Training camp opens this week. Here’s the latest on the Rangers, Islanders, and Devils:
New York Rangers: Let’s be clear right off the bat: A lot is expected from the Blueshirts this year. No more missing the playoffs, and no more first-round playoff exits. This team has the talent to get to the next level, and that has to happen this year. Ryan Callahan was recently named captain, replacing Chris Drury who retired this summer after an injury-plagued season. Callahan scored 23 goals and had 25 assists last season in only 60 games. There’s nothing not to like – on the ice and in the locker room – about the 26-year-old right wing. Not since Brian Leetch have the Rangers had a home-grown captain. Not since 1994 have they won the Stanley Cup. Callahan and company are out to change that.
New York Islanders: Finally some good news. The Islanders have signed John Tavares, their No. 1 pick in the 2009 draft, to a six-year, $33 million contract. With the uncertainty about where the Islanders will play past the 2014-2015 season, and given the team’s lack of on-ice success of late, locking up Tavares is huge. He has 121 points in his first two seasons, and he’ll be counted on to get the Isles back to the playoffs.
New Jersey Devils: A franchise not accustomed to off-the-ice headlines was involved in a big one this past week. The New York Post reported that the Devils missed a September 1st loan payment and that the organization is on the verge of bankruptcy. The Devils dispute the Post’s report saying it contains “many inaccuracies.” In any event, the report was alarming, with one source claiming that “the Devils are blowing up.” This is an interesting time for New Jersey. Despite playing in a beautiful new arena that opened in 2007, the team ranked 25th in attendance last year averaging 14,775 fans a game. Ilya Kovalchuk, the Devils’ biggest free agent splash ever, will be paid $100 million over the 15 years of his contract. That type of money doesn’t mix well with bankruptcy rumors. And the team’s franchise player, goalie Martin Brodeur, is 39 years old. How much does he have left?
Sources:
Newsday – Arthur Staple
New York Daily News – Jesse Spector
New York Daily News – Kristie Ackert
USA TODAY – Tom Weir