But that's cool. Haha. Overall, it was nice to meet other fans along with familiar faces amidst chaos. I only wish more fans could've been involved instead of it limited to just people 21-and-over. I guess that's what happens with the Renovation and on a Friday night in the city. Hope to do it again next year!

Draft Day

DRAFT DAY '11

It's only been a week since a new champion was crowned with the Bruins claiming their fifth Cup and first since '72 over unlucky franchise Vancouver. Fast forward till now and already the awards were handed out the other night in Vegas- featuring Hart winner Corey Perry, Vezina winner Tim Thomas, Norris recipient Nick Lidstrom, who edged our pick Shea Weber. Other fun awards like the Selke (Ryan Kesler), Byng (Martin St. Louis), Calder (Jeff Skinner), Masterton (Ian Laperriere), Adams (Dan Bylsma) and King Clancy (Doug Weight) also were on display.

With the '10-11 season finally complete, we get a bird's eye view of the future over the weekend with the early stages of the NHL Draft tonight in St. Paul, Minnesota. With everyone still buzzing over the monster Flyer trades of former '03 Draft duo Mike Richards and Jeff Carter, blue chip prospects like Ryan Nugent-Hopkins, Gabriel Landeskog, Jonathan Huberdeau, Adam Larsson and Dougie Hamilton take center stage later when our great commish is greeted with traditional jeers. If only he had a sense of humor like NBA adversary David Stern, who got the last word in at the end of Round One last night in Newark.

What makes Draft Day so intriguing is that puckers are always speculating who their team could wind up with. I'm no Draft guru but will be at the Rangers Draft Party in the city with our usual crew for what shapes up as one pick in the top 100 and a league low four overall due to the Tim Erixon deal. Assuming they don't trade down to acquire a second rounder, the Blueshirts will pick 15th, behind the Devils (4th), Islanders (5th) and Winnipeg (7th), who still don't have a team name after relocating from Atlanta. If they're not going to be called the Jets II, then why not honor tradition and go outside the box with the Winnipeg Flashes for Teemu Selanne? One can dream. Oddly enough, the Rangers get to pick right before the Sabres (16th), which could be fun. What if we snag their guy? Not that this organization has ever had a great track record. Outside of superhyped Marc Staal, our first round has been a disaster- highlighted by Hugh Jessiman in '03, Al Montoya in '04 sans Lauri Korpikoski, who got a raw deal here. A closer look at our First Round since the '99 debacle of Pavel Brendl and Jamie Lundmark:

RANGERS FIRST ROUND ('00 - '10)

'00 None
'01 Dan Blackburn-10th
'02 None
'03 Hugh Jessiman-12th
'04 Al Montoya-6th, Lauri Korpkoski-19th
'05 Marc Staal-12th
'06 Bobby Sanguinetti-21st
'07 Alexei Cherepanov-17th
'08 Michael Del Zotto-20th
'09 Chris Kreider-19th
'10 Dylan McIlrath-10th

The first thing that stands out is our most success has come with defensemen highlighted by Staal and Michael Del Zotto, who must bounce back from a forgettable '10-11 to still be in the picture. Obviously, Jessiman was a total bust- never the same after an ankle sprain- while Sanguinetti never got a sniff before being moved to Carolina last Fall. The club has had tough luck with a freak injury in the weight room dooming Blackburn while there's still shock over Alexei Cherepanov's death. Amazingly enough, it will be three years this Fall. One can only imagine how the super skilled Russian could've impacted our team. Instead, we're left wondering. Recent first rounders have been better with the aforementioned Del Zotto faring well his rookie year before taking a step back. Cherepanov was the right pick who probably would've been a steal. Though still unsigned, Chris Kreider shows lots of upside with quick wheels, good hands and solid work ethic as he returns to BC for his junior season. And Dylan McIlrath could be the punisher our back end has lacked. Of course, he better work out because they passed up on Cam Fowler, who would've looked good running our powerless play.

The thing about drafts is it's a crapshoot. You got so many experts telling us who won/lost before these kids even lace 'em up. Honestly, patience is a must with any prospect. The key being development. The Rangers haven't always fared well there, messing up Jamie Lundmark, Manny Malhotra, while showing no patience with Korpikoski or Ethan Werek, who was swapped for Oscar Lindberg with Rangers West. They also botched Evgeny Grachev, who now has two years of Connecticut under his belt. Will he ever make it?

More encouraging is how the organization stuck with Mike Sauer despite a slew of injuries. He now is our toughest D since fan favorite Jeff Beukeboom. Derek Stepan and Artem Anisimov also have looked good thus far. So, it's not all negative. There's also gems like Henrik Lundqvist ('00-7th Rd), Petr Prucha ('02-8th Rd), Brandon Dubinsky ('04-2nd Rd) and Ryan Callahan ('04-4th Rd)- who prove that our scouts fare better later on. Sauer, Stepan and Anisimov were all grabbed in Round Two along with recently signed Christian Thomas while Carl Hagelin ('07-6th Rd), Tomas Kundratek ('08-3rd Rd), Dale Weise ('08-4th Rd) and Ryan Bourque ('09-3rd Rd) all were taken later with the idea they could be part of the future.

Sometimes, you luck out as they did when Bob Gainey was foolish enough to take Scott Gomez off our hands, giving up McDonagh and Pavel Valentenko while also receiving PK fixture Tom Pyatt. Unless the Habs win the Cup soon, that one could be a heist of biblical proportions. It won't get decided until down the road. It's what makes the Draft exciting. The projections, second guessing and trades all give the first '11-12 event some mojo. No wonder so many on Twitter are geared up. I'd much rather think about tonight than July 1 with a potential bidding war for Brad Richards, who I want no part of despite John Tortorella's obsession. That's for another day.

Tonight's all about starry eyed kids whose dreams will come true when they hit the podium greeted by Gary Bettman. A chance to smile and pose for the cameras in their new NHL jersey. That's what makes it so special. Who will be the next great stars for the Devils, Islanders, Rangers and Sabres along with 26 other teams? At least we find out who we'll be following. Enjoy every minute of it.