Busy Offseason For The Blueshirts

By Nick Marella,

After a very disappointing post-season showing for the Rangers, most fans are itching to see what changes await the New York Rangers organization. Glen Sather, the Rangers General Manager, made several changes towards the end of the regular season. One of the biggest changes was relieving head coach Tom Renney of his duties and replacing him with a notable disciplinarian, John Tortorella. Sather also added some much needed offense with 6'6, 230 pound forward Nik Antropov , who, he acquired from the Toronto Maple Leafs for a 2nd round and conditional draft pick.

In order to make the playoffs this upcoming season, the Blue Shirts will have to re-sign players such as Ryan Callahan, Nik Antropov and Blair Betts. Betts was one of the main components to the Rangers finishing off the season with the best PK% in the entire league, who is going to be an unrestricted free agent at the start of the off-season.

One of the most important tasks the Rangers front office is faced with is finding a way to trade defensive bust Wade Redden and adding a young defensman that can move the puck around from the blue line. Also, the team needs a pure goal scorer to lead the way because Drury and Gomez just aren't cutting it. Unless the goalscoring problem is solved, its shaping up to be a disappointing season for the already irritated Ranger fans.