Pucks on Broadway: Analysis, Discussion, and Musings on the New York Rangers

Just when I am writing about a lack of topics on The Hockey News, a few newsworthy items come through.

First, was the first informal training session for the Rangers. Training camp starts next week, but most players were actually there. A positive sign going into the season, but I am sure it's not abnormal.

Who, of note, was there? Brendan Shanahan. The unsigned veteran was invited to practice by Head Coach Tom Renney and Gm Glen Sather. His agent is negotiating now with the club and while his signing isn't guaranteed, as we have said all summer, it's fairly imminent.

Shanahan has stuck to his guns, he wants to be a Ranger. There has to be a reason he hasn't signed yet. Can anyone say, "the NHLPA extending the agreement for bonuses..."

Next on the agenda, former instigator and current Dallas Star Sean Avery will have a movie made about his hockey career and fashion fancy. A romantic comedy about a hockey player who likes fashion? Sounds like a blockbuster.

On the Sundin front, he met with both the Montreal Canadiens and Toronto Maple Leafs this past week. The news? Nothing. He will decide if and when he decides. I am still not convinced that the Rangers are not the front-runner.

Now a point of debate: the Rangers currently have six NHL-experienced defensemen on the roster: Wade Redden, Michal Rozsival, Dan Girardi, Marc Staal, Paul Mara, and Dmitri Kalinin. Who will be the seventh defenseman? Thomas Pock? Doesn't seem reasonable nor reliable. Perhaps, Michael Sauer or Corey Potter. How about Michael Busto? The problem is that these rookies are better served skating daily, rather than practicing and sitting in a press box.

There are still some UFA's available (I believe) such as Jassen Cullimore, Patrice Brisebois, Jaroslav Modry, or Aaron Miller. (Based on NHL.com) One of them may be money well spent.

More tomorrow...