He left then he came back again, he was traded now he's back again. Jamie Langenbrunner returns to the Rangers yet again in one of three seperate deals that happened for the Blueshirts leading up to the 2007 OTHL trade deadline. Most believed the Rangers were in a full sell mode looking for youngsters for the future as with most of thier past deals in the last two months. But the Blueshirts proved to be unpredictable and along with sending out three roster players, including thier first line center Bryan Smolinski. The Rangers also traded away three prospects, including thier first round pick from last season Bobby Sanguinetti. Another surprise is that Paul Kariya remains a Ranger. Almost every hockey site had him being traded to one team or another, and while Rangers management did take offers on the speedy winger at one time, we're told Kariya was taken off the trade block some time ago.
To Rangers: Jamie Langenbrunner, Sergei Samsonov
To Kings: Bobby Sanguinetti, Niklas Hagman, Jay Harrison
Anaylsis: Every deal the Rangers made leading up to this one was for the most part youth based, but this deal gives the Rangers two top six fowards for next season assuming the Rangers can get Samsonov resigned. Langenbrunner was traded at the start of the season to LA along with Sergei Gonchar in exchange for Petr Sykora and Adam Foote after he had a poor start to the season even while playing on the top line with Kariya. But the Rangers love the intangibles he brings and even if he's not scoring he is playing good D and being physical. Rangers management said from the start there would not be a full rebuild in New York as much as it would be a retooling to always try and keep the team competitive while at the same time start to develope thier own players from within.
Press Release: "With the salary cap being raised next season we feel we have the space to bring in these players without sacrificing needed space to sign a player or two in the offseason. We know what Jamie can bring to the table and feel comfortable with him anywhere in the lineup. Samsonov could be a big wild card in this deal for us down the road, we have never had anyone on our second line this talented, I feel we got him very cheap. Sanguinetti is a solid kid but he still still has a ways to go and with us getting Coburn he became a bit expendable."
To Rangers: Kirk Maltby, Branislav Mezei, cash
To Flames: Nathan Guenin, Rick Kozak
Anaylsis: Another deal where the Rangers give up prospects and add veterans and contracts. There were rumors for a while that the Blueshirts were after Mezei but Maltby was never mentioned. Its a bit surprising Maltby remains in New York after the deadline passed and even he was shocked when he wasn't moved again. Maltby is signed for next season so he should be returning unless moved during the offseason. What the Rangers gave up were two prospects who would more than likely never see Broadway. Kozak hasn't advanced at all since his draft year and Guenin is a limited defensive prospect who has a long list of names ahead of him in the depth chart, which now also includes Mezei.
Press Release: "With us aquiring other prospects during the season Kozak and Guenin weren't in our long term plans. The trade gives us two usefull roster playes next season to help us compete for a playoff spot which is our goal every year."
To Rangers: Matt Stajan, NSH 3rd 07, cash
To Predators: Bryan Smolinski
Anaylsis: The Rangers shoped Smolinski around for a while but with his outstanding season some thought he bought himself another year in New York. Once Samsonov was aquired the Rangers had no choice but to move him to free up some cap space, plus with Stajan only being 23 years of age and a few years experience in the league, the Rangers have another player who can step in right away and help. Stajan is a pretty versitile player in that he can play center or wing and he is a very defensive responsible player with a lot of untapped offensive potential.
The Rangers are going to have to dip into the free agent market this summer and sign a center who can replace Smolinski on the top line.
Press Release: "We didn't want to move Smoke but this is a business and this was a business decision. Bryan Smolinski gave his heart and soul to the Rangers and we wish him all the best in Nashville. This was a deal that got us younger and also helped take on some of the players salaries we recieved in other deals."
Other News: The Rangers resigned LW Marcel Hossa to a new two year two million dollar deal that will keep him with the club another two seasons.
Waivers: The Rangers put three players on waivers lastnight. Dale Purinton, Burke Henry, and Lasse Pirjeta all being sent to the Hardford Wolfpack. Pirjeta stated his OTHL career is over as he plans on going back to play in Europe this offseason.