New York Rangers: Is Signing Jason Arnott Enough?

From the desk of:   RAISE GRESCH WITH THE GREATS


NEW YORK RANGERS - In Saturday's Blueshirts/Leafs Game, Mike Rupp and Colton Orr Combined for 5:37 Minutes Of Ice-Time.  At 4:01 of the 1st Period, They Fought.

IT'S A BATTLE OF APPLES AND BANANAS - BUT WHO WOULD YOU RATHER HAVE..., MIKE RUPP OR COLTON ORR?


Since the onset of this condensed 2013 NHL season, I have, in order, A) - complained about the Rangers lack of quality fighters, B) - fretted about how they are getting pushed off the puck too easily, and C) - have been itching for the Rangers to tweak the roster accordingly


 Ask and ye shall receive.


The Rangers signed 38-year old center-man Jason Arnott to a one year contract.  Assuming he passes his physical, Jason will provide the Blueshirts with size, depth, experience, and toughness at forward. Jason Arnott, at 6'6" and 220 lbs., will not be easily moved off the puck.  Even at thirty-eight years of age, I feel he will fit in very well in what we should assume will be limited minutes.  Then again, who can really say for sure considering Coach's incessant line changes.  I digress.  Arnott's play, and that of his new mates will dictate that.  For now,  Jason Arnott instantly improves the back lines.


If you are one of the three or so people who actually follow my stuff, you know then, Saturday's game against the Leafs was one I have been eagerly anticipating.  Hello Colton Orr.  It was good seeing you again.  On January 22nd, I wrote... THIS..!  Last night's Rangers/Leafs game from Madison Square Garden featured a fight, a what? - between Colton Orr and Mike Rupp.  Check it out.


Orr contributed 3:29 minutes of ice-time.  Rupp contributed 2:08 minutes.  Orr bested Rupp in hits by a 1-0 margin.  Yeah, what does that prove?  Well, certainly not the main point I've been tyring to drive home.  But, like the tape says..., Colton Orr is in his contract year.  Yes, he suffered a concussion problem recently.  But he looks okay to me now.  Lets bring him back.  Lets make Colton Orr a member of the Rangers again.  He'd be perfect for this team.  The league's cap number is shrinking next season.  But I'm sure "we" can make him fit and correct the mistake of not signing him in the first place...  Then again, why wait?  A short season sometimes warrants a different approach as it relates to a team like the Rangers.  Continue being a good GM, and keep seeking periphery parts that will improve the club short term.  Sometimes it is okay to instigate a trade.  So here is the bottom line - who would you rather have... Mike Rupp or Colton Orr?


The Rangers have assembled all the skilled players they possibly can in order to score against the Western Conference.  The Rangers will not be acquiring another.  But this season is only going to be about getting out of the rough and tumble Eastern Conference first, and then secondly, coming out on top alive.   In this conference physicallity matters, and the Rangers need more of it in order to improve upon last season.  Jason Arnott knows how to win.  He is a very good acquisition.  Colton Orr would be another.


And yes, I'm being totally fan-sensible about this.




Mike.BTB