If the Rangers are to rebound in 2010, the hopes of the Madison Square Garden faithful lie largely in the glove-clad hands of Marian Gaborik. The free agency score of the summer for the Blueshirts, the multidimensional Right Winger reportedly turned down a 10-year deal re-up with Minnesota, laden with cash and incentives, before deciding to make New York his new home. In the first year of the 5-year deal he reached with the Rangers, Gaborik lived up to the billing, leading the squad far and away in both goals and assists, setting a career high of 86 points. Gaborik netted 42 goals, tying his career mark, while notching 44 assists, his personal best, though ultimately the Rangers’ season expectations fell short. (more…)

The New York Rangers made their biggest off-season splash this year to date signing Left Wing Alexander Frolov to a 1-year deal estimated at 3 million. The cap conscious figure is truly a testament to the city of New York, a long time desired destination for Frolov, who left a reported 20 million on the table in an offer to return to his native country of Russia and star in its top level league, the KHL. Playing with LA his entire 7-year NHL career, Frolov felt it was time for a change, opting to head east for the chance to live in New York, his alleged favorite city. Perhaps a future in Russia is not entirely out of the question, however, as Frolov was signed to just a 1-year deal, with reports of longer offers out there. It seems at least for the time being the 28-year old winger wants to keep his options open, but for now he is ready to continue his career in the NHL with the Rangers.How the Rangers will use Frolov remains to be seen, though one would certainly think he will see his fair share of ice time. To maximize firepower, the Rangers may consider pairing Frolov on the same line as Right Wing Marian Gaborik, the club’s top scorer just a year ago. The Blueshirts currently feature only one other Russian on their roster, Center Artem Anisimov. It’s likely Frolov will see himself skating with Ansimov as well, as countrymen are often featured alongside each other in an effort to ease a new player’s transition and maximize natural playing styles. The combined line of Frolov, Gaborik and Ansimov would be the Rangers’ best. (more…)